Veterinary Assistant I

Chico Animal Hospital•Chico, CA

16d•$18 - $20

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to ensure quality care for pets and promote greater efficiency by relieving technicians and veterinarians of technical and administrative work. The Veterinary Assistant performs a variety of patient-care and client-care duties, conducts patient assessments, and performs procedures and treatments as directed by the veterinarian. The Veterinary Assistant uses sound judgment when making decisions about patient care, responds quickly and calmly to emergencies, and while maintaining high standards of patient care. This person communicates clearly with the veterinarians, other hospital personnel, and clients to ensure that patients receive the care they need. Veterinary Assistants are friendly and flexible in the face of varying expectations from clients and coworkers. They multi-task, prioritize tasks well, and think creatively. Veterinary Assistants strongly believe in the quality of patient care provided and communicates a sense of assurance to clients. The Veterinary Assistant provides for patient and client comfort by keeping the hospital clean and presentable. Veterinary Assistants may provide training to other members of the healthcare team. Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste, and contagious diseases.

Requirements

Education equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.
Demonstrated ability to accurately manage and record detailed information in medical records and other data-management systems.
Ability to learn how to properly restrain patients.
Ability to complete assigned tasks in the time allotted without direct supervision.
Demonstrated ability to show empathy toward clients, and treat animals with respect and compassion.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
A commitment to outstanding client service.
Ability to lift objects weighing 40 pounds without assistance and objects weighing more than 40 pounds with assistance.
Ability to stay on task and work energetically for entire shift.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience preferred, but all are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Provides the best compassionate patient care, keeping patients clean and comfortable.
Ensures patients leave in better condition than when they arrived.
Rooming all of the doctors’ exams and collecting the patient's medical history from the owners.
Debrief the veterinarian before they go into the exam.
Translates the doctor’s recommendations to the owners and goes over estimates of the treatment care plan. The estimates need an owner’s approval and signature before proceeding.
Provides client education and answers all of the clients concerns.
Assists the veterinarian during exam.
Alerts the veterinarian to changes in patients’ condition.
Recognizes patients with contagious disease and follows relevant procedures.
Provides safe and effective patient restraint.
Able to handle aggressive cats and dogs safely.
Vaccinates patients and understands proper vaccine protocol.
Administers medications to patients.
Draws up blood from patients.
Completes medical records accurately and efficiently.
Maintains knowledge of drugs and their uses.
Calculates drug dosages and fills prescriptions accurately; asks for guidance if necessary.
Assists with and documents patient treatments.
Accurately enters charges into the client's account.
Assists with lab tests as needed. Knows how to properly run a centrifuge and use an IDEXX machine. Knowledgeable about how to send out samples to any referral lab.
Assists by taking X-rays.
Uses proper safety techniques and positioning for radiological procedures.
Administers IV catheters and assists with fluid administration.
Performs procedures such as nail trims, ear cleaning and anal gland expression.
Helps assist with cystocentesis (urine collection).
Performs basic emergency care, CPR, and intensive care as needed
Knowledge of spelling and meaning of commonly used veterinary medical terminology and procedures.
Keeps hospital clean and stocked.
Cleans and stocks exam rooms between appointments.
Removes trash from hospital, and sweeps and mops floors daily.
Launders soiled blankets, towels, and other linens.
Utilizes in-house inventory control procedures to ensure items are stocked appropriately.
Adheres to all hospital policies, standards, and procedures, including but not limited to uniforms, grooming, smoking, and personal calls, as stated in the hospital procedures manual.
Serves as a representative of the hospital, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and other staff members.
Demonstrates initiative in everyday duties by seeking other work during down times, assisting other employees, and filling in for other employees as needed.
Adheres to the posted work schedule. Arrives for work promptly and begins work at the start time. Follows hospital policies for reporting lateness or absences.
Utilizes the time clock to clock in and out at the beginning and end of each day and during breaks.
Organizes work area and exercises time-management skills to maximize personal efficiency.
Prioritizes tasks and handles multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner.
Attends departmental and staff meetings.
Answers phone when the Client Care Specialist (receptionist) is unable to answer by third ring.
Understanding of the hospital layout and knows the location of all the supplies
Performs any other duties, including assisting other departments, as required by employer.