Veterinary Assistant Objectives: The Veterinary Assistant assists the veterinarians and technicians with patient care and treatment, monitors hospitalized pets, maintains inventory, prepares prescriptions, performs routine in-house laboratory work, educates clients regarding veterinary care and procedures, and assists with surgical procedures at Reynolda Veterinary Hospital. The Veterinary Assistant uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instructions, but refers deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations not covered by instructions to the practitioner for decision or help. The practitioners assure that finished work and methods used are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions or established procedures.  Review of the work increases with more difficult assignments, if the Veterinary Assistant has not previously performed similar assignments
Position type and expected hours of work:

• Full or Part-Time
• 8-10 hour Shifts Monday – Friday
• Weekend shifts required
• Overtime may be required

Education and Experience: 

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous veterinary experience preferred

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Clerical

• 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.
• Ensure all procedures rendered during the visit are documented for proper billing. Ensure that all vaccinations, procedures, notes, etc. have been documented in the medical record.

Customer Service

• Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients. Exercise compassion and care in all interactions with patients.
• Communicate with clients regarding the medical status of their pet. Provide accurate information to clients concerning fees, hospital policies and procedures, etc. 
• Instruct clients as to what they should do prior to bringing their pets in for procedures, how to care for their pets after discharge from the hospital, how to administer medications, etc.
• Educate clients regarding preventive medicine and vaccination requirements. Recommend laboratory procedures, such as pre-anesthetic profiles, geriatric screening, fecals, urinalysis, heartworm checks, FeLV testing, etc. Give clients handouts and educational materials to take home to further their understanding of veterinary issues.
• 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 basic information (weight, temperature, etc.) on the pet.
• Discuss with the client the reason for the visit (chief complaint), any symptoms or problems being experienced, and any procedures that may need to be done (i.e. vaccinations, fecal or heartworm tests, etc.). Utilize a pre-exam checklist, lifestyle surgery and any other applicable client educational pieces to ensure that all medical needs are covered.
• Escort the client and patient to the front desk and give the medical record and patient visit form to the receptionist for client receipting. Prepare the exam room for the next visit

Veterinary Polices/Procedures

• Follow established procedures in order to assist veterinarians with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients and patients through the out-patient clinic. Consult with veterinarians on a daily basis to plan each day’s activities. Keep doctors apprised of potential problems, discussions with clients, etc.

Technical

• Restrain animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during examinations and procedures. Know how to properly handle difficult or contentious animals.
• Obtain any laboratory samples that may be needed from the pet or make sure that laboratory work is performed by another team member while the patient is still in the exam room. Utilize a fecal loop when necessary. Anticipate and prepare any medications or vaccines the doctor will need to treat the patient.
• 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 excused by the doctor.
• Prepare specimens for outside laboratory. Obtain results from the laboratory over the phone or fax.
• Monitor laboratory supplies and order additional laboratory supplies as needed.
• Take, develop and maintain radiographs following proper safety procedures.
• Perform routine suture removals, nail trims, and weight checks. Apply bandages and splints under the direction of the attending veterinarian.
• Give injections, as directed by veterinarian - intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous.
• Promote the practice’s products, programs and services. Utilize passive marketing. Make suggestions to clients about products appropriate for their pet’s condition.
• Accurately dispense prescription medications as directed by veterinarian. Prepare prescription labels and appropriately package medications. Ensure that medications are added to the patient’s record and appropriately charged to the client. 
• Follow DEA and OSHA guidelines.  Document controlled drug logs anytime a controlled drug is used. Follow appropriate safety and handling of hazardous materials. Follow established hospital safety guidelines regarding radiographs, controlled drugs, animal handling, etc.
• Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment and lab areas. Restock exam rooms with supplies as needed. Assist other team members to keep the public areas of the practice clean and well maintained. Clean and maintain all medical equipment as required.

 
COMPETENCY:
Basic Skills

• Possession of strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of the spelling and meaning of commonly used terminology of veterinary medicine to accurately record results of tests and file veterinary medical reports according to alpha, numeric or subject matter headings.
• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability to multi-task
• Organize work area and exercise time management skills to maximize personal efficiency within the practice. Prioritize tasks and handle multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of proper methods of animal restraint.
• Apply knowledge and skills in controlling/handling individual animal temperament
• Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.
• Knowledge of sterilization techniques to sterilize various instruments and materials.
• Knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make preparations and provide “tableside” assistance.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.
• Regular attendance is essential to fulfill the requirements of this position.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments. Understand and carry out oral and written direction.

Communication Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Requires active listening skills, giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points be made, asking questions as appropriate and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Requires telephone conversations
• Requires use of electronic mail
• Requires writing letters and memos
• Requires face-to-face discussions with individuals or team members

Social Skills

• Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.
• Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals or the practice to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Ability to adjust actions in relation to other’s actions
• Teaching others how to perform a task
• Actively looking for ways to help others
• Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Requires dealing with unpleasant, angry or discourteous people

Technical Skills

• Knowledge of computers and relevant software applications including MS Office (Word).
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  This position does require a large amount of time standing, walking, and lifting up to 40 pounds (as well as larger weights with assistance). 
 Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust to focus.