Veterinary Assistant, Surgery
Ethos Veterinary Health•Houston, TX
•Onsite
About The Position
Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to support its surgery team at a specialty veterinary hospital. The role combines advanced surgical support with patient care and departmental assistance. Responsibilities require knowledge of surgical procedures, preparation, instrumentation, and specialized patient care. The assistant works under the direction and supervision of doctors and licensed veterinary technicians, contributing to care for patients and support for their families.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- At least 2 years of experience in general or specialty veterinary service.
- Strong technical skills, including venipuncture and IV catheter placement.
- Experience with intubation and extubation.
- Experience with surgical preparation and assistance.
- Proficiency in diagnostic imaging and laboratory procedures.
- Experience handling and processing surgical instruments, including specialized equipment.
- Ability to adapt positively to changes in healthcare technology and processes.
- Excellent listening and interpersonal skills and problem-solving methods.
- Fluent English speaking and reading skills.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience in a surgical or specialty veterinary setting.
- Fluency in additional languages.
Responsibilities
- Maintain operating-room cleanliness and equipment, anesthesia machines, and monitors; assist with procedure turnover and sterilization workflows.
- Assist with patient care, including restraint, grooming, discharge preparation, ICU and kennel support, and client service assistance.
- Perform preliminary diagnostics and laboratory work, including IV catheter placement, vital signs, ECGs, blood and urine collection, and in-house testing.
- Prepare, calculate, document, and administer medications, CRIs, blood transfusions, and controlled substances under doctor or LVT direction.
- Assist with anesthetic induction, monitoring, pain management, and recovery under supervision.
- Provide surgical support, including site preparation, sterile technique, scrubbing, circulating, handling instruments, and assisting with minor procedures.
- Document anesthesia, surgical procedures, treatments, diagnostics, and invoicing codes accurately.
- Prepare and submit reference laboratory samples, including histopathology, cultures, and uroliths, following proper protocols.
- Clean, wrap, sterilize, and organize surgical instruments and suites.
- Operate radiography, CT, and MRI equipment and follow safety standards.
- Perform advanced technical procedures as trained, including arterial lines, nerve blocks, and epidurals.
Benefits
- 401(k) with matching
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Life and disability insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee discounts, including a pet discount
- Professional development and tuition assistance
- Uniform stipend
- Retirement plan
- Ongoing continuing education opportunities, including vendor- and organization-hosted lunch-and-learns
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
