Veterinary Assistant

Veterinary Assistant Veterinary assistant assists in the areas of patient care and treatment, monitoring of hospitalized patients, assist with inventory, prepare prescriptions, perform routine in house laboratory work, prepare samples for outside laboratories, prepare and sterilize surgical packs, laundry, cleaning cages and stalls, cleaning clinic for closing, assisting in exam rooms, restrains patients properly and assists with surgical procedures.Primary Job Responsibilities Restrain animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during examinations and procedures.Know how to properly handle difficult or contentious animals.Knows and can execute restraint methods for horses and other large animal patients Follow established procedures in order to assist veterinarians with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients and patients through the out-patient clinic.Consult veterinarians on a daily basis to plan each day's activities.Keep doctors apprised of potential problems, discussions with clients, etc.Review medical records and notes made by the admitting receptionist in order to discern the nature of the visit and any tests or procedures that may be needed.Greet clients and escort them and their pets into an exam room.Place the patient on the exam table and prepare for the doctor to enter the room.Obtain and chart basic information (weight, temperature, etc.) on the pet.Collect laboratory samples.Prepare samples and run tests as directed.Notify the veterinarian when patients in the exam room are ready to be seen.Advise the veterinarian of the information already known such as the nature of the visit, preventive procedures due, tests that are to be run etc.Assist the veterinarian within the exam room by restraining the animal, preparing forms, obtaining instruments, etc.Remain in the exam room until dismissed by doctor.Assist in the documentation of all procedures to ensure proper billing.Take radiographs as ordered by the Veterinarians.Follow proper safety procedures.Escort the client and patient to the front desk after charges have been appropriately entered into the computer system Set up equipment for various surgical and non-surgical procedures.Assist with routine suture removals, nail trims, bandages, etc.Fill veterinary prescriptions with appropriate medication; provide routine instructions to owners concerning prescriptions for medication.Make sure staff follows procedures to ensure proper medications are dispensed.Give injections as directed by the veterinarian-intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous.Fluid therapy, place IV catheters, set up fluid administration (IV or SQ) administer fluids as ordered by the Veterinarians.Maintain catheters for patency.Follow DEA and OSHA guidelines.Document controlled substance if used.Follow appropriate safety and handling of hazardous materials.Follow established clinic safety guidelines regarding radiographs, controlled drugs, laser use, animal handling, etc.Assist in cleaning exam rooms, large animal areas, surgery, treatment and lab areas.Assist in restocking.Assist other team members to keep the public areas of the practice clean and well maintained.Clean and maintain all medical equipment as required.Follow cleaning and maintenance protocols for each piece of equipment.Clean and sterilize surgical instruments.Prepare surgical packs according to established procedures.Clean surgery area between procedures.Run laundry as needed.Assist in the needs of boarded animals including feeding, exercise and cleaning kennels and cages.Make sure medication is properly given to hospitalized animals.Report any abnormalities of hospitalized animals to the veterinarian.Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies.Notify Practice Manager in a timely manner when supplies are low.Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the clinic, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.Physical Effort The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job.Frequently required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk and listen frequently working in a bent position.Frequently use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel' will reach with hands and arms.Use strength and agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active patients.Frequently lift and or move up to 50 pounds.Occasionally handle dogs weighing up to and over 150 pounds.Handle large animals some weighing in excess of 1500 pounds.Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases.Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.Note:When duties and responsibilities change, job description will