Introduction:

The Veterinary Technician Assistant supports the veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and receptionists in all duties of the hospital, and ensures a comfortable and sanitary environment for all patients at North Scottsdale Animal Hospital. The responsibilities vary with current needs of the hospital team, the season of the year, 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.

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Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Ensure a comfortable and sanitary environment for all patients.

• Responsible for care of grooming and hospitalized patients including keeping all wards and kennels properly cleaned and disinfected, exercising, feeding, laundry, and keeping patients clean.

• General cleaning of public and employee areas and building and yard maintenance to maintain clean, odor-free, and attractive environment. Housekeeping and laundry duties for all areas.

• Clean exam rooms after each visit and preparing for the next client and patient. Ensure supplies are always available and adequately stocked in exam rooms and treatment room.

• Prepare and sanitize surgery suites. Clean and maintain holding areas.

• Properly maintain equipment according to maintenance schedule.

• Properly and safely restrain patients by using stress-relieving techniques, 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, adverse reactions, assessment of change in patient status. Report any abnormalities or concerns to the veterinarian in charge.

• 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 information.

• Assist receptionists with out-patients, grooming and hospitalized patients from admission to discharge with clerical and administrative work, including knowledge of patient charts, vaccine schedules, proper phone etiquette, and other front desk procedures.

• Perform simple in-house laboratory tests, complete forms for out sourced laboratory tests, accurately file laboratory reports and clean up laboratory area.

• Under the direction of veterinarian, administer oral medications.

• Assist with nail trimming, ear cleaning, and client education, filling prescriptions and computer transaction entry during office hours or treatment times.

• Unpack, label and stock hospital supplies; stock cleaning and office supplies, stock kennel supplies. Ensure that supplies for cleaning, animal food, paper towels etc. are current.

• Accurately dispense medication which the doctor has prescribed. Assist in inventory procedures.

• Prep patients for surgery, assist when needed.

• Recognizes signs of pain and alert veterinarian.

• Assist with operation of anesthesia machine and other applicable equipment.

• Assist in radiology.

• Prepare surgery packs.

• Clean and autoclave surgical instruments.

• Ensure that literature is always available for you or the doctor to give the client.

• Assist the Veterinary Technician, who is responsible for dental cleanings, during dental routines.

• Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use.

• Work well with all employees and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the medicine that we practice.

• Follow OSHA and DEA regulations.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

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Controls Over Work:

The Veterinary Technician Assistant works under Veterinary Technician Team Leader, the Practice Administrator, or the Veterinarians who provide continuing or individual assignments indicating general what is to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines and priority of assignments. The practitioner provides additional, specific instructions for new, difficult or unusual assignments in animal health care, including suggested work methods or advice on source materials available.

The Veterinary Technician Assistant uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instructions, but refers deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations not covered by instructions to the practitioner for decision or help. The practitioners assure that finished work and methods used are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions or established procedures. Review of the work increases with more difficult assignments, if the veterinary technician assistant has not previously performed similar assignments.

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Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.

• Knowledge of the use, 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 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.

• Exhibit strong problem solving and an organized approach to the position.

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Physical Effort:

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.

Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.