Veterinary Assistant - Lenoir City Animal Clinic

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians during patient examinations, including taking and recording vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate) and preparing animals for various procedures such as surgeries, diagnostic testing, and dental cleanings.
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as directed by the veterinary team, ensuring proper dosages and routes of administration (IV, IM, SQ, PO).
• Provide compassionate handling and restraint of animals during exams, blood draws, radiographs, and other clinical procedures.
• Monitor patients pre-, intra-, and post-operatively, ensuring their comfort and recovery, especially during anesthesia or surgical procedures.
• Support animal recovery by providing post-operative care, pain management, and monitoring for any complications after surgery.

• Greet clients and their pets in a friendly and professional manner, ensuring a positive and supportive experience from the moment they enter the clinic.
• Answer client questions about their pets' health, treatment plans, and preventative care options, providing clear explanations in a compassionate and empathetic tone.
• Schedule appointments, manage patient flow, and communicate with clients regarding updates on their pets' condition and treatment progress.
• Educate pet owners on essential aspects of pet health, including vaccination schedules, parasite prevention, nutrition, and home care instructions.
• Address client concerns effectively and professionally, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and trust.

• Assist with routine diagnostic procedures such as lab work (blood tests, urinalysis, cytology), radiographs (X-rays), and dental cleanings, ensuring that proper protocols are followed for each procedure.
• Collect blood, urine, fecal samples, and other diagnostic specimens, ensuring accurate handling and timely processing.
• Prepare and maintain medical records using electronic medical record (EMR) systems, documenting patient history, treatment plans, and progress notes.
• Monitor and manage anesthesia, providing support to veterinarians during surgical procedures, and adjusting anesthesia levels as necessary to ensure patient safety.
• Assist with the preparation, sterilization, and organization of surgical instruments and medical supplies for use during procedures.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of exam rooms, surgical suites, treatment areas, and kennel spaces, adhering to strict infection control and sanitation protocols.
• Ensure that clinic equipment is properly cleaned, sterilized, and ready for use, including surgical instruments, exam tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Assist with inventory management by restocking supplies, tracking expiration dates, and assisting with inventory audits to ensure the clinic is well-equipped at all times.
• Ensure the clinic’s work environment is safe for both staff and animals, including proper handling of hazardous materials such as medications and cleaning agents.

• Work closely with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support staff to ensure smooth clinic operations, effective patient care, and timely procedure execution.
• Actively participate in team meetings, offering insights on patient care, workflow improvements, and potential concerns in a collaborative manner.
• Maintain a positive, professional demeanor even in fast-paced or high-pressure situations, helping to foster a productive and harmonious team environment.
• Assist with on-the-job training and mentoring for new team members or veterinary students, sharing knowledge and best practices to promote skill development.
• Provide support for emergency or urgent care cases, working quickly and efficiently to ensure high-quality care for critically ill or injured pets.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician, or in an animal-related field is preferredbut not required. However, a strong passion for animal care and a willingness to learn is essential.
• Ability to handle and restrain animals of various sizes and temperaments, ensuring their comfort and safety during exams, procedures, and treatments.
• Knowledge of basic veterinary medical terminology, animal anatomy, and common diseases, as well as familiarity with common clinical procedures such as vaccinations, blood draws, and lab work.
• Demonstrated ability to work with both domestic pets and occasionally more exotic or specialized animals, adjusting care techniques as necessary based on species-specific needs.

• Excellent communication skills are essential for effectively interacting with clients and team members. You must be able to clearly convey medical information, treatment plans, and follow-up instructions in a compassionate and professional manner.
• Ability to educate pet owners about their pet’s health, including preventative care, nutrition, medications, and post-care instructions.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills to engage with clients in an empathetic manner, managing difficult conversations and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Proficiency in client communication software and the ability to take detailed messages, schedule appointments, and ensure follow-up care is clearly communicated.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks effectively, including patient care, administrative duties, inventory management, and record-keeping.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, ensuring that critical tasks are completed efficiently while maintaining high standards of care.
• Comfortable working with electronic medical records (EMR) systems, entering accurate patient data, tracking treatments, and maintaining detailed medical history for each animal.
• Demonstrates attention to detail in both clinical procedures and client communications to ensure accuracy and prevent errors in patient care and administration.

• Willingness to adapt to changing priorities, including emergency cases or urgent care situations, while maintaining a calm, focused approach.
• Ability to work part-time hours, with flexibility to accommodate various shifts, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holiday hours as needed.
• Adaptable to a dynamic work environment, with an openness to continuous learning and improvement of veterinary practices and procedures.
• Comfortable working as part of a collaborative team, supporting veterinarians, technicians, and other staff members to ensure efficient clinic operations.

• Physical ability to lift and move animals of various sizes (up to 50 pounds or more) and assist with their transportation within the clinic.
• Comfortable with physical demands, including standing for long periods, bending, and kneeling as required to provide patient care and maintain clinic spaces.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and a keen understanding of proper infection control and sanitation proceduresto ensure a safe, clean environment for both staff and animals.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives for outstanding patient care and customer service.

• Medical insurance with a variety of plans to fit your needs, including vision and dental coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) to help you recharge, including vacation days, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave to support you during family milestones.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match to help you save for your future.
• Employee assistance program (EAP) offering confidential support for personal and professional matters.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education (CE) to keep your skills sharp and stay at the forefront of veterinary care.
• Financial support for CE courses, seminars, and conferences to encourage your growth in specialized areas of veterinary medicine.
• Mentorship programs to help you develop your clinical skills and grow within the organization.

• A supportive, collaborative work environment where your voice is heard, and your contributions are valued.
• Team-building activities and social events to foster a positive, enjoyable workplace culture.
• Wellness programs and initiatives aimed at promoting both physical and mental health for our team members.

• Employee discounts on veterinary services and products for your pets.
• Exclusive discounts on pet-related products and services from local partners.
• Additional Wellness and Retail Discounts available through Perks At Work program. 

• Clear career progression paths with opportunities for promotion based on performance and continuing education.
• The opportunity to specialize in areas such as emergency care, surgery, dentistry, or radiology, supported by on-the-job training and mentoring from our skilled team.
• Leadership training and development to prepare you for potential roles in management or specialized veterinary fields.

• Work in a modern, fully equipped veterinary clinic with access to the latest tools, technology, and diagnostic equipment.
• Clean and well-maintained facility with a focus on safety, efficiency, and creating a comfortable environment for both patients and staff.