Grand Rapids, MI
142 days ago
Veterinary Assistant


Job Overview & Purpose: The purpose of the Emergency Veterinary Assistant is to provide high quality medical support and nursing care to companion animal patients.  In addition, this position is responsible for the general oversight and workflow efficiency of the hospital and client/patient services, especially during the overnight hours in absence of hospital management personnel. A veterinary assistant is non-state licensed supportive role to the veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

Responsibilities and Duties:
Technical Duties, 90%:Assist veterinarians in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgeryProficient IV catheter placementProficient and accurate drug calculations and administrationQuality nursing and husbandry care of patientsStrong working knowledge of veterinary procedures and pharmacologyPerform in-hospital lab testing and prepare specimens for outside labsPerform and/or participate in all other diagnostics such as radiology, ultrasound, ECG, BP and glucose monitoringAssist veterinarians in outpatient exams by taking histories, vital signs and weights as well as providing client educationProvide nursing care for in-hospital patients including all DVM requested treatments, diagnostics and medications Accurately and completely record all treatmentsConduct pre-admission exams and discharge hospitalized patientsPerform client callbacks as necessaryMaintain legally defensible medical records in cooperation with veterinariansActively engages in nursing roundsRounds delivered/received at shift changes, anytime a staff member comes/leavesRounds will be complete, detailed and relative to patient & client care
Examinations & TriagePrepare and maintain exam rooms (cleanliness and stocking of supplies)Assist veterinarians in exam rooms by taking patients’ history, vital signs and weight; preparing medications; and assisting with medical recordsCollect samples and perform a variety of in-house diagnostic testsFill prescriptions per veterinarians’ instructionsEducate clients about medication instructions and administrationPerform admission exams for patients being hospitalized, including weight, vital signs Perform pre-anesthetic exams on surgery patients if the veterinarian has not already assessed patientsDischarge patients as requested; review discharge instructionsLaboratoryResponsible for in-hospital lab testing such as intestinal parasite screens, pre-anesthetic testing, senior screens, complete blood count, urinalysis, heartworm, tick-borne diseases, Feline Leukemia, FIV, cytology, etc. Collect and prepare samples for both in-house and outside laboratoriesReport diagnostic testing results to veterinariansMaintain quality controls and record keeping on in-house lab equipmentComplete proper sample preparation and paperwork for outside diagnostic laboratory tests
TreatmentPerform treatments noted on treatment board and in medical records (hospitalized patients, surgeries)Assist veterinarians with daily treatmentsMonitor intensive care patientsProvide nursing and husbandry care Facilitate patient radiographsRecord x-rays in log and medical records; attach digital images to the patient recordUse and maintain IV pumps
SurgerySet up the surgical areaKeep surgical materials stockedPrepare gown and surgical packsCheck oxygen lines and waste gas scavenger system; turn off scavenger system after surgical procedures are completedPrepare instruments; knowledge of surgical instruments required for specific surgeriesPrepare patient for surgery including pre-op medications, induction/intubation and surgery prepMonitor anesthesia utilizing equipment such as pulse oximeter and electrocardiogramMaintain anesthesia machineAssist veterinarian performing surgeryMonitor patients through anesthesia recoveryEnsure the cleaning of the surgery suite and surgical instruments after each procedure following hospital sterilization protocolsKeep accurate anesthesia/surgical medical recordsEnsure hospital patients go home well-groomed and in an appropriate medical state; remove cathetersMedical RecordsUpdate medical records with progress notesCommunicate with doctors and technicians through notations in medical recordsRecord information for hospitalized patients including: Daily status each time a technician touches a patient, with initials, time, procedures and observationsHospitalized procedures such as surgeries, radiographs and dentistryPre-surgical exam findings, anesthesia riskTime anesthesia begins, ends and how many minutesSuture material, suture pattern; incision location and size; veterinarian’s surgical notesLab test resultsInjections, medications, fluid therapy, pain managementNote homecare instructions given to and reviewed with clientCreate estimates/treatment plansCollect signatures on consent forms and estimates/treatment plans
Housekeeping Duties, 5%:Maintain cleanliness of surgery suite, treatment area and exams rooms for all surfaces, including lights, tables, cabinets, walls and floorsMaintain equipment cleanliness and longevity by vacuuming pet hair from keyboards, wheels and equipmentVacuum computer keyboards in treatment area, lab/pharmacy and exam roomsClean glass windows and doors in surgery suite, treatment area and exam roomsSweep and mop floors in surgery suite, exam rooms and treatment areaKeep food and drinks out of treatment area and surgery suiteDiscard syringes in proper containersEmpty trashClean water and food bowls for hospitalized petsClean cages and bedding for hospitalized petsOrganize radiology gowns, gloves and badges, making sure they are neatly hung or storedScrub and polish sinksWipe down walls and baseboards in the surgery suite, treatment area and exam roomsClean cagesDo laundry
Administrative Duties, 3%:
InventoryLog controlled drugsAssist with inventory physical count Know how to use the inventory module in our veterinary practice-management softwareRestock shelves and drawers in exam rooms and treatment areaSafetyFollow OSHA requirementsFollow practice’s health and safety protocolsUtilize Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) AdministrativeBe proficient in using our veterinary practice-management software Assist receptionists as necessaryAttend staff and department meetings as available and needed
Client Services, 2%Answer incoming phone calls; respond with appropriate information; encourage patient exam/evaluationGreet incoming clients/patients; facilitate medical record paperwork/computer entryCreate estimates for servicesAdmit/discharge patientsCollect fees/depositsFax outgoing paperwork as necessary to rDVMsReceive incoming faxes and distribute as necessary
Teamwork:  defined as “Cooperative effort by the members of a group to achieve a common goal and/or outcome.”Participates in a positive manner in all group sizes.Refrains from participating in gossip.Supports team members by assisting other areas, is receptive to feedback and suggestions.Engages in active problem-solving vs. problem-identifying.Makes suggestions related to client/patient service improvements and hospital efficiency.
Equipment:Standard veterinary medical equipment associated with exam room use.eZyvet computer software and systemLaboratory equipment and testsVeterinary diagnostic equipment
Knowledge/Skills:Experience equivalent to job duties and responsibilitiesExcellent veterinary nursing and technical skillsExcellent communication skills – written and verbalStrong computer skillsStrong ability to multi-task, delegate and oversee daily workflowStrong working knowledge of veterinary medicine – primary and emergency careStrong work ethic and professionalism
Physical:Able to properly restrain dog and cat patients for veterinary care and proceduresAble to stand, sit, bend, restrain, squat for extended periods of timeAble to function within a busy, stressful work environment in a mature, professional mannerAble to lift 60 lbs in a safe mannerAble to type, write and verbally converseAble to work the posted schedule
Schedule:Part timeSchedule to be determined during interview processCompensation: Starting at $17/hrOur pay ranges are primarily determined by role, level, and location. The range provided for each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. **Ethos Veterinary Health and AEH management reserves the right to change the job requirements as necessary to meet the operational needs of the hospital, clients and patients.** 

Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence. Discover more at EthosVet.com..

Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees.  The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process.  For positions based in Colorado, Ethos Veterinary Health provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
 
 Ethos Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.




 

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