Veterinary Assistant

Summary:      

The responsibilities of veterinary assistants vary considerably. The Veterinary Assistant will divide their time between helping doctors with physical examinations, dispensing medications, helping veterinary technicians perform radiographs, prepare patients for surgery, provide nursing and comfort care, and perform treatments or basic laboratory diagnostic tests.  It is very important that the veterinary assistants maintain the organization and daily flow of the treatment, lab, and pharmacy areas.

Veterinary assistants must build positive, professional relationships with clients and staff members. Assistants should have completed their high school diplomas and must pursue significant on-the-job training.  The Veterinary Assistant reports to the Lead technician and Practice Manager.

Personal Conduct/Attitude/Teamwork

• Possesses and promotes the core values of Brandon Lakes Animal Hospital: Integrity, Compassion, Cooperation, Excellence, Service, and Nonjudgmental Attitude.
• Can maintain positive, cooperative relationships with all other employees.
• Can display tact and respect with team members even when busy or hectic.
• Adheres to all policies and standards as described in the employee manual.
• Adheres to posted work schedule.  Arrives for work promptly, and is ready to begin working at the start time.
• Feel and express a genuine liking for animals and their owners, and for working in the animal care field.
• Demonstrates initiative and teamwork in everyday duties by seeking other work to do during slow periods, assisting other employees within the practice, and filling in for others as needed.

Job duties and responsibilities                       

• Provide compassionate care for pets
• Be reasonably familiar with breeds
• Smile and maintain an even, friendly demeanor while on the job.
• Perform job tasks efficiently without rushing.
• Handle stress and pressure with poise and tact.
• Show respect for clients, team members, and animals (alive or deceased) at all times.
• Stock hospital supplies and pharmaceutical, pet-food, and over-the-counter products.
• Be prepared to handle any pet or facility emergency that may arise, including dog or cat fights, choking or strangulating animals, and facility fire or weather-related emergencies. Follow contingency plans.

• Monitor, record, and report physical signs of hospitalized/boarded pets
• Provide clients with handouts and brochures regarding relevant medical conditions, surgeries, immunizations, internal and external parasites, pet insurance, and diets.
• Transfer incoming patients to appropriate wards and ensure the comfort of clients and patients. Identify patients with cage cards and/or neck bands. Add patients to each day’s census, procedure list, or surgery schedule.
• Assist clients with unruly or unrestrained pets. When assisting receptionists, ensure that all dogs are leashed immediately after arrival and that cats and smaller pets are caged. Isolate aggressive pets. Request assistance if needed.

• Scan new patients and strays for microchips, tags, and tattoos. Identify and record microchip numbers, tattoos, and/or patient markings in patients’ records.

• Coordinate patient transfers with front desk, kennel and/or veterinarians.
• Prepare medications and prescriptions for dispensing as directed by the doctor and technicians.
• Assist grieving clients and comfort them. Be familiar with the grieving process. Always be sensitive to background chatter or conversations that could exacerbate the anxieties and grief clients experience during euthanasias or deaths of their pets.
• Assist clients to their cars if needed.

• For patients being admitted to the facility, attach cage cards, neck bands, and completed client forms to the records.

• Possess sufficient strength and assertiveness to effectively restrain patients and ensure the safety of clients and personnel.
• Clean and straighten exam rooms to prepare for incoming patients. Spray disinfectant on exam tables, wipe them clean, and dry them. Remove sources of offensive odors; empty trash if necessary. Check floors, walls, doors, and counters, and sweep or clean them as needed to remove hair, body fluids, and dirt.
• Using aseptic procedures draw up vaccines that doctors will administer.
• Keep exam rooms stocked with syringes, needles, bandage materials, and prepackaged dispensable products. Regularly restock exam rooms or pharmacy refrigerators with vaccines.

• Prioritize tasks to maximize clients’ satisfaction and patients’ health.
• Track and use or store comfort items brought by clients for hospitalized patients.

• Follow isolation procedures.
• Understand the mechanics and application of basic standards of asepsis.
• Assist in the application of wound dressings and treatments.
• Understand how to stop bleeding by using styptic pencils, powder, or other means.

• Restrain pets in a manner that allows necessary work to be performed, minimizes stress to patients, and ensures the safety of patients and people. Safely and effectively apply and use restraints such as muzzles, towels, and gloves.
• Collect urine and fecal samples.

• Clean surgery suite after use.
• Clean floors and counters in surgical prep and recovery areas, treatment rooms, and wards after use and as needed.

• Assist veterinary technicians and/or doctors with restraint and positioning of patients for radiographic procedures.
• Be familiar with front office and kennel tasks and able to help or act as a backup as needed.
• Demonstrates a full working knowledge of Clientrax procedures and functional applications.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the hospital manager.

At AmeriVet, your well-being, your loved ones, and your future are our top priorities. This commitment is reflected in the comprehensive range of benefits we offer, including:

•    Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
•    401(k) matching
•    Generous holidays and paid time off
•    Career development programs
•    Robust health and wellness initiatives

AmeriVet takes pride in embracing the uniqueness and diversity that every team member, pet owner, and pet brings to our community. Our unwavering dedication revolves around nurturing a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, where each team member not only feels a strong sense of belonging, but is also empowered to thrive.