Veterinary Assistant (FT)

• Provides compassionate patient care, keeping patients clean, dry, and comfortable.
• Alerts the veterinarian(s) to changes in patients’ condition.
• Recognizes patients with contagious disease and follows relevant procedures.
• Provides safe and effective patient restraint.
• Administers medications and treatments to patients.
• Uses proper safety techniques and positioning for radiological procedures.
• Recovers patients from anesthesia. 
• Assists veterinarians and technicians in surgery and dentistry.
• Performs basic emergency care, CPR, and intensive care as needed.
• Assists with and documents patient treatments.
• Cleans and feeds patients.
• Sets up and assists with procedures, such as IV catheterization and other common treatments.
• Bathes patients as needed.
• Assists with patient admits and releases as needed.
•  Ensures patients leave in better condition than when they arrived (e.g., clean and with IV catheter removed).
• Maintains knowledge of drugs and their uses. 
• Fill prescriptions accurately; asks for guidance if necessary.
• Assists with lab tests as needed.
• Completes medical records accurately and efficiently.
• Performs procedures such as nail trims, medication administration and fluid administration.

• Cleans, cares for, and packs surgical equipment properly.
• Keeps hospital clean and stocked.
• Removes trash from hospital, and sweeps and mops floors daily.
• Launders soiled blankets, towels, and other linens.
• Utilizes in-house inventory control procedures to ensure items are stocked appropriately.

• Adheres to all hospital policies, standards, and procedures, including but not limited to uniforms, grooming, and personal calls, as stated in the hospital procedures manual. 
• Serves as a representative of the hospital, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and other staff members.
• Demonstrates initiative in everyday duties by seeking other work during down times, assisting other employees, and filling in for other employees as needed. 
• Demonstrates a commitment to handling routine conflict in a professional, respectful manner.
• Demonstrates an ability to give and receive feedback and coaching in a professional, respectful manner.
• Adheres to the posted work schedule. Arrives for work promptly and begins work at the start time. Follows hospital policies for reporting lateness or absences. 
• Utilizes the time clock to clock in and out at the beginning and end of each day and during breaks.
• Organizes work area and exercises time-management skills to maximize personal efficiency.
• Prioritizes tasks and handles multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner. 

• Attends departmental and staff meetings.
• Answers phone when the Client Care Specialist (receptionist) is unable to answer by third ring. 
• Performs other duties as required.

• Education equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.
• Basic reading, math and writing skills. Understand and competently speak and write the English language. Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation are expected. 
• Good oral and written communication skills including the ability to listen, speak, write, and type using professionalism and tact.
• At least one year of recent experience in veterinary practice or medical environment, with increasing responsibilities preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to accurately manage and record detailed information in medical records and other data-management systems. Must have basic computer skills including being able to read information on a computer screen, navigate various software programs and internet sites, and enter information into the computer.
• Ability to properly restrain patients.
• Knowledge of spelling and meaning of commonly used veterinary medical terminology and procedures. 
• Ability to complete assigned tasks in the time allotted without direct supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to show empathy toward clients and treat animals with respect and compassion.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills. A commitment to outstanding client service.
• Ability to lift objects weighing 40 pounds without assistance and objects weighing more than 40 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to stay on task and work energetically for entire shift, sometimes exceeding 10 hours per day.

Salary : $13 - $18