Veterinary Assistant Evenings and Weekends - Pembroke Pines, United States - St. Francis Emergency Animal Hospital

Description

VETERINARY ASSISTANT/TECHNICIAN

INTRODUCTION

The Veterinary Assistant/Technician assists the doctors to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients, and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work.

The Veterinary Assistant/Technician assists in multiple procedures providing care to animals including physical examinations, surgeries, euthanasia as well as client education, marketing and inventory maintenance.

This position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases; their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventative health care recommendations.

This is an overview of the positions and the job responsibilities listed do not encompass the entire position. The Veterinary
Assistant/ Technician is under the direct guidance and supervision of the Veterinary Technician
Team Leader and Veterinarians.


PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Obtain and record patient histories.
• Communicate with clients regarding the medical status of their pet. Provide accurate information to clients concerning fees, hospital policies and procedures, etc.
• Instruct clients as to what they should do prior to bringing their pets in for procedures, how to care for their pets after discharge from the hospital, how to administer medications, etc.
• Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients and show compassion and care in all interactions with patients.
• Restrain animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during examinations and procedures. Know how to properly handle difficult or contentious animals.
• Follow established procedures in order to assist veterinarians with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients and patients. Keep doctors apprised of potential problems, discussions with clients, etc.
• Greet clients and escort them and their pets into an exam room. Place patient on the exam table and prepare for the doctor to enter the room. Obtain basic information

(weight, temperature, etc) on the pet.

• Discuss with the client the reason for the visit (chief complaint), any symptoms or problems being experienced, and any procedures that may need to be done (i.e. vaccinations, fecal, or heartworm tests, etc). Utilize a preexam checklist, lifestyle surgery and any other applicable client educational pieces to ensure that all medical needs are covered.
• Obtain any laboratory samples that may be needed from the pet or make sure that laboratory work is performed by another team member while the patient is still in the exam room. Utilize a fecal loop when necessary. Anticipate and prepare any medications or vaccines the doctor will need to treat the patient.
• Notify the veterinarian when patients in the exam room are ready to be seen. Advise the veterinarian of the information already known such as the nature of the visit, preventative procedures due, tests tat are to be run, etc. Assist the veterinarian within the exam room by restraining the animal, preparing forms, obtaining instruments, etc.

Remain in the exam room until excused by the doctor.

• Listen to all doctors recommendations to client in order to repeat to client if necessary.
• Ensure all procedures rendered during the visit are documented for proper billing.

Ensure that all vaccinations, procedures, notes, etc have been documented in the medical record.

• Escort the client and patient to the front desk and review list of charges and medications or products prescribed. Prepare the exam room for the next visit.
• Prepare specimens for outside laboratory.
• Give injections, as directed by veterinarianintravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous.
• Promote the practice's products, programs and services. Utilize passive marketing. Make suggestions to clients about products appropriate for their pet's condition.
• Accurately dispense prescription medications as directed by veterinarian. Prepare prescription labels for medications. Ensure that medications are added to the patient's records and appropriately charged to the client.
• Follow DEA and OSHA guidelines. Follow appropriate safety and handling of hazardous materials. Follow established hospital safety guidelines regarding radiographs, controlled drugs, animal handling, etc.
• Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment areas and tech office. Restock exam rooms and treatment areas with supplies as needed. Assist other team members to keep the

public areas of the practice clean and well maintained. Clean and maintained all medical equipment as required.

• Demonstrate initiative and teamwork in everyday duties, assisting other team members within the practice.
• Organize work area and exercise time management skills to maximize personal efficiency within the practice. Prioritize tasks and handle multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner.
• Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinar