Veterinary Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION

There are many levels of Veterinary Assistants (VA) at Ohana Pet Hospital, ranging from Level 1 through 5 (or RVT). To progress from one level to the next, you must complete the Level Training Checklist administered by the Training Manager.

VA’s must possess excellent critical thinking/problem-solving skills, compassion, a positive attitude, communication, and teamwork skills. Multi-tasking and accepting constructive criticism are essential. Punctuality is a must. These job descriptions do not necessarily cover every task or duty that might be assigned. There may be additional responsibilities assigned, as necessary. These are non-exempt, at-will position.

Veterinary Assistant – Level 1 and 2

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Complete Level 1 and 2 training checklists.
2. Assist in cleaning the hospital including but not limited to laundry, floors, taking out the trash and recycling, cleaning reception, treatment areas, surgery, exam rooms, kennels, bathrooms, and kitchen.
3. Always keep all areas of the hospital stocked including but not limited to treatment areas and the restrooms.
4. Surgical instrument cleaning, surgical laundry, and sterile pack preparation including wrapping packs.
5. Assist Senior Veterinary Assistants in proper, safe, and gentle animal restraint for a variety of procedures and compassionate care of patients.
6. Monitor the welfare and comfort of patients in the hospital.
7. Bathe patients according to doctor’s orders.
8. Assist clients with patient handling or carrying food to their vehicle when needed.
9. Maintain proper documentation in the electronic medical record.

Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
2. Must be able to safely lift 40 pounds unassisted or up to 150 pounds with 3-person assist.
3. Must be able to be on your feet for the full duration of your shift and be able to properly restrain both large and small patients which often requires bending, crouching, squatting, leaning over, twisting, reaching, upper body strength, hand strength, sitting on the ground, and other physical demands. Must also be strong enough to withstand pulling of a large strong dog on a leash.
4. Basic computer, math, and writing skills. Computer skills: Able to use Windows based computer systems, word processing, email, web search, and other skills needed to effectively use the practice management software

Veterinary Assistant – Level 3

The Level 3 Veterinary Assistant (VA L3) is also called the “front nurse” position and is primarily a customer service-based role. VA L3 are also responsible for Level 1-2 duties as well.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Schedule Awareness

1. Complete Level 3 Vet Assistant Training Checklist
2. Be aware of the schedule to keep doctors on time and prevent excessive client wait times. Assist receptionists in placing clients in exam rooms to maintain on-time status.
3. Communicate with other Front Nurses, Receptionists, and all back staff on status of patients and clients. (i.e. running late, unexpected emergencies, etc.)
4. Use of prefix designations in Cornerstone to communicate where clients and patients are at in the appointment process: T – Tech in Room /D – Doctor in room/RTG – Ready to Go

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Client Interaction

1. Take care of client needs from the time they enter the exam room to providing instructions at discharge.
2. Assist the doctors in the exam room with patient history taking, TPRs, physical exam restraint, and provide vital client communication such as the generation and delivery of estimates/treatment plans and discharge instructions.
3. Use of proper language and etiquette when talking with clients.
4. Maintain proper documentation in the electronic medical record: Concise pet history, complete digital medical record filled out except “Assessment” section, obtain a TPR – enter results into Cornerstone, initial all treatments performed. Medical records must also be completely and accurately filled out and all completed treatments signed off.
5. Client call backs on in-house testing performed in a timely manner and documented in Cornerstone.
6. Obtain a SIGNED estimate / treatment plan for all appointments
7. Clear, written discharge notes which will be review with client at discharge
8. Accurately fill prescription medications. Explain clearly at discharge – Medication purpose, general side effects to look for, and proper prescribed dosing on label. Ensure all client questions on medication(s) are answered.
9. Generate accurate forms (i.e. vaccine certificates, health certificates, and Certificates of sterility, etc.)
10. Complete PVL with capture of all charges for services performed. Be sure to use RTG designation to inform reception whether the client needs to speak with a technician, doctor, or only reception prior to invoicing and charging out the client
11. Client Education – preventative care.
12. Basic medical treatments: vaccine administration, subcutaneous fluid administration, oral medication administration, peripheral blood draws, in house laboratory snap tests.
13. Assist clients with patient handling or carrying items to their vehicle when needed.

Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
2. Must be able to safely lift 40 pounds unassisted or up to 150 pounds with 3-person assist.
3. Must be able to be on your feet for the full duration of your shift and be able to properly restrain both large and small patients which often requires bending, crouching, squatting, leaning over, twisting, reaching, upper body strength, hand strength, sitting on the ground, and other physical demands. Must also be strong enough to withstand pulling of a large strong dog on a leash.
4. Basic computer, math, and writing skills. Computer skills: Able to use Windows based computer systems, word processing, email, web search, and other skills needed to effectively use the practice management software

Veterinary Assistant – Level 4 and 5

VA L4 and L5 are also responsible for Level 1-3 duties as well.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Complete Level 4 and 5 Vet Assistant Training Checklist
2. Assist Veterinarians in patient care and medical treatments including but not limited to: Medication administration, vaccine administration, acquiring laboratory samples, processing in-house and reference lab samples, anesthesia monitoring, dental prophy, surgical preparation, hospitalized patient care, critical/emergency care and triage.
3. Able to work patiently with clients in varying emotional states.
4. Check in clients, take medical history, obtain patient vital signs, and charge out clients in rooms.
5. Fill prescriptions accurately.
6. Discharge patients and client education.
7. Assist in training of junior level vet assistants under the guidance of supervisory veterinarians.
8. Relay appropriate information to/from clients to doctors and/or management.

Qualifications:

1. Associates in Veterinary Technology or equivalent RVT training program (preferred).
2. High School Diploma or G.E.D. required.
3. Must be able to safely lift 40 pounds unassisted or up to 150 pounds with 3-person assist.
4. Must be able to be on your feet for the full duration of your shift and be able to properly restrain both large and small patients which often requires bending, crouching, squatting, leaning over, twisting, reaching, upper body strength, hand strength, sitting on the ground, and other physical demands. Must also be strong enough to withstand pulling of a large strong dog on a leash.
5. Basic computer, math, and writing skills. Computer skills: Able to use Windows based computer systems, word processing, email, web search, and other skills needed to effectively use the practice management software.

Review the job descriptions above and then CLICK HERE for more information and to apply online.