Veterinary assistant

Description

Lenoir City Animal Clinic is a well-established and reputable veterinary practice in the heart of Lenoir City, TN, dedicated to providing high-quality veterinary care and compassionate support for pets and their families.

Our skilled team of veterinary professionals is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of animals by delivering exceptional medical care, preventative services, and client education.

With a focus on compassionate care , we pride ourselves on creating lasting relationships with our clients and their pets.

We are currently seeking a motivated and compassionate Full-Time or Part-Time Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician to join our growing team.

As a key member of our clinic, you will assist our experienced veterinary staff by performing a wide range of responsibilities related to animal care , client communication , clinical support , and hospital operations .

This is a perfect opportunity for an individual with veterinary experience and a passion for providing excellent patient care in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

Animal Care & Patient Support :

• Assist veterinarians during patient examinations, including taking and recording vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate) and preparing animals for various procedures such as surgeries, diagnostic testing, and dental cleanings.
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as directed by the veterinary team, ensuring proper dosages and routes of administration (IV, IM, SQ, PO).
• Provide compassionate handling and restraint of animals during exams, blood draws, radiographs, and other clinical procedures.
• Monitor patients pre-, intra-, and post-operatively, ensuring their comfort and recovery, especially during anesthesia or surgical procedures.
• Support animal recovery by providing post-operative care, pain management, and monitoring for any complications after surgery.

Client Interaction & Communication :

• Greet clients and their pets in a friendly and professional manner, ensuring a positive and supportive experience from the moment they enter the clinic.
• Answer client questions about their pets' health, treatment plans, and preventative care options, providing clear explanations in a compassionate and empathetic tone.
• Schedule appointments, manage patient flow, and communicate with clients regarding updates on their pets' condition and treatment progress.
• Educate pet owners on essential aspects of pet health, including vaccination schedules, parasite prevention, nutrition, and home care instructions.
• Address client concerns effectively and professionally, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and trust.

Clinical Support & Veterinary Assistance :

• Assist with routine diagnostic procedures such as lab work (blood tests, urinalysis, cytology), radiographs (X-rays), and dental cleanings, ensuring that proper protocols are followed for each procedure.
• Collect blood, urine, fecal samples, and other diagnostic specimens, ensuring accurate handling and timely processing.
• Prepare and maintain medical records using electronic medical record (EMR) systems, documenting patient history, treatment plans, and progress notes.
• Monitor and manage anesthesia, providing support to veterinarians during surgical procedures, and adjusting anesthesia levels as necessary to ensure patient safety.
• Assist with the preparation, sterilization, and organization of surgical instruments and medical supplies for use during procedures.

Facility Maintenance & Safety :

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of exam rooms, surgical suites, treatment areas, and kennel spaces, adhering to strict infection control and sanitation protocols.
• Ensure that clinic equipment is properly cleaned, sterilized, and ready for use, including surgical instruments, exam tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Assist with inventory management by restocking supplies, tracking expiration dates, and assisting with inventory audits to ensure the clinic is well-equipped at all times.
• Ensure the clinic’s work environment is safe for both staff and animals, including proper handling of hazardous materials such as medications and cleaning agents.

Team Collaboration & Support :

• Work closely with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support staff to ensure smooth clinic operations, effective patient care, and timely procedure execution.
• Actively participate in team meetings, offering insights on patient care, workflow improvements, and potential concerns in a collaborative manner.
• Maintain a positive, professional demeanor even in fast-paced or high-pressure situations, helping to foster a productive and harmonious team environment.
• Assist with on-the-job training and mentoring for new team members or veterinary students, sharing knowledge and best practices to promote skill development.
• Provide support for emergency or urgent care cases, working quickly and efficiently to ensure high-quality care for critically ill or injured pets.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Veterinary Experience & Animal Care :

Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant , Veterinary Technician , or in an animal-related field is preferred but not required .

However, a strong passion for animal care and a willingness to learn is essential.

• Ability to handle and restrain animals of various sizes and temperaments , ensuring their comfort and safety during exams, procedures, and treatments.
• Knowledge of basic veterinary medical terminology , animal anatomy, and common diseases, as well as familiarity with common clinical procedures such as vaccinations , blood draws , and lab work .
• Demonstrated ability to work with both domestic pets and occasionally more exotic or specialized animals, adjusting care techniques as necessary based on species-specific needs.

Communication & Client Service :

• Excellent communication skills are essential for effectively interacting with clients and team members. You must be able to clearly convey medical information, treatment plans, and follow-up instructions in a compassionate and professional manner.
• Ability to educate pet owners about their pet’s health, including preventative care , nutrition , medications , and post-care instructions .
• Proficiency in client communication software and the ability to take detailed messages, schedule appointments, and ensure follow-up care is clearly communicated.

Organizational & Multi-tasking Skills :

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks effectively, including patient care, administrative duties, inventory management, and record-keeping.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment , ensuring that critical tasks are completed efficiently while maintaining high standards of care.
• Comfortable working with electronic medical records (EMR) systems, entering accurate patient data, tracking treatments, and maintaining detailed medical history for each animal.
• Demonstrates attention to detail in both clinical procedures and client communications to ensure accuracy and prevent errors in patient care and administration.

Adaptability & Flexibility :

• Willingness to adapt to changing priorities , including emergency cases or urgent care situations, while maintaining a calm, focused approach.
• Ability to work part-time hours , with flexibility to accommodate various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holiday hours as needed.
• Adaptable to a dynamic work environment , with an openness to continuous learning and improvement of veterinary practices and procedures.
• Comfortable working as part of a collaborative team , supporting veterinarians, technicians, and other staff members to ensure efficient clinic operations.

Physical Stamina & Safety :

• Physical ability to lift and move animals of various sizes (up to 50 pounds or more) and assist with their transportation within the clinic.
• Comfortable with physical demands , including standing for long periods, bending, and kneeling as required to provide patient care and maintain clinic spaces.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and a keen understanding of proper infection control and sanitation procedures to ensure a safe, clean environment for both staff and animals.

What We Offer

At Lenoir City Animal Clinic , we believe in investing in our team members and supporting both their professional and personal growth.

As a full-time Veterinary Assistant or Technician, you’ll enjoy the following benefits :

Competitive Compensation & Performance-Based Incentives :

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives for outstanding patient care and customer service.

Comprehensive Health Benefits :

• Medical insurance with a variety of plans to fit your needs, including vision and dental coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses.

Work-Life Balance :

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) to help you recharge, including vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays .
• Paid parental leave to support you during family milestones.

Retirement & Financial Benefits :

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match to help you save for your future.
• Employee assistance program (EAP) offering confidential support for personal and professional matters.

Continuing Education & Career Development :

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education (CE) to keep your skills sharp and stay at the forefront of veterinary care.
• Financial support for CE courses, seminars, and conferences to encourage your growth in specialized areas of veterinary medicine.
• Mentorship programs to help you develop your clinical skills and grow within the organization.

Team & Workplace Culture :

• A supportive, collaborative work environment where your voice is heard, and your contributions are valued.
• Team-building activities and social events to foster a positive, enjoyable workplace culture.
• Wellness programs and initiatives aimed at promoting both physical and mental health for our team members.

Discounts & Perks :

• Employee discounts on veterinary services and products for your pets.
• Exclusive discounts on pet-related products and services from local partners.
• Additional Wellness and Retail Discounts available through Perks At Work program.

Career Growth & Advancement :

• Clear career progression paths with opportunities for promotion based on performance and continuing education.
• The opportunity to specialize in areas such as emergency care, surgery, dentistry, or radiology , supported by on-the-job training and mentoring from our skilled team.
• Leadership training and development to prepare you for potential roles in management or specialized veterinary fields.

State-of-the-Art Facility :

• Work in a modern, fully equipped veterinary clinic with access to the latest tools, technology, and diagnostic equipment.
• Clean and well-maintained facility with a focus on safety, efficiency, and creating a comfortable environment for both patients and staff.

Innovetive Petcare owns and operates veterinary practices across the country. Our clinics benefit from our tools, resources, and a dedicated support team to help veterinary practices prosper and grow.

We run a successful business so our veterinarians can focus on providing exceptional patient care. We want our veterinarians and staff to enjoy a better work-life balance, a strong, supportive community, and ongoing training and career development.

At Innovetive Petcare, it all begins with an unparalleled team. From the veterinarians, veterinary technicians, practice managers, and administrative staff at our clinics to the driven support team in our home office, our team is passionate about pet health.

We are a culture-first company, working to redefine the veterinary lifestyle to allow professionals to advance through their VetMed careers without burning out.

We don’t just talk about it; we live it!

Equal Opportunity Employer Policy

Innovetive Petcare is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We are proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.

We do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other non-merit factor.

All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Last updated : 2024-11-22

Salary : $14