What are the responsibilities and job description for the ERPA Veterinary Assistant (Emergency Pod Assistant) position at Oradell Animal Hospital, Inc.?
ERPA Veterinary Assistant (Emergency Pod Assistant)
Pay: $23–$25/hr (based on experience) * Full-Time
Schedule: Wednesday–Saturday, 7am–5pm or 7pm–5am (4 days, 40 hours)
Department: Emergency & Critical Care
Status: Hourly
Reports To: Clinic Services Manager
About Oradell Animal Hospital
Oradell Animal Hospital is one of the nation’s leading veterinary hospitals, known for exceptional patient care, advanced medicine, and a supportive, inclusive team culture. We strive to create a happy, collaborative workplace where every team member feels valued. As our ECC service continues to grow, we are expanding our team with compassionate professionals who want to support our mission and enhance the client and patient experience during emergency visits.
Position Overview
The ERPA Veterinary Assistant (Emergency Pod Assistant) plays an integral role in supporting the Emergency Service as a whole rather than any individual veterinarian. This position is designed to enhance client service, improve patient flow, and assist the emergency team during peak times. You will work closely with emergency doctors, technicians, assistants, triage staff, and Client Services to support efficient, compassionate care from arrival to discharge.
This role requires excellent communication, emotional steadiness, attention to detail, and a strong ability to support clients in potentially stressful circumstances. A working knowledge of Oradell’s Triage Protocol is essential; participation in Triage Committee updates (every 1–2 years) is encouraged.
Key Responsibilities
Veterinarian Assistance & Outpatient Support
- Assist multiple emergency doctors throughout the shift
- Support exam room functions: TPRs, patient restraint, and basic patient handling
- Enter medications into the computer
- Fill prescriptions once the pharmacy is closed
- Discuss medications, wound and bandage care, Sub-Q fluid administration, diabetic care, and feeding tube guidance with clients (depending on training)
- Assist with outpatient treatments: SQ fluids, injectable medications, blood draws, and restraint for minor procedures
- Complete requests for lab work, radiology, surgery, and ultrasound
- Escort clients to checkout or assist with estimate discussions
- Notify referral veterinarians and ER doctors when patients are seen or when a patient’s status changes
Admission Process Support
- Assist with admit paperwork, labels, and preparing admission folders
- Ensure client belongings (leashes, collars, carriers) are returned
- Help arrange owner visitation with hospitalized patients
Triage System Flow & Client Communication
- Monitor the triage board and update client/patient status
- Assist Client Services in placing clients in the appropriate rooms
- Check in with waiting clients and re-evaluate patients when appropriate
- Request additional triage evaluations if needed
- Communicate frequently with triage techs, ER doctors, interns, residents, assistants, and Client Services
- Monitor the ECC message center and assist with call-backs when appropriate
Clinic Materials, Supplies & Protocol Support
- Maintain familiarity with client education materials and exam room supplies
- Restock pod instruments, handouts, pamphlets, and comfort items
- Complete additional tasks assigned by the Clinic Services Manager or Supervisors
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Compassionate, confident, and emotionally steady in urgent or stressful situations
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong people skills for client-facing interactions
- Ability to maintain professionalism during emotionally charged situations
- Working knowledge of Oradell’s Triage Protocol and hospital procedures (or willingness to learn quickly)
- Basic understanding of medical terminology and procedures
- Skills in patient restraint, basic lab tasks, and general clinical support
- Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently
- Flexible and adaptable to rapidly changing hospital priorities
- Able to bend, stand, or sit for extended periods; able to lift 30–50 lbs without assistance
Drug test and background check are required.
Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Continuing education credits
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to work weekends?
Shift availability:
- Night Shift (Required)
- Overnight Shift (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Paramus, NJ 07652 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $23 - $25