Experienced Veterinary Assistant - Paradise Pet Hospital

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Looking for a FT Experienced Vet Assistant to join our AMAZING team.
Health, dental, and vision insurance after 60 days.
PTO, generous pet care discounts and more!
ABOUT YOU:
You have a positive attitude, love animals, and are curious about starting and growing a career in the Veterinary Industry.
At PetMedic Hospitals, we believe in hiring well, training well, and promoting from within. With 4 animal hospitals across the Las Vegas valley and growing, this position has the ability to grow into many different roles.
About Us:
At PetMedic Hospitals, we have built a business based on trust, reputation, compassion, and being truly passionate about serving our community. We are early adopters of technology and innovation; we value continued growth and education, and we've created an environment where our team grows together. Finding the right fit is just as important as finding the right skill set.
Because we're fast-growing, our team members receive more than just a competitive compensation package - they have an opportunity to grow their career in other meaningful ways, based on their individual goals.
Our full-service animal hospitals offer a variety of care to our patients including internal medicine, digital radiology, surgery, dentistry, in-house lab and pharmacy, ultrasound, acupuncture, orthopedic and specialty surgeries, comprehensive preventative care & pet wellness plans.
We care:
For a forever-learning animal-lover like yourself, who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative work environment, we offer a wide range of benefits and career growth opportunities.

• Competitive Compensation Package
• Work-Life Balance
• Health, dental, & vision insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Robust veterinary service discounts for your pets
• Complimentary Wellness Plans for your pets
• Generous referral program

Excited? Let's get talking!!
Got questions? We're all ears. Let's get to know each other better. Email your thoughts and resume to us. Look forward to hearing from you!
Compensation:
$16-18/hour, based on experience.
Requirements
The Veterinary Assistant assists the veterinarians and technicians with patient care and treatment, monitor hospitalized pets, maintains inventory, prepare prescriptions, performs routine in-house laboratory work, educates clients regarding veterinary care and procedures, and assists with surgical procedures.
The Veterinary Assistant uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instructions, but refers deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations not covered by instructions to the practitioner for decision or help. The practitioners assure that finished work and methods used are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions or established procedures.
Review of the work increases with more difficult assignments, if the VETERINARY ASSISTANT has not previously performed similar assignments.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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.
• 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.
• Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients. Exercise compassion and care in all interactions with patients.
• 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.
• Educate clients regarding preventive medicine and vaccination requirements. Recommend laboratory procedures, such as pre-anesthetic profiles, geriatric screening, fecals, urinalysis, heartworm checks, FeLV testing, etc. Give clients handouts and educational materials to take home to further their understanding of veterinary issues.
• Greet clients and escort them and their pets into an exam room. Place the patient on the exam table and prepare for the doctor to enter the room. Obtain basic information (weight, temperature, 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 a pre-exam checklist, lifestyle surgery and any other applicable client educational pieces to ensure that all medical needs are covered.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
• 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.
• Restrain animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during examinations and procedures. Know how to properly handle difficult or contentious animals.
• Obtain any laboratory samples that may be needed from the pet or make sure that laboratory work is performed by another team member while the patient is still in the exam room. Utilize a fecal loop when necessary. Anticipate and prepare any medications or vaccines the doctor will need to treat the patient.
• 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 within the exam room by restraining the animal, preparing forms, obtaining instruments, etc. Remain in the exam room until excused by the doctor.
• Prepare specimens for outside laboratory. Obtain results from the laboratory over the phone or fax.
• Monitor laboratory supplies and order additional laboratory supplies as needed.
• Take, develop and maintain radiographs following proper safety procedures.
• Perform routine suture removals, nail trims, and weight checks. Apply bandages and splints under the direction of the attending veterinarian.
• Give injections, as directed by veterinarian - intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous.
• 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.
• 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.

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma
• VA certification preferred, but not required
• Relevant experience preferred, but not required

PHYSICAL EFFORT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job
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.
• Will be exposed to potentially hazardous or unpleasant materials, including: blood, urine, feces, and vomit (at least 50% of the time); anesthetic gases (25% of the time); cleaning materials (90% of the time); medical sharps (90% of the time); radiographic exposure (25% of the time), exposure to therapy laser (10-15% of the time), and zoonotic diseases (less than 10% of the time)

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
• 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.
• Critical thinking - Understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide compassionate care to our clients and patients.
• Perform all duties in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Anticipate the needs of the doctor and ensure efficiency of appointment flow, care of emergency patients, and complete medical record keeping.
• Prepare and maintain the exam rooms and treatment areas.
• Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty Admit and perform physical history and blood pressure as needed on all patients.
• Give SQ, IM and IV injections as well as administer oral medications.
• Can compassionately and effectively restrain pets even when large or difficult.
• Perform venipuncture and ensure that blood work is properly recorded, sent out, and invoiced.
• Can effectively position for and take radiographs.
• Can perform electrocardiograms.
• Assist in surgical procedures.
• Discharge all patients in house and outpatient, review the diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and follow up care with the owner.
• Ensure that all owners receive proper medications and/or prescriptions upon departure.
• Maintain appropriate medical records for appointments and consultations.
• Maintain appropriate invoices for all procedures.
• Assist other team members when needed.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Maintain positive and cooperative relationships with other team members and management.
• Arrive promptly as scheduled for work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Some tasks may be added or removed from this list as deemed necessary for the safety and well being of our patients

CONTROLS OVER WORK
The Veterinary Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Technician Team Lead and Hospital Team Leader, who will indicate general assignments, limitations and priorities.
Recurring assignments are performed independently. Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor. Completed work is reviewed for technical accuracy and compliance with established procedures.
Salary Description
15-18/hour