Position Summary
Under the direct supervision of the Practice Manager, theVeterinary Assistant will work with doctors and scribes to provide basic support for outpatient appointments. This includes talking with the desk to identify the correct client’s vehicle and welcome clients to the practice. Without reaching in the car bring the patient only into the building and the doctor / scribe assigned exam rooms for the day. They will assist the doctor by handling / restraining for appointments and treatments and sanitizing exam rooms between patients.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
- May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.
- Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, possible overtime, nights, and Saturdays as needed.
- Ability to lift 35lbs. without assistance.
- Ability to open/close various types of containers with or without tools.
- Ability to use a step ladder or stool.
- Ability to reach above your head with arms stretched holding product.
- Ability to bend down or squat or use stairs to basement.
- Ability to walk the various types of terrain around the facility.
Education/License Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Medical or Veterinary Assistant training program an asset, but not required.
Essential General Knowledge
- Know the range of services the practice provides and species they treat.
- Be reasonably familiar with breeds and coat colors.
- Follow OSHA standards. Be able to find Material Safety Sheets quickly.
- Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations.
- Use proper medical terminology when spreading and writing.
- Be familiar with infectious diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission. Know common zoonotic diseases.
- Competently speak and write the English language.
Essential General Tasks
- Always be in position and prepared to work by the start of each scheduled shift.
- Maintain a professional appearance while at work, including clean uniform.Change when needed to avoid carrying odors.
- Maintain an even, friendly demeanor while on the job. Perform job tasks efficiently without rushing.
- Handle stress with poise and tact.
- Show respect for clients, team members, and animals (alive or deceased) at all times.
- Maintain a list of tasks and engage in productive work during slow periods.
- Assist other employees as needed. Avoid waiting for coworkers to ask for assistance.
- Participate in your performance appraisal and professional development goals.
- Participate in all staff and training meetings.
- Maintain constant vigilance regarding open doorways that could allow pets to escape in the facility.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients and patients for whom the practice provides veterinary service.
- Be prepared to handle any pet for facility emergency that may arise.
Essential Patient-Admittance Tasks
- Cordially greet incoming clients and patients, addressing each by name for in clinic and curbside.
- Obtain and record contact information from clients to ensure clients can be reached during the pets appt.
- Take custody of the pets from clients. (Never reach into a vehicle if client is curbside). Restrain dogs with the practice leash. Whenever possible, return the clients leash to them. If they insist on leaving leads on, properly label and return them to clients promptly when pets are retrieved from the facility.
- Note special instruction given by clients regarding medications, feeding and exercise. Scribes can confirm this information. You don’t have to inquire about the above instructions, just be sure you share anything the client tells you with Scribe/DVM.
- Assist clients with unruly or unrestrained pets. Ensure all the dogs are leashed and that cats and small pets are in a crate or away from large dog area. Find a Scribe to handle aggressive pets.
- Walk and carry pets to the appropriate ward, exam room, vehicle.
- Make kennel cards for drop off patients. If permitted, provide food and water and bedding. Mark cages and runs with the pets; cage card. Let Scribe/DVM know the patient has arrived including the location.
- Make sure that all kennel and cage doors are properly secured after admitting or moving patients and before leaving the facility at the end of the day.
Essential Patient Discharge Tasks
- Provide clients with a report card of their appointment or stay if one was completed.
- Check all pets for cleanliness prior to discharge.
- Handle angry or grieving clients with a calm, compassionate, and reassuring manner.
- When in clinic, always offer to assist clients to their cars, including carrying any items for them.
Essential Pet Care Tasks
- Restrain pets in a manner that allows necessary work to be performed, minimizing stress to pets, and ensures the safety of pets and people.
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Know the use, when appropriate, various techniques to restrain fractious animals including:
- Muzzles, body harnesses, collars, towels for cats.
- Blankets, towels.
- Use of physical restraint using your body, hands and/or arms.
- Aid veterinarians and technicians in evaluating incoming animals through examinations and diagnostic testing.
- Be familiar with red writing / warnings and notate on cage cards and records as appropriate.
- Follow procedures for cleaning and disinfecting exam rooms and areas your team utilizes.
- Clean cages as requested.
Facility/Maintenance Tasks
- Maintain parking lots to ensure they are free of patient elimination as they happen to reduce the spread of parasites. Before discarding, if the patient is seeing a doctor, always ask if they need a fecal sample.
- Ensure walkways are safe during inclement weather. Remove ice and snow from walkways. Place pet safe on walkways as needed.
- Bring laundry down to bathing room. If a load needs switched, please do so. Help our Pet Care Representatives. Bring any clean laundry up when you return.
- Perform other tasks as assigned.
Source: Indeed.com
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