Veterinary Assistant/Technician

Veterinary AssistantAs the primary care provider for the veterinary patients the veterinary assistant supports the veterinarians in daily patient care. They assist the veterinarians in exams, treatments and surgery. The veterinary assistant aids with animal restraint, housekeeping, tends to the treatment of hospitalized, in-patient and out-patient pets when indicated, tends to the needs of pre and post-surgery patients and communicates with clients when indicated.Reporting Relationships: Reports directly to the Patient Care Manager and Hospital Administrator.Job Responsibilities:Technical:Patient CareCare for hospitalized animals and boarding animals when indicated. Care includes cage cleaning, exercising, feeding, observing signs of illness and controlling the spread of parasites and infectious diseasesAdminister medications, treatments, vaccines to patients as prescribed by doctor(s)Restrain patients for procedures and/or treatments performed by doctorsTake and record temperature, pulse, respiration (when indicated) and weight of patientDress wounds and apply bandages, splints and other protective devicesPerform professional dental cleanings and take dental radiographsPerform IV catheterizationTake radiographsAssist veterinarians in surgery by providing correct equipment and instruments. Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors and breathing apparatus are in excellent working conditionMonitor hospitalized, pre and post-op patients and enter notes into patient(s) medical records in EzyVet and Smartflow.Prepare patients for surgery and monitor vital signs during surgical proceduresKnow emergency procedures such as proper CPR and monitoringObserve the condition and behavior of hospitalized and boarding animals and notify doctors when treatment is necessary or indicatedAssist veterinarians with humane euthanasiaTrim nails, clean ears and express anal glandsImplant microchipsBathing of feline patients or others as indicated by doctor(s)Laboratory and Pharmacy:Perform basic in-house lab testsCollect samples and generate lab submission formsCollect and label specimens for culture or microscopic examination when directed by doctor(s)Clean lab area and maintain lab equipmentFill prescriptionsInventory:Restock shelves and drawers in exam rooms and treatment areaAlert appropriate staff when supplies are low and ordering of drugs and supplies is indicatedAlert appropriate staff when ordering of cleaning and office supplies is indicated and assist with stocking when shipment arrivesHousekeeping:Take laundry to appropriate area for washing when indicatedClean surgical instruments and prepare surgical packs for sterilizationRestock supplies including but not limited to bandage materials, cotton, gauze, cotton-tipped applicators, tongue depressors, alcohol swabs, surgical scrub, etc.Clean cages and help clean and maintain treatment areaClean and maintain surgical suiteMaintain clean public and staff areasAssist with facility and yard maintenance to maintain a clean, odorless and inviting environmentClient Communication:Professional, cheerful and helpful attitude when interacting with pet owners to give patient status update or discharge instructionsKnowledge of common diseases, their symptoms and means of transmissionKnowledge of preventative health care recommendationsDemonstrate how to provide home care for pet when indicated by doctor(s)Knowledge and ability to answer client questions and concernsAdministrative:Help in reception area with patient intake or discharge, or in kennel area when necessaryUnderstand proper medical record keepingOther duties/tasks as assigned by supervisor or doctor(s).RequirementsQualifications:Educational Requirements:High school diploma or GED equivalentMinimum one year previous veterinary experience or formal training in veterinary technologySkills Needed:Ability and willingness to assist doctors, kennel attendants and receptionistsResponsibilities will vary based on the practice's current needs, the season and the individual skills of the employeeAbility to assist veterinarians in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgeryEffective communicatorFluency in EzyVet and Smartflow Veterinary software recommended but not requiredComputer literacyPhysical Requirements:Able to lift patients and carry equipment up to 40 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 40 pounds with assistanceEndure sitting, standing and walking on hard floor surfaces for extended periodsType information for patient records and prescription labels into the computerAble to work in noisy work conditions with sounds from animals and equipmentTake safety precautions for exposure to toxins, drugs, anesthesia and radiationAble to handle both dogs and catsPay Range: $18.00 - $23.00