Clinical Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Ethos Veterinary Health•Houston, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) is seeking a highly organized, compassionate, and energetic individual with exceptional collaboration skills to join their team as a Surgery Clinical Veterinary Assistant. This role is within a specialty hospital and combines technical nursing support, patient monitoring, diagnostics, client communication, and continuity of care. The position requires adaptability, compassion, attention to detail, and a commitment to patient safety and exceptional client service. Clinical Veterinary Assistants work under the direct guidance of veterinarians, credentialed technicians, supervisors, and managers, assisting the medical team to improve patient care quality and promote efficiency through technical support, client communication, and operational assistance. They play a critical role throughout the patient experience, assisting with diagnostics, sedation support, patient monitoring, admissions, recovery, documentation, and coordination of follow-up care, while serving as an advocate for both patients and clients.

Requirements

High School diploma is required
Previous experience in a surgical or specialty veterinary setting is preferred.
Basic knowledge of animal handling, restraint techniques, and veterinary medical terminology is preferred.
Previous experience with phlebotomy, laboratory procedures, radiography, anesthesia monitoring, and electronic medical records is preferred but not required.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
The ability to thrive under pressure and make informed decisions in fast-paced situations.
A genuine passion for animal care and a commitment to patient well-being.
Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role; fluency in multiple languages a plus!

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree (A. A.) in animal technology or Bachelors is preferred
current technical certification (RVT, CVT, LVT, CVA); or related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education / experience.

Responsibilities

Perform daily and weekly cleaning duties.
Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of cages, treatment tables, treatment areas, monitoring equipment, counters, floors, and common areas.
Administer oral, topical, ophthalmic, SQ, IM, and IV medications as directed.
Assist veterinarians and credentialed technicians during examinations, diagnostics, and treatments.
Provide patient restraint while maintaining patient comfort and safety.
Assist with hospitalized patient care and patient transfers.
Assist kennel personnel in maintaining patient cleanliness and comfort.
Prepare patients for discharge ensuring patients are medically appropriate and well groomed.
Maintain inventory and stock supplies as directed.
Support workflow and assist other departments as needed.
Obtain TPR parameters, blood pressure, SpO2, and ECGs.
Collect blood, urine, fecal, and cytology samples.
Perform venipuncture and IV catheter placement.
Perform in-house laboratory procedures and sample preparation.
Submit samples to outside reference laboratories.
Assist with digital radiography and patient positioning.
Perform bandage changes and wound care.
Assist with feeding tube care and maintenance.
Perform urinary catheter care and maintenance.
Maintain aseptic technique and proper sample handling procedures.
Obtain and document complete patient histories during recheck appointments and follow-up visits.
Communicate patient progress and treatment recommendations under the direction of a veterinarian or credential technician.
Answer client questions appropriately and escalate concerns outside the scope of training.
Enter medications and refill requests into the medical record.
Schedule recheck appointments, diagnostics, sedated procedures, and follow-up visits.
Coordinate continuity of care with doctors, technicians, and other departments.
Provide compassionate and professional client service.
Assist with sedation procedures under the direction of a veterinarian or credentialed technician.
Monitor sedated patients and recognize normal and abnormal patient parameters.
Assist with anesthesia support and patient recovery.
Monitor hospitalized patients and recognize changes requiring escalation.
Perform recovery assessments and communicate concerns promptly.
Provide supportive care to hospitalized patients.
Recognize emergency situations and communicate concerns immediately.
Document treatments and patient observations accurately.
Admit hospitalized and surgical patients.
Obtain patient weights and vital parameters.
Ensure required paperwork and documentation are completed.
Assist with patient placement according to hospital protocols.
Print and place emergency drug sheets on patient kennels when applicable.
Coordinate diagnostics and treatments with multiple departments.
Assist with inventory management and stocking supplies.
Promote workflow efficiency and patient safety.
Maintain accurate medical records utilizing ezyVet, SmartFlow, and other hospital software systems.
Document treatments, medications, diagnostics, and client communications.
Maintain controlled substance logs as directed.
Ensure medical records are complete and submitted in a timely manner.
Maintain confidentiality regarding patient, client, and hospital information.
Advocate for patient safety and quality medicine.
Recognize abnormal patient conditions and escalate concerns appropriately.
Follow hospital protocols and standard operating procedures.
Seek assistance when patient needs exceed current training or scope of responsibility.
Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
Demonstrate accountability and ownership of assigned responsibilities.
Maintain punctuality and adhere to attendance policies.
Communicate effectively with clients, doctors, technicians, supervisors, and hospital personnel.
Support a positive and collaborative work environment.
Participate in cross-training and continuing education opportunities.
Demonstrate flexibility and professionalism in stressful situations.
Promote respectful communication and teamwork.