CoastView Veterinary Hospital is looking for a full time  or part time experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our Urgent Care team. We offer Urgent Care hours 4 days a week, under the supervision of Dr. Karla Nova, in order to help as many sick patients as we can in San Diego

Our mission is to provide exceptional, compassionate, low stress, and convenient care to our patients as well as clear and honest communication to their owners. Our hospital and entire staff is Fear Free Certified with the goal of helping every animal live a full, healthy, and pain free life.

You will assist the doctors to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients, and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency.

Job hours are from 12:00pm until approximately 9:00p

Competitive salary/benefits package available.  We focus on a happy team, work life balance, and kind team members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the veterinarian

 • Prep and assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures

 • Triage patients, perform physical exams, and gather brief medical histories

 • Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs

 • Operate and maintain hospital equipment, i.e., EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, syringe pump, anesthetic monitors and machines

• Anesthetize animals and monitor anesthesia under the direction and supervision of the veterinarian

 • Communicate with clients/owners about the status of patients, as directed by the veterinarian

 • Fill prescriptions/administer medications, including proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs

 • Maintain cleanliness of exam rooms (after each patient), reception areas, hospital grounds, and treatment areas, as needed

• Clean cages, as needed

• Do laundry

• Communicate patient status with oncoming staff and veterinarians, and update records and financial information, as needed, in the computer

 • Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, and/or pain • Communicate and approach job duties in a mature manner

• Foster teamwork approach and work well with all levels of hospital team members

 • Participate in all staff and technician/assistant mandatory staff meetings

 • Participate in the review process for other technical staff and doctors when requested

 • Answer phones and perform other reception duties as needed by the hospital

 • Understand zoonotic disease risks in the work environment and use all appropriate safety equipment, garments, and procedures to protect self and others

 • Understand and limit the potential exposure to bites, scratches, and potential injuries

 • Understand that employees in this role are exposed to various cleaning solutions and other chemicals, odors, noises, and animal wastes and behave in a professional manner when dealing with these conditions

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Familiarity with Hospital policies and procedures
• Clinical laboratory procedures
• Medication calculations and administration
• Catheter placement
• Vital sign monitoring
• Client communications
• Anesthesiology
• Animal restraint
•  Patient physical assessments
• Radiographic technique
• Venipuncture

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Some continuing education seminars or other education opportunities in the area of veterinary science
• 1+ years of experience in veterinary environment successfully performing all of the duties of this position

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to lift up to 40 pounds (work requires lifting, carrying, and restraining animals –with assistance from other staff members for animals weighing over 40 pounds

Ability to walk or stand for extended periods; frequently working in a bent position

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