Veterinary Assistant Surgery

VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc; West Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to large veterinary community

Tuition assistance and scholarships

Generous hospital discounts

Job summary

VCA Veterinary Specialists of CT in West Hartford, CT seeks an experienced surgery veterinary assistant to join the specialty team in our 24-7 hybrid hospital. The role focuses on surgical prep, sterile technique, patient handling, and assisting with pre- and post-surgical tasks.

We offer a supportive culture, opportunities for career progression, and a commitment to ongoing education. Schedule includes midweek shifts with potential weekend work in the future.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills.
• Professional, excellent interpersonal skills, and maintain a positive attitude in stressful times.
• Ability to handle prioritizing multiple tasks and the willingness to adapt to changes in the moment.
• Prefer a candidate with an understanding of surgical equipment and sterilization techniques; patient handling skills, and a basic knowledge of veterinary medicine.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a rigorous cleaning schedule of the surgical suite.
• Perform inventory audits and clearly communicate supply needs to Inventory Manager.
• Clean surgical instruments using surgical sterilization techniques.
• Prepare surgical packs for sterilization.
• Properly set up and run sterilization equipment - gas sterilizer and autoclave.
• Weekly autoclave maintenance and cleaning of the ultrasonic scaler.
• Decontaminating and cleaning operating rooms and equipment after surgical procedures.
• Maintain proper stock of surgical supplies in pack area and surgical suites.
• Patient restraint for bandage changes, catheter placement, etc.
• Running basic in-house bloodwork.
• Assisting with patient pre-surgical preparations and other duties pertaining to surgical operations.
• Ensure that all surgical equipment is in proper working order

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Prioritization

Surgical equipment knowledge

Sterilization techniques

Patient handling

Veterinary knowledge

Job description

VCA Veterinary Specialists of CT is looking to expand their surgery team with the addition of an experienced surgery veterinary assistant to join the specialty team at our 24-7 hybrid & specialty referral hospital in West Hartford, CT.

We have a unique culture in our hospital that values team building, connectivity, and wellness as well as strive to celebrate each person’s individual skill and career progression. We are a team with a shared devotion to providing progressive medicine with compassionate care as a driving force.

Potential Schedule:

Wed and Thursday 10a-7p and Friday 12p-5p Weekends may be needed in the future.

Compensation:

$18 – $20 / hr based on skill set, and experience

Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong organizational skills;

• Professional, excellent interpersonal skills, and maintain a positive attitude in stressful times;

• Ability to handle prioritizing multiple tasks and the willingness to adapt to changes in the moment;

• Prefer a candidate with an understanding of surgical equipment and sterilization techniques; patient handling skills, and a basic knowledge of veterinary medicine.

Job Responsibilities:

• Maintain a rigorous cleaning schedule of the surgical suite;

• Perform inventory audits and clearly communicate supply needs to Inventory Manager;

• Clean surgical instruments using surgical sterilization techniques;

• Prepare surgical packs for sterilization;

• Properly set up and run sterilization equipment - gas sterilizer and autoclave;

• Weekly autoclave maintenance and cleaning of the ultrasonic scaler;

• Decontaminating and cleaning operating rooms and equipment after surgical procedures;

• Maintain proper stock of surgical supplies in pack area and surgical suites;

• Patient restraint for bandage changes, catheter placement, etc.;

• Running basic in-house bloodwork;

• Assisting with patient pre-surgical preparations and other duties pertaining to surgical operations;

• Ensure that all surgical equipment is in proper working order

Why Join our Team?

We have a dedicated leadership team who is passionate about supporting our associates, clients, and patients. We are committed to your continuing education and strive to create an environment conducive to ongoing training and development.

Please take a moment to view our video on our associates experience and their careers:

https://vimeo.com/684755121/10c909cbf5

What Makes Veterinary Specialists of CT Unique?

Whether you are a seasoned veterinary professional or just starting your journey in veterinary medicine, we welcome your diverse experience and skillsets. Our hospital provides our community with an advanced General Practice, multiple boarded specialists in Internal Medicine, Critical Care, Cardiology, and Surgery. In addition, we offer endoscopy, emergency, orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries, and advanced diagnostic imaging including MRI. We aim to provide clients and their pets, with a comfortable environment that focuses on all of their diverse needs including offering plasma rich protein injections, holistic medicine, and new cutting edge treatments.

As a team we work hard, but we also find ways to celebrate our wins together and focus on self-care. We bring laughter into our practice, through field days, seasonal contests, and potlucks.

At our hospital we are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity. We strive to be a place where a talented mix of people want to come, stay, and do their best work.

Some of the benefits we offer:

• Access to the people and financial resources of a large veterinary community

• Veterinary Technician education tuition support and scholarships

• Generous hospital discounts and product discounts

• Growth & leadership opportunities

• Career development programs

• Competitive wage

• Free access to Plumbs

• Free mental health resources and wellness subscriptions (Headspace)

• Free VetGirl Subscription

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com