Veterinary Assistant at Gaines Shoal Animal Clinic

Heartland Veterinary Partners

Athens (GA)

On-site

USD 19,000 - 23,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement benefits

Bonus incentive

Flexible work schedules

Career and professional development

Employee Assistance Program

Employee Referral Program

Job summary

Gaines Shoal Animal Clinic in Athens, GA is seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join our team. You will assist veterinarians and technicians with patient care, monitor hospitalized pets, maintain inventory, and educate clients about procedures and preventive care.

The role requires weekend availability and some night shifts until 8pm. Previous veterinary experience is preferred, and candidates should be able to lift up to 25 pounds, follow OSHA PPE guidelines, and communicate clearly with clients

Qualifications

Prior veterinary assisting experience preferred.
Willingness to work weekends and some night shifts until 8pm.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds; assist with heavier lifts.
Follow OSHA PPE safety techniques.

Responsibilities

Assist veterinarians in veterinary medicine and surgery.
Take histories, vital signs, and weights; educate clients.
Prepare patients for surgery and monitor during procedures.
Obtain samples; perform in-hospital lab work; prepare specimens for outside labs.
Take, develop, and maintain radiographs with proper safety procedures.
Handle and restrain animals during exams.
Administer and monitor medications, anesthesia, vaccines, and treatments.
Clean and restock exam rooms and lab areas; maintain equipment.
Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all client interactions.
Communicate with veterinarians and team members about plans and concerns.
Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Patience & compassion

Collaboration & teamwork

Communication

Active listening

Organization

Client satisfaction

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Practice

At Gaines Shoal Animal Clinic, we are passionate about our work and dedicated to providing our patients with the best possible veterinary care. Proudly serving Athens, GA community for over 30 years, our veterinarians and staff are committed to protecting the health and wellness of your companion with a preventive medicine and lifestyle-based approach to care.

To further enhance the wellness of pets in our community, we collaborate with regional animal rescues organizations like Athens Canine Rescue, PAWS, Athens Area Humane Society, Athens Clarke County Animal Shelter, and Oconee County Animal Control.

Practice

More About The Role

The Veterinary Assistant assists the veterinarians and technicians with patient care and treatment, monitors hospitalized pets, maintains inventory, prepares prescriptions, performs routine in-house laboratory work, educates clients regarding veterinary care and procedures, and assists with surgical procedures.

Previous veterinary hospital experience required. Schedule will include some night shifts (until 8pm) and weekends (currently Saturday only).

Competencies

Patience & Compassion: Remaining professional while still making teammates, clients, and patients feel as comfortable as possible regardless of the situation or challenges presented. Responding quickly and calmly to crisis while maintaining a high standard of patient care.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Carefully coordinating actions with veterinarians and practice team members. Providing feedback appropriately and in a timely manner. Quickly incorporating feedback to ensure positive results. Sharing ideas and being open to other’s ideas.
Communicating: Conveying instructions to clients and teammates to ensure successful patient care.
Active Listening: Following the instructions of veterinarians and sometimes patient owners. Picking up the needs of veterinarians and teammates based on prior experiences and feedback.
Organization Skills: Clear tracking of lab specimens, medications, patient instructions, workflow, and other job-related items while managing multiple patients and clients.
Client Satisfaction: Ensuring all activities and interactions result in the highest level of client satisfaction.

Essential Responsibilities

Assist veterinarians in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery and other tasks as needed.
Assist veterinarians in outpatient exams by taking histories, vital signs, and weights, as well as providing client education.
Prepare patients for surgery and monitor vital signs of the patient during surgery.
Obtain blood, stool, and other samples; perform in-hospital laboratory testing and prepare specimens for outside laboratories.
Take, develop, and maintain radiographs following proper safety procedures.
Provide basic animal handling and restrain animals during exams.
Administer and monitor medications, anesthesia, vaccines, and treatments at the discretion of the veterinarian.
Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment, and lab areas; restock exam rooms with supplies. Assist other team members to keep the public areas of the practice clean; clean and maintain all medical equipment.
Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients; exercise compassion and care in all interactions with patients.
Communicate with veterinarians and practice team members including client discussions, patient plans, client concerns, etc.
Any other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Qualifications

Ability to work on weekends as required
Previous veterinary experience preferred
Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 25 pounds with assistance
Practice OSHA safety techniques including proper PPE
Basic math and the ability to calculate medication dosages
Basic computer skills, familiarity with MS office applications, etc.
Strong communication skills to ensure patient safety

Benefits Offered