Veterinary Assistant

The Veterinary Assistant supports the veterinarians, veterinary technicians and receptionists in all duties of the hospital, and ensures a comfortable and sanitary environment for all patients under treatment at Cumberland Veterinary Clinic. The responsibilities vary with current needs of the hospital team and the individual abilities demonstrated by the employee. This is an overview of the position and the duties listed do not encompass the entire position.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical:
**Patient Care**
- Ensure a comfortable and sanitary environment overseeing the completion of an ongoing, strict and fast paced daily cleaning regimen of exam rooms, treatment area and for all patients under care.
- Responsible for care of hospitalized patients and patients being seen by a doctor including but not limited to kennel upkeep, patient exercise, feeding, medicating, shaving, and all assigned patient care related tasks.
- Properly and safely restrain patients, reliably and with compassion to prepare for procedures performed by technicians and/or doctors. Is conscious of patient comfort needs.
- Observe patients throughout the day for signs of illness, parasites and disease control, assessment of change in patient status. Report any abnormalities or concerns to the veterinarian in charge or day admission technician.
- Under the direction of a veterinarian, administer oral medications.
- Assist with nail trimming, ear cleaning, expressing anal glands, quality of life and end of life procedures.
- Prep patients for surgery, assist when needed.
- Assist in radiology.
- Prepare surgery packs and cutting surgery drapes.
- Clean and autoclave syringes, needles and other surgical instruments. Thoroughly clean autoclave per hospital schedule.
- Assist the Veterinary Technician, who is responsible for dental cleanings, during dental cleanings.
- Understand proper medical record keeping, how to invoice, and how to record notes in patient files.
- Follow CCOSH regulations.

**Inventory**
- Unpack deliveries, reconcile against packing slip, restock supplies and retail merchandise.
- Monitor special orders for food requests and medication arrival so client may be contacted.
- Restock shelves and drawers in exam rooms and treatment area with necessary supplies.
- Assist with maintaining proper levels of drugs, medical supplies, cleaning, and office supplies.

**Hospital Maintenance**:

- Clean exams rooms after each visit and prepare for the next client and patient. Ensure supplies are always available and adequately stocked in exam rooms and treatment room.
- Prepare and sanitize surgery suite, treatment area, isolation ward, and all kennels used by patients here for treatment. Clean and maintain holding areas.
- Properly maintain equipment according to maintenance schedule.
- Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the medicine that we practice.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

**Client Care**
- Assist CCRs with patients from admission to discharge with clerical and administrative work, including knowledge of patient folders, vaccine schedules, proper phone call etiquette, and other front desk procedures.
- Cross-trained to fill in for CCRs sick or on holidays.
- Communicate with pet owners using a professional, cheerful, and helpful attitude, using knowledge of preventative health care recommendations to accurately answer questions and relay doctor’s or technician’s information.

SKILLS
- Ability to work independently on assigned tasks.
- Accept direction on given assignments.
- Critical thinking - Understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Exhibit strong problem solving and an organized approach to the position.
- Ability to remain calm in the face of various types of stressful situations, not allowing emotions to overwhelm attitude and/or performance
- Ability to foster positive work environment for colleagues, clients and patients.
- Ability to effectively communicate

KNOWLEDGE
- Knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make preparations and provide “tableside” assistance.
- Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.
- Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
- Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.
- Knowledge of sterilization techniques to sterilize various instruments and materials.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical deman