FLSA: Non-Exempt (hourly) REVISED: March 8, 2019

REPORTS TO: Clinic Supervisor

SUPERVISES: None

Position Summary:

Responsible for providing support for veterinary nursing care operations of The Animal Foundation medical Clinic and provides compassionate and humane nursing services to the animals in our care in accordance with protocols created by veterinarians and clinic manager at The Animal Foundation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists the surgeon(s) with preoperative examinations.

• Assists with surgical duties in a high volume, fast paced environment pursuant to Nevada State law, and under the supervision of a licensed veterinary technician and the veterinarian present.

  • Preps animals for surgical procedures. Includes shaving hair from surgical sites, use of proper surgical scrub techniques and all in conjunction with monitoring animals while under anesthesia, etc.

  • Monitors anesthesia while animals are having surgery/in surgery suite. Includes assisting surgeons with supply needs and opening surgical packs using aseptic technique, etc.

  • Performs surgical recovery. Includes bringing animals body temperatures back up to a proper temp, cleans incision sites, places any needed e-collars, nail trims, etc.

  • This may also include assistance in The Animal Foundation’s Low Cost Spay and Neuter clinic that is open 3 days a week.

• May be required to intubate shelter animals (only) during surgical prepping and/or during emergency procedures.

• Required to microchip shelter animals after proper training.

• Provides routine medical testing and preventative care to animals as directed. This includes use of blood machine equipment and collection of samples, urinalysis sticks, microscopic work, infectious disease testing, other.

• Administers prescribed medication(s) to animals in accordance with the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

• Performs health screening exams for shelter animals that are eligible to go up for adoptions and addresses any medical alert cards that are located in the shelter. This includes opening Vet Checks in the Chameleon software program when an animal needs to be seen by a veterinarian.

• Completes physical exams, medications, vaccine administration, and assists veterinarian with foster animals during scheduled appointments.

• Completes physical exams, medications, vaccine administration, and assists veterinarian and/or licensed veterinary technician with paw partner animals during scheduled appointments for transfer to other facilities.

• Completes medicated baths and/or grooming animals when needed.

• Assists the shelter veterinarians and/or licensed veterinary technicians by providing safe and adequate restraint during physical exams and medical procedures on shelter animals.

• Ensures that all animals being housed in the bungalows appear healthy and addresses any medical alert cards. If a medical concern arises, the veterinary assistant can inform the shelter veterinarian on duty and will assist with any needed further exams/treatments/medication.

• Assists and/or administers follow up vaccines/deworming on shelter animals that have been housed at the facility for two weeks or longer.

• Enters the entirety and accurate medical information for all exams/treatments completed into the Chameleon software program for updated animal medical histories.

• Washes and dries surgical laundry, wraps surgical packs and autoclaves these packs for surgical sterility throughout the day.

• Ensures that all supplies are available and in adequate supply in all designated areas. This includes informing manager/supervisors of supplies needed.

• Receives supplies/inventory and distributes them to their designated areas. This includes organizing all inventory and informing manager/supervisors of any expired items.

• Feeds and waters animals as directed, and supplies basic maintenance and animal husbandry for any animals housed in the medical clinic department.

• Helps prevent spread of disease by using proper cleaning protocols daily and/or up to several times throughout the day.

• Washes and dries kennel and surgical recovery laundry.

• Performs routine maintenance on medical equipment as needed.

• Assists a veterinarian/or licensed veterinary technician in The Animal Foundation’s Low Cost Vaccine Clinic which is a high volume, fast paced environment. This includes counseling patrons on appropriate vaccinations for their pet based on age and vaccination history.

• Provides information and assistance to internal and external customers as required.

• Completes surgical discharges of patients to their owners by providing detailed post-operative care instructions. This includes going over any waivers and/or medical history provided, microchip information, medications prescribed for patient, etc.

• Outcomes any animal that has left the clinic department into the Chameleon program.

• Sends appropriate emails to internal departments regarding discrepancies, concerns, questions, follow-ups, other.

• Answers clinic phone and/or checks voicemail messages throughout day and makes follow-up calls when required.

• May be required to train new hires or volunteers.

• Wears company uniform and otherwise dresses appropriately and professionally to project a positive image to the public.

• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Equivalent to a High School diploma.

• Graduation from a veterinary assistant training program, preferred.

• Qualifying experience may be substituted for a minimum of 1 year professional on the job veterinary assistant training and/or professional animal handling experience.

License & Certification Requirements:

• None

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of veterinary clinical care and associated sanitary practices.

• Animal breeds and characteristics.

• Animal health, nutrition, and humane care.

• Standard clinic practices and procedures, including record keeping systems and the operation of office equipment, computers, and associated software.

• Techniques for dealing effectively with co-workers and the public, in person and over the telephone.

• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Skill in:

• Performing veterinary clinical procedures.

• Working with animals and demonstrating concern for their welfare.

• Dealing tactfully and effectively with staff, volunteers and the general public.

• Identification of problems and/or patient conditions (medical and behavioral) that need to be brought to the attention of the proper department.

• Treating people and animals with respect.

• Fostering public relations beneficial to the shelter and its programs.

• Use of business software and associated computer hardware.

• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.

• Working with animals of unknown disposition and those who may exhibit medical and other problems, as well as aggressive tendencies.

• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.

• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, instructions and other written materials.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

Physical ability and mobility to walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. Strength to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 25 pounds frequently, 50 pounds occasionally. Vision to read printed materials. Stamina to sit and work with computer for an extended period of time. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Job incumbent is continuously exposed to animals, animal waste, potentially harming cleaning chemicals, high noise and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites and occasional work outdoors for extended periods of time while exposed to cold and extremely hot temperatures.

All employees work in a culture of continuous improvement and are expected to support our mission. Employees must be able to clearly articulate our goals, actively participate in outstanding customer service, and accept responsibility for maintaining our culture of philanthropy.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected of this position. This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive listing or description of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of incumbents in the job.

I have read and understand the above to be a general description of the duties, physical demands and occupational exposures of the position for which I am being hired.