Description
The Veterinary Assistant assists the veterinarians with patient care and treatment, monitors hospitalized pets, maintain inventory, prepares prescriptions, performs routine in-house laboratory work, educates clients regarding veterinary care and procedures. The Veterinary Assistant operates under the supervision of the Veterinary Assistant Supervisor and/or Hospital Manager.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the veterinarian
• Triage patients, perform physical exams, and gather brief medical histories
• Communicate with clients/owners about the status of patients, as directed by the veterinarian
• Fill prescriptions/administer medications, including proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs
• Maintain cleanliness of exam rooms (after each patient), reception areas, hospital grounds, and treatment areas, as needed
• Clean cages, as needed
• Do laundry
• Communicate patient status with oncoming staff and veterinarians, and update records and financial information, as needed, in the computer
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, and/or pain • Communicate and approach job duties in a mature manner
• Foster teamwork approach and work well with all levels of hospital team members
• Participate in all staff and technician/assistant mandatory staff meetings
• Participate in the review process for other technical staff and doctors when requested
• Answer phones and perform other reception duties as needed by the hospital
• Understand zoonotic disease risks in the work environment and use all appropriate safety equipment, garments, and procedures to protect self and others
• Understand and limit the potential exposure to bites, scratches, and potential injuries
• Understand that employees in this role are exposed to various cleaning solutions and other chemicals, odors, noises, and animal wastes and behave in a professional manner when dealing with these conditions
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Familiarity with Hospital policies and procedures
- Client communications
- Animal restraint
- Have an understanding of basic medication used in veterinary medicine
- Create drug labels and fill medication
- Answer phone calls
- Discuss treatment plan with owner
- Have a basic understanding of common treatments performed in a veterinary hospital
- Discharge clients and discuss medication
EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:
- High School diploma or equivalent
- Some continuing education seminars or other education opportunities in the area of veterinary science
- 1+ years of experience in veterinary environment successfully performing all of the duties of this position
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds (work requires lifting, carrying, and restraining animals -with assistance from other staff members for animals weighing over 40 pounds
Ability to walk or stand for extended periods; frequently working in a bent position
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
