JOB DESCRIPTION: Abbey Animal Hospital Veterinary Assistant  Â
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POSITION SUMMARY:Â
The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians and hospital support staff in all duties of the hospital and ensures a comfortable and sanitary environment for all patients under treatment at Abbey Animal Hospital. Â
The responsibilities vary with the current needs of the hospital team, the season of the year, and the individual abilities demonstrated by the employee. This is an overview of the position and the duties listed do not encompass the entire position. Â
REPORTS TO: Practice Manager & Veterinarians
COMPENSATION: Based on experience.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:Â
Patient Care:Â
·        Ensure a comfortable and sanitary environment for all patients under treatmentÂ
·        Responsible for care of hospitalized patients and patients being seen by a doctor including but not limited to kennel upkeep, patient exercise, feeding, medicating, shaving, and all assigned patient care related tasksÂ
·        Properly and safely restrain patients, reliably and with compassion to prepare for procedures performed by doctorsÂ
·        Is conscious of patient comfort needsÂ
·        Observe patients throughout the day for signs of illness, parasites and disease control, assessment of change in patient status Â
·        Report any abnormalities or concerns to the veterinarian in charge Â
·        Under the direction of a veterinarian, administer oral medicationsÂ
·        Assist with nail trimming, ear cleaning, expressing anal glands Â
·        Correctly administer medication which the doctor has prescribedÂ
·        Prep patients for surgery, assist when neededÂ
·        Assist with the operation of the anesthesia machine and other applicable equipmentÂ
·        Assist in radiologyÂ
·        Prepare surgery packs and cutting surgery drapesÂ
·        Clean and autoclave syringes, needles and other surgical instrumentsÂ
·        Thoroughly clean autoclave per hospital scheduleÂ
·        Assist during dental cleaningsÂ
·        Understand proper medical record keeping, how to invoice, and how to record notes in patient filesÂ
·        Follow OSHA regulationsÂ
Inventory:Â
·        Unpack deliveries, reconcile against packing slip, restock suppliesÂ
·        Alert day admission technician of roomsÂ
·        Prepare and sanitize the surgery suite, treatment area, isolation ward, and all kennels used by patients here for treatmentÂ
·        Clean and maintain holding areasÂ
·        Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the medicine that we practiceÂ
·        Perform other duties as assignedÂ
Client Service:Â
·        Assist with outpatients and hospitalized patients from admission to discharge with clerical and administrative work, including knowledge of patient folders, vaccine schedules, proper phone call etiquette, and other front desk proceduresÂ
·        Communicate with pet owners using a professional, cheerful, and helpful attitude, using knowledge of preventative health care recommendations to answer questions and relay doctor’s information accuratelyÂ
REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGEÂ Â
Education:Â
·        High school diploma or equivalentÂ
·        Formal or on-the-job training as a veterinary assistantÂ
Skills:
·        Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignmentsÂ
·        Exhibit strong problem-solving and an organized approach to the positionÂ
·        Ability to remain calm in the face of various types of stressful situations, not allowing emotions to overwhelm attitude and/or performanceÂ
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