Veterinary Assistant

 The purpose of the Veterinary Assistant is to provide high quality medical support and nursing care to companion animal patients and to support the needs of the Veterinarian. Veterinary Assistants duties are limited to Tier 3 and below—please see Training Supervisor for a full list of these tasks. VAs are an essential part of the medical team and our commitment to medical and service Excellence as set forth by our Mission and Core Values.

Duties & Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

Technical Duties, 75%:

• Assist veterinarians/technicians in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery
• Quality nursing and husbandry care of patients
• Strong working knowledge of veterinary procedures and pharmacology
• Perform in-hospital lab testing and prepare specimens for outside labs
• Perform and/or participate in all other diagnostics such as radiology, ultrasound, ECG, BP and glucose monitoring
• Assist veterinarians in outpatient exams by taking histories, vital signs and weights as well as providing client education
• Provide nursing care for in-hospital patients including all DVM requested treatments, diagnostics and medications
• Accurately and completely record all treatments
• Maintain legally defensible medical records in cooperation with veterinarians
• Actively engages in Nursing Rounds
• Rounds delivered/received at shift changes, anytime a staff member comes/leaves
• Rounds will be complete, detailed and relative to patient & client care

Examinations & Triage

• Prepare and maintain exam rooms, treatment rooms, and ICU (cleanliness and stocking of supplies)
• Assist veterinarians in exam rooms by taking patients’ history, vital signs and weight and entering all information into medical record
• Collect samples and perform a variety of in-house diagnostic tests
• Fill prescriptions per veterinarians’ instructions
• Educate clients about medication instructions and administration
• Discharge patients as requested; review discharge instructions

Laboratory

• Assists with in-hospital lab testing
• Collect and prepare samples for both in-house and outside laboratories
• Report diagnostic testing results in computer and to veterinarians
• Maintain quality controls and record keeping on in-house lab equipment
• Complete proper sample preparation and paperwork for outside diagnostic laboratory tests

Treatment

• Perform treatments noted on digital treatment board
• Assist veterinarians with daily treatments
• Monitor intensive care patients
• Provide nursing and husbandry care
• Facilitate patient radiographs
• Use and maintain IV pumps

Surgery

• Set up the surgical area
• Keep surgical materials stocked
• Prepare gown and surgical packs
• Insure the cleaning of the surgery suite and surgical instruments after each procedure following hospital sterilization protocols
• Ensure hospital patients go home well groomed and in an appropriate medical state; remove catheters

Medical Records

• Communicate with doctors and technicians through notations in medical records
• Record information for hospitalized patients including:
• Daily status each time you touch a patient, with initials, time, procedures and observations
• Boarding information
• Hospitalized procedures such as radiographs, ultrasound
• Lab test results
• Injections, medications, fluid therapy, pain management, husbandry

Housekeeping Duties, 25%:

• Maintain cleanliness of surgery suites, treatment area, procedure rooms, ICU, and exams rooms for all surfaces, including lights, tables, cabinets, walls and floors
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and longevity by regularly cleaning keyboards, wheels and equipment
• Wipe down equipment and counters in treatment area, lab, pharmacy, ICU, procedure rooms and exam rooms
• Clean glass windows and doors in hospital
• Sweep and mop floors in entire hospital
• Keep food and drinks out of treatment area and surgery suites
• Empty trash
• Clean water bowls, food bowls, cages, runs and laundry
• Organize radiology gowns, gloves and badges, making sure they are neatly hung or stored
• Scrub and polish sinks
• Wipe down walls and baseboards in entire hospital

Safety:

• Follow OSHA requirements
• Follow practice’s health and safety protocols as stated in the Hospital’s Safety Manual
• Utilize Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Administrative:

• Be proficient in using our veterinary practice-management software
• Assist receptionists as necessary
• Attend staff and department meetings as available

Client Services:

• Answer incoming phone calls; respond with appropriate information
• Greet incoming clients/patients; facilitate medical record paperwork/computer entry
• Admit/discharge patients

1. Participates in a positive manner in all group sizes.
2. Refrains from participating in gossip.
3. Supports team members by assisting other areas, is receptive to feedback and suggestions.
4. Engages in active problem-solving vs. problem-identifying.
5. Makes suggestions related to client/patient service improvements and hospital efficiency.

Equipment:
1. Standard and Specialty veterinary medical equipment
2. EzyVet and Smartflow computer software and system
3. Laboratory equipment and tests
4. Veterinary diagnostic equipment

Knowledge/Skills:
1. Experience equivalent to job duties and responsibilities
2. Excellent veterinary nursing skills
3. Excellent communication skills – written and verbal
4. Strong computer skills
5. Strong ability to multi-task, delegate and oversee daily work flow
6. Strong working knowledge of veterinary medicine – primary and emergency care
7. Strong work ethic and professionalism

Physical:
1. Able to properly restrain dog and cat patients for veterinary care and procedures
2. Able to stand, sit, bend, restrain, squat for extended periods of time
3. Able to function within a busy, stressful work environment in a mature, professional manner
4. Able to lift 60 lbs in a safe manner
5. Able to type, write and verbally converse
6. Able to work the posted schedule

**NVA and VESHW management reserves the right to change the job requirements as necessary to meet the operational needs of the hospital, clients and patients.**

Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence. Discover more at EthosVet.com..

Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees.  The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process.  For positions based in Colorado, Ethos Veterinary Health provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
 
 Ethos Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.

8234127

 

Tags: RVT, Registered Veterinary Technician, Registered Vet Tech, Registered Vet Technician, Registered Veterinary Tech, CVT, Certified Veterinary Technician, Certified Vet Tech, LVT, Licensed Veterinary Technician, Licensed Vet Tech, Credentialed Veterinary Technician, Credentialed Vet Tech, Credentialed Veterinary Tech, Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Tech, Vet Tech, Vet Technician, Veterinary Assistant, Vet Assistant, Technician Assistant, Tech Assistant, Kennel Assistant, Kennel Technician, Kennel Tech, Animal Assistant, Veterinary Nurse, Vet Nurse