GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Veterinary Assistant will assist the Veterinarian with the spay/neuter, care and treatment of all animals brought to the Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic, to handle all animals in a kind, compassionate, and gentle manner.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
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Customer Service: ability to answer questions pertaining to flea/tick/heartworm products, vaccines, basic policies and procedures, ability to maintain a relaxed pleasant tone and always treat the customer with respect, and patience.
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Technical Skills: draw up vaccines, fill prescriptions, run/read fecal tests, run various blood tests, phlebotomy, stain slides for cytology, and other tasks.
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Surgical Skills: restrain animal safely, IV injection, ability to draw up precise amounts of medication, basic knowledge of the drugs used, basic knowledge of the surgical prep and procedures and the ability to intubate.
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Clerical Skills: ability to neatly, concisely, and in proper medical terms make notations on records, ability to write up prescription labels, ability to use computers with proficiency.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES THAT MAY BE REQUIRED:
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Assist with surgical animals; before, during, and after surgery.
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Assemble paperwork including rabies certificates.
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Assist with nail trims, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression.
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Must possess basic mathematical skills with use of a calculator including but not limited to addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
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Prepare animals for pre-surgical workup and pre-medication.
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Ensure animals stay on table at all times.
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Report all health concerns to the veterinarian.
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Properly perform intubations or restrain animals for induction and intubation.
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Prepare animals for surgery by shaving, vacuuming, expressing bladder/palpation, scrubbing surgical area.
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Set up animals for surgery including hooking endotracheal tube to anesthesia machine, setting appropriately sized bag.
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Transport animals into surgery.
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Remove patients from surgery table.
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Transport patient back to appropriate area/cage after recovery.
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Monitor recovery of animals in post-op rooms.
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Communicate both in writing and orally for administration of post-operative pain medication or antibiotics.
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Maintain medical records.
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Sort incoming inventory.
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Maintain stock within the surgery and wellness areas.
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Maintain exam rooms and restock as necessary.
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Clean instruments.
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Assemble and sterilize surgical packs.
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Clean endotracheal tubes and sort by size.
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Clean and disinfect any muzzles used.
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Clean and disinfect kennels and transport carriers.
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Sweep and mop appropriate areas and empty garbage.
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Communicate additional charges with office receptionist/appointment setter.
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Communicate post-op instructions to owners at pick up.
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Maintain stock of medication and inventory.
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All other duties as assigned.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalency.
Experience:
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Minimum of two years animal handling experience with both dogs and cats in a professional setting. Additional experience with running/reading blood tests, fecal tests, monitoring surgical patients, and performing subcutaneous injections is preferred.
Skills:
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Working knowledge of laboratory procedures such as the use and care of a microscope, prepping and running snap tests, prepping, running and reading fecal tests, autoclave,
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Working knowledge of surgery skills: restraint, anesthesia, monitoring and recovery.
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Communications skills with co-workers, public and other veterinary professionals. Must be personable and able to work with others, accept direction, and work as a member of a team.
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Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
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Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly.
Uniforms:
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Scrubs (shirt & pants) – no rips, tears, or stains.
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Non-skid rubber-bottom shoes (no clogs or Crocs®).
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Nametag (provided).
