Veterinary Surgical Assistant

National Veterinary Associates, a community of approximately 1,400 premier locations consisting primarily of general practice veterinary hospitals in addition to equine hospitals and pet resorts, and Ethos Veterinary Health, which consists of 145 world-class specialty and emergency hospitals, are rooted in a culture of compassion and innovation. Ethos and NVA ensure broad access to high-quality care and the advancement of cutting-edge medicine to extend and improve the lives of pets.

Description

The Veterinary Assistant is an invaluable member of the hospital team. Working directly with the Veterinarian, the Veterinary Assistant supports medical staff to ensure quality patient care at all times. They also ensure the safety of clients, pets and other staff, tend to the everyday needs of pets in the hospital, and contribute to maintaining a neat and clean hospital facility.

Veterinary Assistant Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prep and assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures
• Triage patients 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/Technician
• 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 veterinarians, and update records and financial information, as needed, in the computer
• Clean and maintain kennels, including scooping, hosing, scrubbing, sweeping, mopping, sterilizing, etc.
• Clean and maintain common kennel areas and hospital areas as requested.
• Assist with feeding and medications as needed and directed.
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, and/or pain
• Communicate and approach job duties in a serious manner
• Foster teamwork approach and work well with all levels of hospital team members
• Participate in all staff and technician/assistant mandatory staff meetings
• Answer phones and perform other reception duties as needed by the hospital
• Demonstrate flexibility to float to other departments in times of need
• Support the team in welcoming new employees and assist in the training process when needed

Prior veterinary experience/ animal based work required.

Physical and Environmental Factors

• Inside a veterinary practice that mainly sees dogs and cats
• May have to assist with bringing animals to the back for treatment or bring them out to the clients
• Ability to lift to 50 lbs.
• Ability to bend and turn