Job description

VETERINARY ASSISTANT/TECHNICIAN

INTRODUCTION

The Veterinary Assistant/Technician assists the doctors to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients, and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work.

The Veterinary Assistant/Technician assists in multiple procedures providing care to animals including physical examinations, surgeries, euthanasia as well as client education, marketing and inventory maintenance. This position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases; their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventative health care recommendations. This is an overview of the positions and the job responsibilities listed do not encompass the entire position. The Veterinary
Assistant/ Technician is under the direct guidance and supervision of the Veterinary Technician
Team Leader and Veterinarians.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Obtain and record patient histories.

• Communicate with clients regarding the medical status of their pet. Provide accurate information to clients concerning fees, hospital policies and procedures, etc.

• Instruct clients as to what they should do prior to bringing their pets in for procedures, how to care for their pets after discharge from the hospital, how to administer medications, etc.

• Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients and show compassion and care in all interactions with patients.

• Restrain animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during examinations and procedures. Know how to properly handle difficult or contentious animals.

• Follow established procedures in order to assist veterinarians with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients and patients. Keep doctors apprised of potential problems, discussions with clients, etc.

• Greet clients and escort them and their pets into an exam room. Place patient on the exam table and prepare for the doctor to enter the room. Obtain basic information

(weight, temperature, etc) on the pet.

• Discuss with the client the reason for the visit (chief complaint), any symptoms or problems being experienced, and any procedures that may need to be done (i.e. vaccinations, fecal, or heartworm tests, etc). Utilize a pre-exam checklist, lifestyle surgery and any other applicable client educational pieces to ensure that all medical needs are covered.

• Obtain any laboratory samples that may be needed from the pet or make sure that laboratory work is performed by another team member while the patient is still in the exam room. Utilize a fecal loop when necessary. Anticipate and prepare any medications or vaccines the doctor will need to treat the patient.

• Notify the veterinarian when patients in the exam room are ready to be seen. Advise the veterinarian of the information already known such as the nature of the visit, preventative procedures due, tests tat are to be run, etc. Assist the veterinarian within the exam room by restraining the animal, preparing forms, obtaining instruments, etc.

Remain in the exam room until excused by the doctor.

• Listen to all doctors recommendations to client in order to repeat to client if necessary.

• Ensure all procedures rendered during the visit are documented for proper billing.

Ensure that all vaccinations, procedures, notes, etc have been documented in the medical record.

• Escort the client and patient to the front desk and review list of charges and medications or products prescribed. Prepare the exam room for the next visit.

• Prepare specimens for outside laboratory.

• Give injections, as directed by veterinarian-intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous.

• Promote the practice's products, programs and services. Utilize passive marketing. Make suggestions to clients about products appropriate for their pet's condition.

• Accurately dispense prescription medications as directed by veterinarian. Prepare prescription labels for medications. Ensure that medications are added to the patient's records and appropriately charged to the client.

• Follow DEA and OSHA guidelines. Follow appropriate safety and handling of hazardous materials. Follow established hospital safety guidelines regarding radiographs, controlled drugs, animal handling, etc.

• Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment areas and tech office. Restock exam rooms and treatment areas with supplies as needed. Assist other team members to keep the

public areas of the practice clean and well maintained. Clean and maintained all medical equipment as required.

• Demonstrate initiative and teamwork in everyday duties, assisting other team members within the practice.

• Organize work area and exercise time management skills to maximize personal efficiency within the practice. Prioritize tasks and handle multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner.

• Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian.

• Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian.

• Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals.

• Prepare patients, instruments and equipment for surgery.

• Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.

• Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of high-tech diagnostic equipment including Ekg and X-Rays.

• Take and process radiographs.

• Communicate with and educate owners.

• Maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies.

• Clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials.

• Knowledgeable regarding related federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA. Ensure that the hospital and its employees are in compliance with regulations. Inform the veterinary hospital administrator of any regulatory issues.

• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTROLS OVER WORK

The practitioners provide continuing or individual assignments indicating generally what is to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines and priority of assignments. The practitioners provide additional, specific instructions for new, difficult or unusual assignments in animal health care, including suggested work methods or advice on source materials available.
The veterinary assistant/technician uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments

independently without specific instructions, but refers deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations not covered by instructions to the practitioner/senior technician for decision or help.
Supervisors assure that finished work and methods used are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions or established procedures.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.

• Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.

• Knowledge of sterilization techniques to sterilize various instruments and materials.

• Knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make preparations and provide “table-side” assistance.

• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.

• Critical thinking- Understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job.

• Frequently required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk, and listen, frequently working in a bent position.

• Frequently use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.

• Use strength or agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals.

• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50lbs.

Occasionally handle dogs weighing up to and over 150lbs. Assistance will be provided by animal handlers when working with larger animals.

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.

Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Receive, handle and treat patients with skill, compassion and care including: monitoring during anesthesia, administering fluids, assisting in diagnosing, surgery and general and specialized nursing care.

• Accurately perform laboratory tests.

• Accurately dispense and administer medications.

• Input data into computer software system.

• Ability to observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.

• Regular attendance and timeliness are an essential function in order to fulfill the requirements of this position.

• Strong communication and client service skills. Considerable tact and diplomacy is required. Ability to work with clients and patients in a professional, friendly, hospitable manner.

• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.

• Perform general physical activities that require bending, standing, stooping, moving from room to room, sit, talk, and listen; may require to walk or stand for long periods of time; will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; wil reach with hands and arms.

• Frequently lift, carry and handle dogs weighing 50lbs.

• Occasionally handle dogs weighing up to and over 150 lbs. Assistance will be provided by animal handlers when working with larger animals.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $12.00 - $14.00 per hour

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $13.00 - $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Night shift
• Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Pembroke Pines, FL 33023: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Veterinary assistant: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: One location

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