Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $15-22 per hour
Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week
Benefits: Paid time off, Employee discount
Experience: None required
Work location: In-person
Primary Responsibilities
Obtain and record patient histories.
Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.
Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian.
Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian.
Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals.
Prepare patients, instruments, and equipment for surgery.
Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes, and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.
Assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures using a range of high-tech diagnostic equipment including electrocardiographic, radiographic, and ultrasonographic equipment.
Take and process radiographs.
Communicate with and educate owners.
Maintain knowledge of preventative healthcare recommendations in order to answer client questions, provide education on vaccines, flea, and heartworm products, and assist in marketing veterinary services from which their pet would benefit, such as dental cleaning, senior wellness, spay and neuter, and boarding.
Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use.
Maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment, and supplies.
Clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials.
Observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease, and discontent.
Walk hospitalized and boarded dogs several times a day to provide exercise and time for elimination of bowels and bladder.
Apply knowledge of normal food and liquid requirements of animals. As required, provide special food and liquids.
Ensure that cages and animals are properly numbered and identified and that personal property (toys, treats, blankets, leashes) are stored in the proper area and identified.
Clean, disinfect and maintain kennels, cages, and runs as often as is necessary to ensure no cages or kennels are soiled and odors are not apparent. Perform general cleaning in other areas of the hospital to control the spread of disease. Wash and sterilize water and food bowls.
Launder and dry towels and blankets.
Patrol hospital grounds daily, picking up any trash and stool material.
Empty trash.
Record information such as feeding schedules, appearance, the behavior of animals that are hospitalized. Exhibit a technical knowledge of products and medications sold, including dietary products. Demonstrate the ability to explain and educate clients on products and answer their
Knowledgeable regarding related federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA. Ensure that the hospital and its employees are in compliance with regulations. Inform the veterinary hospital administrator of any regulatory issues.
Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills and Knowledge
Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, 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.
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.
Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to 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.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job.
- Frequently required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk, and listen, frequently working in a bent position.
- Frequently use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
- Use strength or agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals.
- Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Occasionally handle dogs weighing up to and over 150 lbs. Assistance will be provided by animal handlers when working with larger animals.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals, and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches, and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases.
Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Receive, handle and treat patients with skill, compassion, and care including monitoring during anesthesia, administering fluids, assisting in diagnosing, surgery, and general and specialized nursing care.
- Accurately perform laboratory tests.
- Accurately dispense and administer medications and vaccines.
- Input data into the computer software system.
- Ability to observe the animal’s appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease, and discontent.
- Regular attendance and timeliness are essential functions in order to fulfill the requirements of this position.
- Strong communication and client service skills.
Considerable tact and diplomacy are required. Ability to work with clients and patients in a professional, friendly, hospitable manner.
- Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
- Perform general physical activities that require bending, standing, stooping, moving from room to room, sit, talk, and listen; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time; will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
- Frequently lift, carry, and handle dogs weighing 50 lb.
