JOB TITLE: Veterinary Assistant
REPORTS TO: Veterinary Assistant Supervisor / Hospital Manager
FLSA STATUS: Non- Exempt
COMPANION PET PARTNERS – The Best Place for Vets to Care for Pets
Companion Pet Partners is a dynamic and rapidly growing acquisition and management company focused on bringing unmatched care to pets and unsurpassed support to Veterinarians in the Western United States. Our mission is to be the best place for vets to care for pets and to be the place pet parents trust most to get the finest care for their furry, feathered, or scaly friends.
We are an experienced and diverse group of individuals who appreciate people with strong, collaborative spirits and agile minds. When you join Companion, you will have the unique opportunity to help shape an early stage business and meaningfully contribute to its growth, culture, and success.
Companion is backed by Cortec Group (www.cortecgroup.com), a private equity firm with a demonstrated track record of successfully growing veterinary services and multi-site healthcare businesses
OVERVIEW:
The Veterinary Assistant assists the veterinarians with patient care and treatment, monitors hospitalized pets, maintain inventory, prepares prescriptions, performs routine in-house laboratory work, educates clients regarding veterinary care and procedures, and assists with surgical procedures at the Veterinary Hospital. The Veterinary Assistant operates under the supervision of the Veterinary Assistant Supervisor and/or Hospital Manager.
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:
EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:
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
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.