Testing Assistant Jobs in Santa Cruz, CA (NOW HIRING)

Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our collaborative, fast-paced hospital team. We are looking for a skilled veterinary assistant who is confident in technical patient care, thrives in a busy clinical environment, and is passionate about delivering high-quality medicine and compassionate care to both patients and clients. This role is ideal for candidates who enjoy hands-on patient care, assisting veterinarians and technicians, supporting a busy appointment schedule, and working as part of a collaborative team. What We're Looking For Candidates should have experience or proficiency in: Venipuncture and blood collection IV catheter placement Patient restraint and low-stress handling Rooming appointments and obtaining patient histories Collecting and recording patient vitals (TPR) In-house laboratory sample collection and preparation Assisting veterinarians and technicians with diagnostics, treatments, and procedures Client communication and exceptional customer service Fast-paced treatment workflow Clinical Responsibilities Perform venipuncture and place IV catheters. Collect and accurately record patient histories, TPR, and other vital parameters. Safely restrain patients for examinations, diagnostics, and treatments. Assist veterinarians and technicians with outpatient appointments, diagnostics, imaging, treatments, and procedures. Collect laboratory samples and prepare specimens for in-house diagnostic testing. Assist with medication preparation and administration as directed. Support urgent care workflow by obtaining patient histories, collecting vitals, assisting with patient flow, and preparing patients for examination. Prepare exam rooms and treatment areas for appointments and procedures. Prepare discharge instructions and review medications and home care instructions with clients as directed. Provide compassionate customer service and maintain clear communication with clients throughout the patient visit. Maintain accurate medical records, treatment documentation, and charge entry. Hospital Support Responsibilities Maintain clean, organized, and appropriately stocked treatment areas. Assist with room setup, equipment preparation, laundry, and hospital organization. Support team workflow through proactive communication and collaboration. Set up equipment and prepare supplies as needed. Qualifications Minimum of 2 years of experience working as a Veterinary Assistant is required. Experience performing venipuncture and placing IV catheters is required. Excellent customer service and communication skills. Strong teamwork skills and willingness to support veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians. Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail. Ability to safely restrain animals and lift patients with assistance as needed. Competencies Candidates will be evaluated for these job-role competencies: Ethics and Values, with demonstrated actions that consistently reflect integrity and professionalism. Action Oriented, working with urgency, energy, and enthusiasm while taking initiative. Communication, both verbal and written, with clients and team members. Customer Focus, providing outstanding service to clients while supporting patient care. Functional/Technical Skills related to veterinary assisting, patient safety, and hospital operations. Nimble Learning, with a willingness to grow and develop new skills. Optimizing Work Processes, using established procedures to maintain efficiency and quality. Problem Solving to support patients, clients, doctors, and teammates. Resilience in a busy and fast-paced hospital environment. Self-Awareness, welcoming feedback and demonstrating professionalism. Additional Requirements The nature of the Veterinary Assistant role requires: On-site presence. The ability to see, hear, and rapidly process what is occurring in a fast-paced clinical environment. Close vision is essential for completing job duties. Ability to use hands and fingers to handle instruments, equipment, and patients safely. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; reach, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the shift. Ability to lift pets up to 25 pounds independently and up to 55 pounds with team assistance, stock supplies, clean kennels, and safely restrain animals to minimize the risk of injury. Ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and safely handle cleaning agents and medications. Strong verbal communication skills in English. Compensation, Benefits & Schedule Full-time 8-hour shifts Nights and weekends required $23-$27 per hour, depending on experience Employee pet discount Sick pay accrual Full-time employees are also eligible for: Medical insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance 401(k) Vacation pay accrual Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Vision insurance Employment Type: Full Time Years Experience: 1 - 3 years Salary: $23 - $27 Hourly Bonus/Commission: No