Veterinary Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION: Abbey Animal Hospital Veterinary Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians and hospital support staff in all duties of the hospital and ensures a comfortable and sanitary environment for all patients under treatment at Abbey Animal Hospital.

The responsibilities vary with the current needs of the hospital team, the season of the year, and the individual abilities demonstrated by the employee. This is an overview of the position and the duties listed do not encompass the entire position.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Care:

· Ensure a comfortable and sanitary environment for all patients under treatment

· Responsible for care of hospitalized patients and patients being seen by a doctor including but not limited to kennel upkeep, patient exercise, feeding, medicating, shaving, and all assigned patient care related tasks

· Properly and safely restrain patients, reliably and with compassion to prepare for procedures performed by doctors

· Is conscious of patient comfort needs

· Observe patients throughout the day for signs of illness, parasites and disease control, assessment of change in patient status

· Report any abnormalities or concerns to the veterinarian in charge

· Under the direction of a veterinarian, administer oral medications

· Assist with nail trimming, ear cleaning, expressing anal glands

· Correctly administer medication which the doctor has prescribed

· Prep patients for surgery, assist when needed

· Assist with the operation of the anesthesia machine and other applicable equipment

· Assist in radiology

· Prepare surgery packs and cutting surgery drapes

· Clean and autoclave syringes, needles and other surgical instruments

· Thoroughly clean autoclave per hospital schedule

· Assist during dental cleanings

· Understand proper medical record keeping, how to invoice, and how to record notes in patient files

· Follow OSHA regulations

Inventory:

· Unpack deliveries, reconcile against packing slip, restock supplies

· Alert day admission technician of rooms

· Prepare and sanitize the surgery suite, treatment area, isolation ward, and all kennels used by patients here for treatment

· Clean and maintain holding areas

· Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the medicine that we practice

· Perform other duties as assigned

Client Service:

· Assist with outpatients and hospitalized patients from admission to discharge with clerical and administrative work, including knowledge of patient folders, vaccine schedules, proper phone call etiquette, and other front desk procedures

· Communicate with pet owners using a professional, cheerful, and helpful attitude, using knowledge of preventative health care recommendations to answer questions and relay doctor’s information accurately

REPORTS TO: Practice Manager & Veterinarians

REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE

Education:

· High school diploma or equivalent

· Formal or on-the-job training as a Veterinary Assistant

Skills:

· Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments

· Exhibit strong problem-solving and an organized approach to the position

· Ability to remain calm in the face of various types of stressful situations, not allowing emotions to overwhelm attitude and/or performance

· Ability to foster positive work environment for colleagues and clients