Veterinary Assistant-Ethos Veterinary Health

Job Description

Job Title: Veterinary Assistant

Company: Ethos Veterinary Health

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Pay: $17 per hour

AI Pay Analysis: An hourly rate of $17 for a Veterinary Assistant in Grand Rapids, MI, is slightly below the industry average, which typically ranges from $18 to $23 per hour depending on experience, certifications, and the specific employer. While this rate might attract entry-level candidates, it may struggle to retain more experienced professionals or those with specialized skills. Additionally, factors such as cost of living in the area and benefits offered can influence competitiveness. Overall, while $17 is a reasonable starting point, it may not be sufficient for attracting and retaining qualified talent in a demanding field like veterinary care.

Job description:
Job Overview & Purpose: The Emergency Veterinary Assistant plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality medical support and nursing care to companion animal patients. This position also encompasses the oversight of hospital operations and workflow efficiencies, particularly during overnight hours when hospital management is absent. As a non-state licensed support role, the veterinary assistant collaborates with veterinarians and veterinary technicians to ensure optimal patient care.

Responsibilities and Duties:

Technical Duties (90%):
– Provide assistance to veterinarians in the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.
– Demonstrate proficiency in IV catheter placement.
– Execute accurate drug calculations and administration.
– Deliver exceptional nursing and husbandry care for patients.
– Exhibit strong knowledge of veterinary procedures and pharmacology.
– Conduct in-hospital laboratory testing and prepare specimens for external labs.
– Participate in various diagnostics, including radiology, ultrasound, ECG, blood pressure, and glucose monitoring.
– Assist veterinarians during outpatient exams by documenting patient histories, vital signs, and weights, while also providing client education.
– Administer nursing care for in-hospital patients, ensuring all requested treatments, diagnostics, and medications are provided.
– Maintain accurate documentation of all treatments.
– Conduct pre-admission exams and facilitate the discharge process for hospitalized patients.
– Complete client callbacks as required.
– Collaborate with veterinarians to maintain legally defensible medical records.
– Actively engage in nursing rounds, including thorough and relevant updates during shift changes.

Examinations & Triage:
– Prepare and uphold exam rooms to ensure cleanliness and adequate supply levels.
– Assist veterinarians in exam rooms by recording patient histories, vital signs, and weights, and preparing medications.
– Collect samples and perform a variety of in-house diagnostic tests.
– Process prescriptions according to veterinarians’ instructions and educate clients on medication administration.
– Conduct admission exams for hospitalized patients, covering weight and vital signs.
– Perform pre-anesthetic assessments of surgery patients if not previously evaluated by the veterinarian.
– Oversee the discharge of patients, reviewing discharge instructions as necessary.

Laboratory:
– Manage in-hospital lab testing, including intestinal parasite screens, pre-anesthetic testing, senior panels, complete blood counts, urinalysis, and heartworm evaluations.
– Collect and prepare samples for both in-house and outside laboratories.
– Communicate diagnostic testing results to veterinarians.
– Maintain quality controls and thorough record-keeping for in-house laboratory equipment.
– Accurately complete sample preparations and associated paperwork for external diagnostic tests.

Treatment:
– Execute treatments as indicated on the treatment board and within medical records.
– Support veterinarians with daily treatments and monitor intensive care patients.
– Provide nursing and husbandry care, facilitating patient radiographs as needed.
– Record x-rays in logs and medical records, attaching digital images to patient files.
– Operate and maintain IV pumps.

Surgery:
– Prepare the surgical area and ensure surgical materials are stocked.
– Organize surgical packs and gowning procedures.
– Verify oxygen lines and the waste gas scavenger system; shut down the scavenger system post-surgery.
– Prepare surgical instruments and patients for surgery, including administering pre-op medications and managing induction/intubation.
– Monitor anesthesia with equipment such as pulse oximeters and electrocardiograms.
– Maintain and operate the anesthesia machine.
– Assist veterinarians during surgical procedures, ensuring precise monitoring through anesthesia recovery.
– Uphold cleanliness and sterilization protocols for the surgery suite and instruments following each procedure.
– Guarantee that discharged patients are well-groomed and in appropriate medical condition, including the removal of catheters.

Medical Records:
– Update medical records with detailed progress notes.
– Facilitate communication among doctors and technicians through accurate record notations.
– Document information pertaining to hospitalized patients, including:
– Daily status updates as each technician interacts with the patient, including initials, time, and observations.
– Procedures such as surgeries and diagnostics.
– Findings from pre-surgical exams and anesthesia risk assessments.
– Anesthesia times and duration.
– Surgical notes including suture material, patterns, and incision details.
– Lab test results and treatment records.
– Home care instructions reviewed with clients.
– Create treatment plans and obtain signatures for consent forms.

Housekeeping Duties (5%):
– Ensure the cleanliness of surgical suites, treatment, and exam rooms, including all surfaces and equipment.
– Maintain equipment longevity through routine cleaning.
– Regularly clean windows, floors, and waste receptacles in all relevant areas.
– Adhere to proper disposal protocols for syringes and ensure all areas are organized and sanitary.
– Facilitate laundry and manage bedding for hospitalized pets.

Administrative Duties (3%):
Inventory
– Log controlled substances and assist with inventory counts.
– Familiarize oneself with the inventory module of the veterinary practice-management software.
– Restock necessary supplies in exam rooms and treatment areas.

Safety
– Adhere to OSHA requirements and practice health and safety protocols.
– Utilize Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as needed.

Administrative
– Demonstrate proficiency with veterinary practice-management software.
– Provide support to receptionists as needed and attend staff meetings as required.

Client Services (2%):
– Answer incoming phone calls, providing appropriate information and encouraging patient evaluations.
– Greet clients and facilitate medical record management.
– Prepare estimates for services, manage patient admissions and discharges, and handle fee collection.
– Process incoming and outgoing faxes as necessary.

Teamwork:
– Engage positively in collaborative efforts across teams.
– Maintain professionalism by refraining from gossip and supporting team members.
– Actively seek to solve problems and propose enhancements concerning client services and hospital operations.

Equipment:
– Proficiency in using standard veterinary medical equipment in exam rooms.
– Familiarity with eZyvet software and associated laboratory testing equipment.

Knowledge/Skills:
– Relevant experience equivalent to job duties.
– Strong veterinary nursing and technical capabilities.
– Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
– Proficient in computer applications.
– Ability to effectively multitask, delegate, and manage daily operations.
– Comprehensive understanding of veterinary medicine, particularly in primary and emergency care.
– Professional demeanor and strong work ethic.

Physical Requirements:
– Ability to restrain canine and feline patients appropriately for procedures.
– Capability to stand, sit, bend, and squat for extended periods.
– Capacity to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
– Must be able to safely lift up to 60 lbs.
– Proficient in typing, writing, and verbal communication.
– Availability to adhere to the posted schedule.

Schedule:
– Part-time position; specific schedule to be determined during the interview process.

Compensation:
– Starting rate of $17 per hour.
– Pay ranges are determined primarily by role, level, and location. Within these ranges, individual compensation is influenced by factors including job-related skills, experience, and applicable education.

Ethos Veterinary Health and AEH management reserve the right to modify job requirements as necessary to fulfill operational needs.

Ethos Veterinary Health positions itself as a leader in innovative and exceptional veterinary care. With over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos is dedicated to a collaborative network of over 1,500 specialized veterinarians, ensuring care for nearly 2 million pets each year. Our team employs cutting-edge technology and evidence-based practices to provide compassionate care and foster rewarding careers. For more information, please visit EthosVet.com.

Ethos Veterinary Health offers a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, a 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off for eligible employees. Specific compensation and benefits details will be provided during the hiring process. For Colorado-based positions, we comply with the state’s Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, offering paid sick and safe leave to qualified employees.

Ethos Veterinary Health is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or genetic information. In accordance with local hiring regulations, we will consider all qualified applicants, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with applicable laws.

Job Posting Date: Wed, 14 May 2025 07:51:43 GMT

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