Veterinary Assistant at Vernon Hills Animal Hospital
About The Position
Practice At Vernon Hills Animal Hospital, although our focus is on dogs and cats, we are unique because we see many species of pets. You may see a baby sloth, an iguana, a rabbit, or a hedgehog in one of our exam rooms on any given day. Our services include general medicine and surgery (including laser surgery), wellness care and vaccinations, exotic animal medicine and surgery, geriatric medicine, dentistry, radiography (general and dental), therapeutic cold laser treatments, and laboratory services. More about the Role The Veterinary Assistant assists the veterinarians and technicians with patient care and treatment, monitors hospitalized pets, maintains inventory, prepares prescriptions, performs routine in-house laboratory work, educates clients regarding veterinary care and procedures, and assists with surgical procedures. Please note, we work one day a week with shelter and feral pets to help the local community. Knowledge and handling skills with shelter and feral pets highly preferred. Anesthesia monitoring and surgical skills preferred.
Requirements
- Ability to work on weekends as required
- Previous veterinary experience preferred
- Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 25 pounds with assistance
- Practice OSHA safety techniques including proper PPE
- Basic math and the ability to calculate medication dosages
- Basic computer skills, familiarity with MS office applications, etc.
- Strong communication skills to ensure patient safety
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge and handling skills with shelter and feral pets highly preferred
- Anesthesia monitoring and surgical skills preferred
Responsibilities
- Assist veterinarians in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery and other tasks as needed.
- Assist veterinarians in outpatient exams by taking histories, vital signs, and weights, as well as providing client education.
- Prepare patients for surgery and monitor vital signs of the patient during surgery.
- Obtain blood, stool, and other samples; perform in-hospital laboratory testing and prepare specimens for outside laboratories.
- Take, develop, and maintain radiographs following proper safety procedures.
- Provide basic animal handling and restrain animals during exams.
- Administer and monitor medications, anesthesia, vaccines, and treatments at the discretion of the veterinarian.
- Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment, and lab areas; restock exam rooms with supplies.
- Assist other team members to keep the public areas of the practice clean; clean and maintain all medical equipment.
- Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients; exercise compassion and care in all interactions with patients.
- Communicate with veterinarians and practice team members including client discussions, patient plans, client concerns, etc.
- Any other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Paid time off
- Health insurance
- dental insurance
- vision insurance
- Retirement benefits or accounts
- Bonus incentive
- Flexible work schedules
- Career and professional development
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Referral Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
