Veterinary Assistant - Er

The veterinary assistant is considered an aide to the veterinarians and veterinary technicians. They are not a replacement for – nor equivalent to – veterinary technicians and are not expected to perform the duties of a technician. The primary responsibilities of veterinary assistants include but are not limited to: appropriately restrain animals during exams or procedures, prepare patients for surgery, provide nursing and comfort care, and perform treatments or basic laboratory diagnostic tests. Veterinary assistants are also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the hospital, are proficient in reception/client care duties, and can act as a doctor liaison by assisting doctors in transcribing records, enhancing client, and referring vet communication, and facilitating patient referrals.

Veterinary assistants must build positive, professional relationships with clients and staff members.

Benefits

• Premium Pay for Evening/Overnight shifts
• Extended Medical Benefits
• Health and Wellness allowance of $500.00 per year
• RRSP contribution matching plan
• Tuition Reimbursement Program (rules apply)
• Uniform Allowance
• Friends & Family discount (rules apply)
• Continuing Education & Wellness Resources
• Bring your pet to work
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• And any other perk or promotion that all our employees enjoy.
• PTO/ Vacation Pay
• Generous staff discounts on services & products

Education and Licensure Requirements

• Veterinary Office Assistant Certificate

Experience Requirements

• Medical terminology an asset.
• Typing skills an asset.
• Strong math skills.
• Previous on-the-job training as a VA or graduation from a recognized VA teaching institution.
• Some computer knowledge required; comfortable with Microsoft Word, keyboarding, and use of communication tools such as Internet and email.

Personal Requirements

• Maintain open availability across all days and shift times.
• Minimum of 18 years old as this is a legal requirement to assist with radiographic imaging.
• Has excellent client communication skills.
• Has experience working in a team environment and works well with all levels of hospital team members.
• Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature manner.
• A genuine enjoyment of working with animals, and the ability to maintain comfort and nursing care when they are stressed, ill or in pain.
• The ability to stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis.

Physical Effort

Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 50 lbs). Walking or standing for extended periods or time is to be expected; employee may frequently work in a bent position.

Working Conditions

Veterinary assistants may be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches, contagious diseases and hazardous chemicals.

Breaks

May not be able to take regularly scheduled coffee or meal breaks due to medical care requirements and caseload.

Duties and Tasks

The following list of knowledge, skills and abilities for a veterinary assistant include, but are not limited to:

• Patient updates
• Liaise with referring veterinarians (RDVM) by phone, email or fax regarding:
• Maintain constant vigilance regarding open doorways that could allow pets to escape from the facility.
• Clean, sterilize and maintain surgery instruments and equipment.
• Assist other employees as needed, including welcoming and training job shadows, practicum students and new hires.
• Close-toed shoes (i.e. runners or nursing shoes)
• Participate in all staff and training meetings.
• Competently speak and write in the English language.
• Maintain proper aseptic techniques during surgery prep, and assist with surgery as needed (i.e. circulating instruments or scrubbing-in to assist surgeon).
• Have an understanding of medical terminology and abbreviations, as well as common veterinary medications and their uses. Use proper medical terminology when speaking and writing.
• Lift and carry a patient of up to 40 pounds or assist with lifting a patient above 40 pounds.
• Maintain a professional appearance including:
• Patient medical records
• Our policies and procedures
• Participate in your performance appraisal, and as requested, in those of others.
• Be prepared to handle any facility emergency that may arise, including facility fire or weather-related emergencies. Follow contingency plans.
• Monitor the electronic ICU for upcoming treatments or tasks on an hourly basis throughout the day. Perform any tasks as directed by the attending veterinarians or technologists.
• Restrain pets in a manner that allows necessary work to be performed, minimizes stress to patients, and ensures the safety of patients and people. Safely and effectively apply and use restraints such as muzzles, towels, gloves, and cat bags.
• Their pets
• Understand the mechanics and application of the basic standards of aseptic techniques.
• Minimal jewelry
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients and patients for whom the practice provides veterinary services.
• Liaise with clients over the phone and in person regarding any concerns about:
• Assist as needed to record medical information into Avimark.
• Become familiar with and maintain hospital equipment. Staff may be assigned responsibility to a particular piece of equipment and will be required to maintain manuals, training logs or other records.
• Prepare bedding, identification cards and IV set-up for admitted patients.
• Admitting and discharging patients
• Know how to access and navigate the Internet to download email, find required information on veterinary websites, order supplies, and access information for clients.
• Treatment of stray animals or wildlife
• Show respect for clients, team members, and animals (alive or deceased) at all times.
• Collect initial history information from clients, conduct a TPR of the animal, and record findings. Relay this information to the attending veterinarian.
• Perform housekeeping duties around the treatment areas, surgery, and offices to maintain cleanliness and reduce the potential spread of communicable diseases to staff, clients or their pets. Ensure laundry is cleaned appropriately and put away.
• Referrals or direct transfers
• Be familiar with zoonotic (contagious) diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission.
• Handle stress and pressure with poise and tact.
• Billing (i.e. payments, insurance, financing, etc)
• Our location and availability
• Restock hospital supplies as needed, and communicate inventory needs for re-ordering.
• Follow WHMIS and WorkSafe BC standards.
• Manage a potentially large workload and prioritize tasks to maximize client satisfaction and patient health.
• Clean uniform
• Tidy hair
• Ensure patients are ready for discharge or transfer by filling prescriptions, preparing paperwork, and assisting with patient prep.