For those who love animals, there are few jobs more rewarding than that of veterinary assistant. The compassionate presence of the vet assistance eases the experience of a visit to our veterinary clinic for pets and pet owners alike. Veterinary assistants assist veterinarians and licensed veterinary technicians with every aspect of animal care, as well as manage pet owners’ questions and concerns. Veterinary assistants play a vital role in the daily activities of our veterinary clinic.
In addition to the animal care they provide, veterinary assistants also fulfill a vital role for the pet owners. They are often the first point of contact for clients, and as such, set the tone for the overall veterinary hospital experience. Veterinary assistants must be comfortable with people and possess good communication skills. They facilitate and expand on client education about various diseases, medications and their proper administration, and general pet care. The assistants also answer any questions and concerns of the client.
The veterinary assistant operates under the supervision of the Veterinarians and the Office Manager.
Examples of some of the job responsibilities of our veterinary assistants include:
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Communicate with clients regarding the medical status of their pet. Provide accurate information to clients concerning fees, hospital policies and procedures, etc.
- Instruct clients as to what they should do prior to bringing their pets in for procedures, how to care for their pets after discharge from the hospital, how to administer medications, etc.
- Maintain knowledge of preventative healthcare recommendations in order to answer client questions, provide education on vaccines, flea and heartworm products, and assist in marketing veterinary services from which their pet would benefit, such as a dental cleaning, senior wellness, spay and neuter.
- Educate clients regarding preventive medicine and vaccination requirements. Recommend laboratory procedures, such as pre-anesthetic profiles, geriatric screening, fecals, urinalysis, heartworm checks, FIV/FeLV testing, etc. Give clients handouts and educational materials to take home to further their understanding of veterinary issues.
- Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use.
- Restrain animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during examinations and procedures. Know how to properly handle difficult or contentious animals.
- Follow established procedures in order to assist veterinarians with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients and patients through the out-patient clinic. Consult with veterinarians on a daily basis to plan each day’s activities. Keep doctors apprised of potential problems, discussions with clients, etc.
- Review medical records and notes made by the admitting receptionist in order to discern the nature of the visit and any tests or procedures that may be needed.
- Obtain and record patient histories.
- Greet clients and escort them and their pets into an exam room. Obtain basic information (weight, temperature, pulse, respiration rate etc) on the pet.
- Discuss with the client the reason for the visit (chief complaint), any symptoms or problems being experienced, and any procedures that may need to be done (i.e. vaccinations, fecal or heartworm tests, etc). Utilize applicable client educational pieces and checklists to ensure that all medical needs are covered.
- Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
- Notify the veterinarian when patients in the exam room are ready to be seen. Advise the veterinarian of the information already known such as the nature of the visit, preventive procedures due, tests that are to be run, etc. Assist the veterinarian if needed within the exam room by restraining the animal, preparing forms, obtaining instruments, etc.
- Ensure all procedures rendered during the visit are documented for proper billing. Ensure that all vaccinations, procedures, notes, etc have been documented in the medical record.
- Escort the client and patient to the front desk and give the medical record and patient visit form to the receptionist for client receipting. Prepare the exam room for the next visit.
- Prepare specimens for outside laboratory. Obtain results from the laboratory over the phone or fax.
- Monitor laboratory supplies and make note of supplies as needed.
- Position and perform radiographs following proper safety procedures.
- Perform routine suture removals, nail trims, anal glands, and weight checks.
- Promote the practice’s products, programs and services. Utilize passive marketing. Make suggestions to clients about products appropriate for their pet’s condition.
- Accurately dispense prescription medications as directed by veterinarian. Prepare prescription labels and appropriately package medications. Ensure that medications are added to the patient’s record and appropriately charged to the client.
- Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.
- Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian.
- Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill patients.
- Follow DEA and OSHA guidelines. Document controlled drug logs anytime a controlled drug is used. Follow appropriate safety and handling of hazardous materials. Follow established hospital safety guidelines regarding radiographs, controlled drugs, animal handling, etc.
- Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment and lab areas. Restock exam rooms with supplies as needed. Assist other team members to keep the public areas of the practice clean and well maintained. Clean and maintain all medical equipment as required.
- Clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials.
- Demonstrate initiative and teamwork in everyday duties, assisting other team members within the practice.
- Organize work area and exercise time management skills to maximize personal efficiency within the practice. Prioritize tasks and handle multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner.
- Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
- Knowledge of proper methods of animal restraint.
- Apply knowledge and skills in controlling/handling individual animal temperament
- Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.
- Knowledge of sterilization techniques to sterilize various instruments and materials.
- Knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make preparations and provide “tableside” assistance.
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.
- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments. Understand and carry out oral and written direction.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Amount of Time Spent on Task
Use hands to finger, handle, or feel
Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
The job requires the following lifting requirements and/or exerted force be performed on the job.
Amount of Time Spent on Lifting Amounts
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust to focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases.
Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.
Essential Functions:
- Receive, handle and treat patients with skill, compassion and care.
- Accurately perform laboratory tests.
- Ability to observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.
- Regular attendance and timeliness are an essential function in order to fulfill the requirements of this position.
- Strong communication and client service skills. Considerable tact and diplomacy is required. Ability to work with clients and patients in a professional, friendly, hospitable manner.
- Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the medicine that we practice.
- Perform general physical activities that require bending, standing, stooping, moving from room to room, sit, talk, and listen; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time; will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
- Frequently lift, carry dogs weighing 50 lbs. Walk and handle dogs weighing up to 150 lbs.
