Part-Time Surgical Assistant

Part-Time Surgical Assistant

Veterinary Surgery Specialists is seeking a motivated, dedicated, and detail oriented Veterinary Assistant to join our surgery department. This position presents an exciting opportunity to work in a specialty setting and develop skills as a Surgery Veterinary Assistant. This role supports the surgical team by assisting in surgical procedures, patient care, maintaining a sterile environment and surgical instruments, and ensuring the clinic's cleanliness and organization.

Qualified candidates have a passion for animal care, strong attention to detail, and a willingness to perform both clinical and cleaning duties. We encourage advancing knowledge, technical skills, and accountability while practicing at a high level of professional medicine. You will have a weekly schedule with a three-day workweek and won't be required to work weekends or holidays.

Key Responsibilities

Surgical Assistance:

• Assist with surgical admission and discharge, procedures, and appointments.
• Prepare patients for surgery, including shaving and cleaning surgical sites.
• Handling and restraint of patients for consults, physical exams, and procedures in a safe and empathetic manner.
• Patient care and monitoring for recovering surgical patients; reporting any concerns to the veterinarian.
• Serve as a sterile surgical assistant as needed (Will train for the position).
• Work closely and effectively with other surgical team members.
• Use of veterinary software for medical record-keeping.

Cleaning and Maintenance Duties:

• Set up and break down operating room according to the needs of the scheduled surgeries for the day.
• Instrument care, including cleaning, packing, and sterilizing.
• Operate and maintain steam autoclave, plasma sterilizer, ultrasonic cleaner and other sterilization equipment.
• Dispose of medical waste according to clinic guidelines.
• Daily laundry for the hospital.
• Clean and disinfect surgical suites, exam rooms, and recovery areas.
• Ensure all surgical level surfaces and floors are cleaned and sanitized regularly.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Schedule:

Approximately 26-30 hours per week with the standard hours listed below.  Please note, there are times when additional hours are needed to complete the days tasks and end times may get pushed to 7pm.

Monday 10am-6pm

Tuesday 8am-6pm

Wednesday 10am-6pm

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Self-motivated, reliable, team player, and effective communicator
• 6 to 12 months of previous experience as a veterinary assistant *preferred* 
• Familiarity and ability to recall surgical instruments, equipment, and procedures when asked.
• Basic knowledge of sterile and aseptic techniques
• Enjoys learning and working as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate with coworkers, clients, and referral hospitals via verbal and written communication.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology and reading medical records
• Always maintains professionalism and composure with coworkers and clients.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a busy work environment.
• Comfortable with frequent use of computers and tablets for paperless electronic record-keeping
• Ability to bend, kneel, and stand for long and short periods and lift patients and equipment up to 50 pounds individually.
• Obtain patient vitals and alert DVM, CVT, or staff member if vitals are abnormal or have changed.
• Basic Animal CPR training is required initially and every two years following certification.

• Qualified individuals will be capable of taking on delegated responsibilities when required.
• Have the potential to be trained in multiple areas to assist with team building.
• Show your dedication to growth and advancement by completing educational courses assigned by management.
• Should be open to constructive criticism and regular check-ins.

VSS will be an ideal workplace for you if you seek a rewarding career working alongside competent and committed veterinarians and technicians. We place the highest priority on providing top-notch patient care, and we offer the following benefits to our part-time employees after a 90-day training period:

• Competitive pay 
• Credential holders have access to opportunities for continuing education.
• Uniform allowance
• Discounted pet care for employees
• Bi-Annual bonuses

Additionally, VSS offers an excellent environment for professional growth, providing opportunities to expand one's understanding of advanced medical concepts and acquire clinically relevant skills.