Animal Samaritans, an animal welfare organization committed to improving the lives of animals and people, is looking for a dedicated Veterinary Assistant to join our staff.
Job Summary: Under the general direction of our Practice Manager, as well as working alongside and under the direction of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, the Veterinary Assistant performs veterinary tasks along with client service functions.
Veterinary Assistant Job Responsibilities:
- Surgery check-ins: Perform a brief examination of external body, ask pertinent medical questions regarding medical history.
- Create a surgical template; Record all exam and surgical information in template. (Drugs administration and surgery times).
- Assess in-take form; compare against surgical template entered; make revisions as authorized and needed.
- Take vital signs of animal including temperature, pulse and respiration.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with all surgery staff.
- Make necessary additions to the patient record as is necessary and conveyed by the surgery staff.
- Enter any additional charges/ notes that may have accrued during the surgery period. (pregnancy, in-heat and medication prescribed etc.)
- Convey additional charges information; record in the patient pop-up window.
- Keep accurate account of inventory in surgery prep room (syringes, needles e-collars etc.) Provide a summary of all items in need of order to floor supervisor.
- Maintain and sterilize surgical instruments and packs.
- Maintain and utilization surgical equipment.
- Surgery rechecks with attending veterinarian.
- Administers and prepare vaccines according to our vaccine protocol.
- Monitor pets under anesthesia.
- Assist veterinarian in medical procedures using proper restraint.
- Assist veterinarian in medical procedures using proper aseptic technique.
- Assist surgery veterinarian in exam rooms.
- Prepares patient medications (two staff members must sign and check off all medication)
- Complete ear cleaning and nail trims.
- Maintain and use medical equipment such and autoclave etc.
- Monitors animal’s vital signs before and after surgery.
- Maintain pharmacy records, and controlled drug, anesthesia, fecal and heartworm test logs.
- Clean work areas
- Follow doctors protocol at all times.
- Perform other duties as assigned including covering front desk and working in scheduling department.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- High school diploma required. Some college level course work desirable. Certifications, Associate or Bachelor degree preferred.
- Knowledge of computers and relevant software. Veterinary software familiarity preferred.
- Knowledge of customer service principles and practices
Physical Requirements:
- Dependable attendance is required.
- Any allergies to animals must be controllable through medication.
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds
- Must be willing to work long or irregular hours under pressure conditions.