Veterinary Assistant - Temporary to Hire Role - Confidential Company

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. This temp to hire role is ideal for someone coming back into the veterinary field or those candidates with some education but no direct veterinary work experience. Temporary to regular full-time conversions typially happen within 6 months but depend on the pace at which indivuals grasp their work responsibilities. 

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. 

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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. 

Key Competencies: 

· Must be friendly, outgoing, “people oriented.” 

· Must be capable of being cross-trained 

· Must be responsible for clocking in/out  

· Must be a team player willing to learn new techniques and treatments and accept change. 

· Ensure that client and pets feel welcome and comfortable 

· Practice professional customer service by treating the client with courtesy and respect at all times. 

· Serve as “Ambassadors” for creating and maintaining goodwill for the company. 

· Build rapport with clients and pets. 

· Immediately greet clients and their pets by name making eye contact with clients while speaking to them. 

· If there is a delay, keep clients informed of expected waiting time. 

· Ability to effectively communicate and educate clients and answer non-medical questions. 

· Professional appearance required, scrubs are to be worn at all times and are furnished by the employee. 

· Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and guidelines 

· Avoid gossip and treat co-workers with courtesy and respect at all times.