What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Assistant position at VetEvolve?
Description
Hollymead Veterinary Hospital is a general practice and urgent care hospital located in Charlottesville, VA. We are seeking a veterinary assistant to join our team of highly skilled and compassionate individuals.
At Hollymead Veterinary Hospital, we believe veterinary assistants play a vital part in providing high quality care to our patients. Our team strives to demonstrate best practices for patient care and medical quality standards; work cohesively with all departments and possess a teamwork and client-focused attitude.
Our core values are compassion, collaboration, respect and support. We promote a learning environment and understand the importance of work-life balance.
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package including:
- Health/dental/vision
- Short-term and long-term disability
- 401k
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Hospital-funded CE opportunities
- Employee assistance program, and mental health resources
- Uniform allowance
- Generous pet discount program
Responsibilities include but aren't limited to:
Patient Care
- Handle and restrain patients appropriately to minimize stress while ensuring safety of the pet and team members; understand general animal behavior and recognize the signs of fear, aggression and stress
- Assist LVTs with nursing care to hospitalized patients; document treatments; make certain the pet is in a comfortable and clean housing area with access to fresh water
- Able to use in-house lab equipment; collect and prepare samples for reference lab
- Assist with technician appointments; document medical services provided; record current weight and vitals
- Dispense medications per veterinarian’s instructions
- Demonstrate compassion and patience when handling pets
- Assist veterinarians in exam rooms
Client Services
- Provide client education materials and answer questions in a professional, compassionate and respectful manner
- Ensure client concerns or questions are addressed in a timely manner; fill prescription refills (approval must be obtained from LVT or veterinarian first)
- Go over estimates and treatment plans with owners professionally and using proper veterinary terminology; answer any questions or defer to a LVT or veterinarian
- Document all client communication with sufficient details; utilizing proper grammar, spelling and veterinary terminology
- Prepare paperwork for referral hospitals or consultations
- Obtain an accurate and relevant history from clients in a timely manner
- Discharge exam room patients; going over instructions with owners thoroughly and providing print materials when needed
- Demonstrating patience and compassion during client interactions
- Enter all charges and inform the front desk when client can be checked out; help process payments when needed
General
- Ensure hospital areas such as exam rooms and treatment room are clean, organized and free of safety hazards; clean up pet accidents or fluids immediately; bring any safety concerns to the practice manager’s attention immediately
- Complete tasks on the daily, weekly and monthly checklists; keep exam rooms and treatment areas stocked with necessary supplies
- Properly use and maintain medical equipment; troubleshoot when needed
- Adhere to core values, medical protocols, and operational policies
Continuing Education
- Complete training videos or in-person sessions, skills assessments, lunch and learns, and other modules to gain comprehensive knowledge of veterinary field, patient care, and client services as it pertains to current role
- Work with lead LVT and management to set individualized goals to expand skills and knowledge
Requirements
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Able to remain calm in stressful situations
- Able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time (shifts range from 9-12 hours)
- Able to lift up to 40 pounds
- Basic veterinary knowledge and terminology
