Job Description
VETERINARY ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION
The Veterinary Assistant is responsible for various aspects of the patient care process. They provide assistance to the Client Service Representatives, assist doctors with physical examinations, and help veterinary technicians position patients for and process radiographs, prepare patients for surgery, provide nursing and comfort care, and perform treatments or basic laboratory diagnostic tests.Veterinary assistants must build positive, professional relationships with clients and staff members.
General Knowledge and Tasks (in part)
- Admit and discharge patients to/from the hospital.
- Record doctors’ and technicians’ notes in patients’ computer records or on paper records.
- Check files for completeness of notes, charges, callbacks, and reminders before refiling. Ensure that records include current laboratory tests, procedure results, current patients’ weights, immunizations, diagnoses, and treatments.
- Measure and record each patient’s weight, temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate.
- Answer questions and educate clients about basic pet care and procedures including nutrition; internal and external parasite control; immunization protocols; the administration of topical, oral, otic, and ophthalmic medications; spay and neuter procedures; and behavior and training.
- 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 and/or injections that doctors will administer.
- Administer vaccines subcutaneously and intramuscularly. Follow the practice’s policies, the manufacturers’ directions, and AAFP guidelines for the placement of vaccines.
- Dispose of used needles and syringes and other sharp objects as set forth by the practice’s policy and OSHA standards.
- Perform suture removals, nail trims, and express anal glands.
- Assist with routine exam-room procedures, such as venipunctures, skin scrapings, fine-needle aspirates, corneal stains, and ear treatments.
- Lay out and/or set up instruments that doctors will use during ophthalmic, otic, oral, and/or skin examinations, as determined by the patients’ presenting complaints, prior to the doctors’ arrivals in rooms.
Qualifications/Skills
- Maintain a professional appearance while at work, including clean and pressed uniforms or clothes.
- Promote a positive attitude among staff.
- Handle stress and pressure with poise and tact.
- Possess the ability to stand for an entire shift when needed, and be able to lift pets and objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance. Assist in lifting patients weighing more than 50 pounds.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients and patients for whom the practice provides veterinary services.
- 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.
- Follow established procedures to ensure the security of patients, staff, data, revenue, inventory, and the facility.
Education/Background
- High school graduate
- At least one year experience working with animals in a patient care or animal facility
Job Type: Full-time
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour
Ability to Commute:
- Houston, TX 77035 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Houston, TX 77035: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
