Community Clinic Veterinary Assistant
Description NEW PROGRAM We are seeking 3 full-time VA/RVT's Wage: $18.14 - $20.14, DOE and DORA issued RVT Required: One year of work in an animal-related setting Preferred: Two years of veterinary medical care and animal handling in a fast-paced environment Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, SIMPLE IRA, First Stop Health General The Veterinary Assistant role assists in multiple procedures, providing care for animals, including physical examinations, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, euthanasia, as well as client education and inventory maintenance.
This position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases, their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventive animal health care recommendations. This position also requires learning a wide range of policies and procedures, as well as independent judgment and training, to take appropriate actions in standard situations. PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Technical: Assist veterinarians with veterinary medicine and surgery in any appropriate capacity.
Obtain and record patient histories, vital signs, and weights. Perform in-hospital lab testing and prepare specimens for reference labs Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians. Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian; use and maintain the IV pump. Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian.
Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals. Prepare patients, instruments, and equipment for surgery; clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials. Ensure that monitoring and support equipment, such as anesthetic machines, pulse oximeters, and blood pressure monitors, is in good working order. Communicate with and educate owners in a compassionate, tactful, professional manner.
Take radiographs – practices radiograph safety in accordance with ALARA principles, demonstrates safe positioning techniques, understands correct radiograph technique, and has the ability to process radiographs Maintain knowledge of preventive 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, spay and neuter procedures.
Educate clients on products and medications sold, including dietary products, and answer questions regarding product purchase/use. Maintain legally defensible medical records in cooperation with veterinarians. Maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment, and supplies 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.
Technical - Lab: 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. Assist in diagnostics, medical, and surgical procedures using a range of diagnostic equipment Report diagnostic testing results to veterinarians. Maintain quality controls and record-keeping on in-house lab equipment.
Complete proper sample preparation and paperwork for reference lab tests. Fill prescriptions per veterinarians’ instructions; double-check for accuracy; have another employee sign (two signatures on each prescription that leaves our hospital). Technical - Surgery Admit patients scheduled for anesthetic procedures. Keep surgical materials stocked; prepare gowns and surgical packs, or oversee this process.
Check oxygen lines and waste gas scavenger system; turn off scavenger system after surgical procedures are completed. Prepare the surgery suite for surgery in collaboration with the surgery team. Prepare instruments; know the type of surgical instruments required for specific surgeries