What are the responsibilities and job description for the Veterinary Assistant position at Veterinary Surgery Center of Sarasota?
Job Summary
Veterinary Surgery Center of Sarasota is looking for a compassionate, driven, and outgoing Veterinary Assistant to join our team. Interested candidates should have compassion for both animals and humans, show a commitment to quality care, conduct themselves with the utmost integrity, and always be able to provide the best service possible for our clients and patients.
The ideal candidate must have strong communication skills, an energetic attitude, empathy, and enthusiasm for helping both clients and patients. Veterinary Assistants must possess good time management and decision making skills, be able to multitask and accept constructive criticism. This role will act as the liaison between client services and patient care services, demonstrating excellence in both areas. You should be committed to furthering your education, thereby providing the most advanced care to our patients. Additionally, you must excel in collaborating with co-workers, our referring veterinarians, and our clients.
Responsibilities and Duties
Nursing Services
- Ensure a comfortable and sanitary environment for patients and clients at all times
- Properly clean and disinfect all kennels and cages, maintain general cleaning of public and employee areas to provide a clean, odor-free, and attractive clinic
- Clean exams rooms after each visit and prepare for following visit
- Perform housekeeping and laundry duties for all areas of the clinic
- Assist in inventory procedures by unpacking, labeling or stocking hospital supplies; Ensure all supplies are always available and adequately stocked in all areas of the hospital
- Assist in patient nursing care including feeding, bathing (when needed), trimming nails, and exercising patient
- Knowledge and experience of handling fearful, painful and/or aggressive patients while using proper safety and low-stress restraint techniques
- Observe and recognize patients for change in patient status; Report any abnormalities or concerns to the veterinarian
- Administration of oral medications, treatments, etc. to patients as prescribed by the veterinarian
- Adherence to policy and procedures when handling controlled drugs
- Collect patient samples for laboratory testing, operate in-house laboratory equipment, proper preparation of samples for outside laboratory testing
- Knowledge of radiation safety and adherence to state and federal laws; Maintain use of proper radiation protection techniques while performing radiographs at all times
- Knowledge of patient positioning for radiographs
- Safe handling and proper disposal of medical sharps and waste
- Maintain and properly operate all hospital equipment and surgical materials
- Assist in surgical and outpatient procedures
- Prepare OR and surgical instruments necessary for each surgery or procedure; Prepare surgery packs
- Monitor patients pre and post-op and notify the veterinarian of any abnormalities
- Clean, prepare and maintain surgical suites to control the spread of pathogens
- Clean, maintain and sterilize surgical instruments or equipment according to hospital protocol
- Proficient in the hospital records keeping system and patient monitoring system using available resources
- Collect and record patient vital signs, complete patient history and record in the digital medical record system
- Follow hospital policies and procedures when handling client concerns or complaints
- Record all client communications in the hospital digital records system
Qualifications and Skills
- Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
- Degree or Certificate: Not required; Certificate of completion from a NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program is desirable
- Experience: None required. 1-year of animal handling role; or training through a state-approved program is a plus.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $14.00 - $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Continuing education credits
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Bradenton, FL 34201 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $14 - $17