Veterinary Assistant, Surgery, Vancouver Animal Emergency & Referral Centre

VCA Animal Hospitals•Vancouver, BC

1d•CA$19 - CA$25•Onsite

About The Position

Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Centre is seeking a dependable and caring Veterinary Assistant to join their Surgery department full-time. This role is crucial for supporting the entire hospital, with a specific focus on assisting with orthopedic, soft tissue, and emergency surgeries. The ideal candidate will be organized, motivated, and empathetic, contributing to a smooth-running service and a positive environment for both pet parents and patients.

Requirements

Must be able to lift up to 20kg patients
Previous experience in a veterinary setting is beneficial, it is not a requirement.
Completion of a Medical Device Reprocessing course or familiarity with instrumentation and various types of instrument sterilizers (steam/chemical).
Candidates with previous experience in medical device reprocessing in a human medical facility will also be considered.
Superior customer service and outstanding client communication skills
Keen interest in improving and learning new skills with a sense of curiosity
Exceptional organizational skills and a detail-oriented work style
Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Willingness to learn more regarding veterinary services, updated medical office procedures
Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.
Awareness of the hospital's policies and procedures
Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations
Have physical strength and the ability to stand for an entire shift when needed & lift to 20kg

Nice To Haves

Veterinary Assistant (VA) or Veterinary Office Assistant (VOA) program certificate is an asset
Ability to scrub in to assist the surgeon is also an asset if needed.
Recent program graduates who are motivated and confident in their abilities and possess above-average skills are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Assist the veterinary staff with various tasks and treatments
Create a warm and welcoming environment for our pet parents
Create a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our patients and adapt to changing situations
Take initiative and work independently
General housekeeping duties; cleanliness of reception area, pet holding areas, and common areas
Willingness to learn more regarding veterinary services, updated medical office procedures
High standard of instrument reprocessing and sterilization, striving to ensure fully stocked operating rooms in an efficient manner
Maintenance of equipment and supplies used in our three state-of-the-art surgical units
Assembling and providing surgical supply sets and carts as ordered for scheduled and emergency surgeries
Inventory monitoring, ordering, replenishing and rotating supplies in your work area.
Safe animal restraint and handling of dogs and cats.
Assisting the surgery team with various animal nursing tasks
Above average knowledge on sterile preparation of patients for various surgical procedures, including orthopedic & soft tissue procedures.
Ability to scrub in to assist the surgeon is also an asset if needed.
Ability to assist technologists with anesthesia induction of patients for various surgical procedures.
General cleaning duties; cleanliness of operating rooms, sterilization area, pet holding areas, and common areas.
Maintaining continuous surgical laundry flow.
Preparing and submitting lab samples to various outside laboratories
Attend staff meetings
Assisting the Board-Certified Specialist and Registered Veterinary Technologists in any other appropriate capacity as requested

Benefits

RRSP Employer 5 % Match Program
Competitive wages and benefits
Opportunity to apply for a Veterinary Technician/Technologist scholarship (annual process)
Annual uniform allowance
Exceptional career development
Referral Bonus Rewards
Opportunities to give back to your community through VCA initiatives
Generous personal pet care discounts
Shopping discounts
Wellness apps