Patient Care Attendant

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

To perform client service procedures and provide the best patient care and client education while upholding Brown Veterinary Hospital standards. They are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the hospital. Patient Care attendants should have proven customer service experience, strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to maintain a calm, courteous and professional demeanor under stressful circumstances. Additionally; they must execute tasks with great attention to detail and thoroughness. Be willing to undertake other duties as assigned.

General Information

• Be familiar with the employee handbook, our Mission Statement and Core Values.

• Know the range of services the practice provides and the species treated.

• Always be in position and prepared to start your shift at the scheduled time.

• Maintain accurate clock-in and clock out times with practice software; submit correction forms quickly if needed.

• Follow OSHA safety standards. Be able to find Safety Data Sheets quickly.

• Maintain a professional appearance while at work, including clean and pressed uniforms or clothes. Change clothes daily as necessary to look professional and avoid carrying odors.

• Show respect for clients, team members and patients (alive or deceased) at all times.

• Maintain constant confidentiality regarding clients and patients for whom the practice provides veterinary services.

• Participate in your performance appraisal

Education and Knowledge

• Assistants must have a high school diploma or GED.

• Speak and write the English language competently.

• Ability to use standard office programs and equipment as well as specific veterinary software.

• Complete in-house training within 90 days.

• Complete additional training as assigned in a timely manner.

• Learn and use standard medical and hospital abbreviations.

• Use proper medical terminology when speaking and writing.

• Be willing and able to teach other staff members assistant duties.

• Attend and participate in all staff meetings and annual training.

• Be reasonably familiar with breeds and coat colors for dogs and cats.

• Be familiar with infectious and zoonotic diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission.

• Learn and know the policies regarding provisions of veterinary care, treatment of stray animals, deposits for the

Standard Duties

General

• Prescription diets; place needed items on the Want List for the inventory manager

• Regularly check for outdated supplies. Remove and replace them as directed by the inventory or practice manager.

• Have the physical ability to stand for the majority of your shift and lift 50 pounds unassisted and assist in lifting pets and objects over 50 pounds

• Use a considerate approach when restraining patients in accordance to Fear Free protocols

• Safely and effectively apply and use restraint devices, including muzzles, towels, gloves, snappy snare and cat bags.

• Be willing and available to stay late or through breaks, when needed, to assist with emergency or critical care patients

• Conduct tours of the practice and/or kennel. Before each tour, ensure that the facility is orderly and staff and patients are prepared for tours.

• Maintain constant vigilance regarding open doorways that could allow pets to escape from the facility.

• Dispose of biohazard and animal waste in appropriate manner as dictated by OSHA and hospital policies

• Perform suture removals, nail trims, ear plucking and cleaning and anal gland expressions with minimal discomfort and stress to the patient.

• If available, assist other personnel with patient restraint, diagnostic services, filling prescription medications and food and preparing vaccines.

• Microchipping of pets in three steps as outlined by the hospital Standard Operating Procedure

• Recommend with understanding and perform safe laser therapy treatments as directed by the veterinarian

• Minimize radiation hazards. Use productive equipment and wear exposure badges whenever exposing Radiographs as outlined in hospital safety training.

• Perform venipunctures using patients cephalic, saphenous and jugular veins in a manner which minimizes trauma to patients and injury to veins and allows you to successfully obtain non-hemolyzed blood samples.

Working Environment

• Exposure to various cleaning chemicals, radiation, animals, noises and various physical activities. We are an OSHA compliant practice

• Maintain an even, friendly demeanor while on the job. Perform job tasks efficiently without rushing.

• Handle stress and pressure with poise and tact.

Benefits

• Employee discounts

• Scrub allowance