Certified Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Certified Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Starting at $18/hr.+ | Monday Friday Schedule | Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists | Houston, TX

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in the world of veterinary care? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where no two days are the same? If you're a highly organized, compassionate, and energetic individual with exceptional collaboration skills, we want you to join our team at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) as a Surgery Veterinary Assistant. Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) is a leader in specialized care for companion animals, known for excellence and collaboration with the veterinary community. Our state-of-the-art facility and expert team provide top-tier care across a range of specialties, including emergency, cardiology, oncology, neurology, surgery, and more. Join us and make a difference in the lives of pets and their families every day.

Compensation:

• Starting at $18/hr.+

Full-Time Benefits Include:

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life and Disability insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program and Discounts (including Pet Discount)
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Uniform stipend
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Full-Time
• Monday - Friday
• 8:00am 4:30pm
• NO WEEKENDS

Job Description: As a Surgery Veterinary Assistant at our specialty hospital, you will be an integral member of a highly skilled medical team, providing technical nursing support, patient monitoring, diagnostic assistance, client communication, and continuity of care throughout the patient journey. Working under the direct supervision of veterinarians, credentialed technicians, supervisors, and managers, you will assist with patient admissions, diagnostics, sedation support, recovery, documentation, and follow-up care while helping to promote efficiency, patient safety, and exceptional client service. This multifaceted role requires adaptability, compassion, attention to detail, and a commitment to advocating for both patients and their families while supporting the delivery of advanced veterinary care.

Responsibilities:

• Perform daily and weekly cleaning duties.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of cages, treatment tables, treatment areas, monitoring equipment, counters, floors, and common areas.
• Administer oral, topical, ophthalmic, SQ, IM, and IV medications as directed.
• Assist veterinarians and credentialed technicians during examinations, diagnostics, and treatments.
• Provide patient restraint while maintaining patient comfort and safety.
• Assist with hospitalized patient care and patient transfers.
• Assist kennel personnel in maintaining patient cleanliness and comfort.
• Prepare patients for discharge ensuring patients are medically appropriate and well groomed.
• Maintain inventory and stock supplies as directed.
• Support workflow and assist other departments as needed.

Preliminary Care & Diagnostics:

• Obtain TPR parameters, blood pressure, SpO2, and ECGs.
• Collect blood, urine, fecal, and cytology samples.
• Perform venipuncture and IV catheter placement.
• Perform in-house laboratory procedures and sample preparation.
• Submit samples to outside reference laboratories.
• Assist with digital radiography and patient positioning.
• Perform bandage changes and wound care.
• Assist with feeding tube care and maintenance.
• Perform urinary catheter care and maintenance.
• Maintain aseptic technique and proper sample handling procedures.

Client Communication and Continuity of Care

• Obtain and document complete patient histories during recheck appointments and follow-up visits.
• Communicate patient progress and treatment recommendations under the direction of a veterinarian or credential technician.
• Answer client questions appropriately and escalate concerns outside the scope of training.
• Enter medications and refill requests into the medical record.
• Schedule recheck appointments, diagnostics, sedated procedures, and follow-up visits.
• Coordinate continuity of care with doctors, technicians, and other departments.
• Provide compassionate and professional client service.

Sedation and Patient Monitoring

• Assist with sedation procedures under the direction of a veterinarian or credentialed technician.
• Monitor sedated patients and recognize normal and abnormal patient parameters.
• Assist with anesthesia support and patient recovery.
• Monitor hospitalized patients and recognize changes requiring escalation.
• Perform recovery assessments and communicate concerns promptly.
• Provide supportive care to hospitalized patients.
• Recognize emergency situations and communicate concerns immediately.
• Document treatments and patient observations accurately.

Admissions and Hospital Operations

• Admit hospitalized and surgical patients.
• Obtain patient weights and vital parameters.
• Ensure required paperwork and documentation are completed.
• Assist with patient placement according to hospital protocols.
• Print and place emergency drug sheets on patient kennels when applicable.
• Coordinate diagnostics and treatments with multiple departments.
• Assist with inventory management and stocking supplies.
• Promote workflow efficiency and patient safety.

Documentation

• Maintain accurate medical records utilizing ezyVet, SmartFlow, and other hospital software systems.
• Document treatments, medications, diagnostics, and client communications.
• Maintain controlled substance logs as directed.
• Ensure medical records are complete and submitted in a timely manner.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding patient, client, and hospital information.

Patient Safety and Escalation

• Advocate for patient safety and quality medicine.
• Recognize abnormal patient conditions and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Follow hospital protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Seek assistance when patient needs exceed current training or scope of responsibility.
• Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Professionalism and Teamwork

• Demonstrate accountability and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Maintain punctuality and adhere to attendance policies.
• Communicate effectively with clients, doctors, technicians, supervisors, and hospital personnel.
• Support a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Participate in cross-training and continuing education opportunities.
• Demonstrate flexibility and professionalism in stressful situations.
• Promote respectful communication and teamwork.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma is required, Associate's degree (A. A.) in animal technology or Bachelors is preferred along with current technical certification (RVT, CVT, LVT, CVA); or related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education / experience.
• Previous experience in a surgical or specialty veterinary setting is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of animal handling, restraint techniques, and veterinary medical terminology is preferred.
• Previous experience with phlebotomy, laboratory procedures, radiography, anesthesia monitoring, and electronic medical records is preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to thrive under pressure and make informed decisions in fast-paced situations.
• A genuine passion for animal care and a commitment to patient well-being.
• Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role; fluency in multiple languages a plus!

Why choose GCVS?

• Make a meaningful impact by being an advocate for pets and their families.
• Work alongside a compassionate and talented team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.