Position/Job Summary: The Surgery Veterinary Assistant (VA) I is responsible for a variety of functions throughout clinical areas of the hospital. The main role of the Surgery VA I is to support the Surgery Team through client and patient care involving a variety of technical tasks. Client care in the Surgery Department consists of performing outpatient appointments, being the point person for surgical inpatients, as well as client callbacks and check-ins. The Surgery VA I will also be responsible for performing/Assisting with patient procedures such as exams, phlebotomy, anesthesia, CTs, as well as surgical procedures. The Surgery Tech I will also possess the appropriate technical skills to provide Surgical and Emergency/Critical Care support when appropriate. The Surgery VA I must demonstrate the ability to work productively in a fast-paced specialty veterinary practice through anticipating the needs of the patient, staff and department.

Essential Functions:

●Perform all aspects of Surgery outpatient appointment process, Including drop-off and discharge procedures

●Perform all aspects of inpatient process including attending rounds, updating treatment plans with owners, and communicating treatment plan and patient status to ICU nurses as per surgeon assessments/ recommendations

●Address and document client concerns/needs via phone or email with minimal guidance from DVM staff

●Prepare treatment estimates, discuss financial information with clients and review invoices for accuracy

●Ability to assess patient health status

●Administer medications (oral, eye, ear, IV, IM, SQ) as directed

●Correctly set up and run IV and Administer SQ fluids, Including but not limited to continuous rate infusions

●Ability to perform intermediate phlebotomy (All blood draw sites, peripheral IV catheter placement)

●Ability to restrain and position patients for CT and other dept procedures

●Ability to perform X Ray with minimal to no guidance from senior staff

●Ability to demonstrate proper knowledge of sterile field

●Knowledge and administration of sedation/induction drugs

●Ability to monitor sedated/anesthetized patients during procedures

●Ability to perform general anesthesia for surgical procedures (orthopedics, stable soft tissue)

●Ability to set up/breakdown procedure/operating/ treatment rooms for various surgical procedures

●Filling medications

●Able to perform all necessary laboratory functions

●Ability to work in the E/CC department as an ICU or ER technician I

●Training of other staff where applicable as determined by supervisor and/or senior staff

●Other services as needed/assigned

Required Skills and Abilities:

●Ability to work efficiently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment

●Demonstrate Knowledge and ability to perform duties expected of a Technician Assistant Level I and II

●Demonstrate knowledge and proper handling of patients with potential zoonotic diseases

●Identify problems with patients and able to troubleshoot/resolve (IV catheters, urinary catheters, etc)

●Communication: Apply active-listening skills to effectively assist clients in a manner that establishes trust and credibility. Communicates with colleagues in an accurate and effective manner. Documents all client communications in medical record accurately.

●Judgment: Ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner to meet current needs, reprioritizing work as necessary. Ability to take the initiative and to make sound decisions/choices.

●Policy and Procedure: Knowledge and understanding of all internal BEVS policies and procedures and ability to reference them from appropriate systems and manuals.

●Safety in the Workplace: Knowledge and understanding of workplace safety measures. Completion of all required OSHA training modules. Keep up to date on relevant safety in the workplace process and procedure.

●Commitment to ongoing professional learning and development: Attend regular external CE. Attend all staff meetings relevant to the position.

Education and Experience:

●High school diploma or GED certificate.

●1-2 years hands-on small animal handling experience

●Successful completion of an accredited veterinary technician training program preferred but not required.

●National certification preferred but not required.

●State licensing, as required.

Physical Requirements:

●Ability to perform light lifting (up to 50 pounds) and repetitive physical activity.

●Ability to stand for long periods of time.