Bay Beach Veterinary Emergency Hospital - Veterinary Assistant

Bay Beach Veterinary Emergency Hospital - Veterinary Assistant

Virginia beach, VA

VetEvolve is a network of veterinary practices built to support the people delivering care and the practices they lead. We combine clinical insight with operational strength to give our teams the support, tools, and structure they need to thrive, without losing what makes each practice unique. We are intentionally focused on growth, not as an end in itself, but as a way to strengthen our practices, expand access to care, and create more opportunities for our teams.

Guided by our values: Care First. Better Together. Grow Forward. Own It. We create an environment where veterinary professionals can do their best work, build meaningful careers, and deliver exceptional care. Growth with intention. Care without compromise.

Veterinary Assistant (Emergency)

Reporting Structure: The veterinary assistant works under the direct supervision of the shift LVTs, shift DVMS, emergency services supervisor, veterinary practice manager, or medical director; who will indicate general assignments, limitations and priorities. Recurring assignments are performed independently. Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the shift leader or supervisor. Completed work is reviewed for technical accuracy and compliance with established procedures.

Veterinary Assistant Objectives: The purpose of this position is to serve as a veterinary assistant for Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital's Emergency Service, to perform hands on duties related to patient care and treatment, and to provide miscellaneous support to the veterinary practice manager and health care team. These service functions include but are not limited to, care of hospitalized patients, triage of incoming patients, review of estimates and treatment plans, loading exam rooms, communicating with clients, notating, and invoicing treatments and supplies, set up for procedures and surgeries, assisting with blood draws, radiographs and other diagnostic procedures, general cleanliness and stocking of the hospital. This job requires a practical knowledge of hospital organization and services, the basic rules and regulations governing visitors and animal patient treatment, and a practical knowledge of the standard procedures, veterinary records and terminology used in the hospital. Regular attendance and timeliness are an essential function to fulfill the requirements of this position.

Position type and expected hours of work:

• Full or Part-Time
• 8 to 12 hour shifts variable days of the week
• Weekend shifts required
• Overtime may be required

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Veterinary experience required

General Knowledge:

• Possession of strong organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask.
• Knowledge of the range of services the practice provides and the species it treats.
• Knowledge of practice polices regarding provision of care, treatment of stray animals, deposits for hospitalized patients, payments, and credit/payment options.
• Knowledge of and compliance with OSHA standards and be able to find Material Safety Data Sheets quickly.
• Reasonable familiarity with zoonotic (transmissible from animals to humans) diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission.
• Reasonable familiarity with common animal to animal contagious diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission.
• Understand the life cycle and pathology of common internal and external parasites, including common treatments and prevention.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with clients in a compassionate and professional manner in times of stress.
• Accurately obtain and then relay the owner's account of the medical problem/injury to the doctor and other health care team members.
• Possess active listening skills, giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Competently speak and write the English language.
• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Requires writing complete notes in medical records.

General Tasks:

• Always be in position and prepared to work by the start of each scheduled shift.
• Maintain accurate personal timecards.
• Maintain professional appearance while at work, including clean and pressed uniforms, neat hair, and proper personal hygiene.
• Have the physical strength and ability to stand for an entire shift when needed and be able to lift pets and objects weighing up to 40 pounds without assistance. Assist in lifting patients and objects weighing more than 40 pounds.
• Ensure the cleanliness and organization of the hospital, including but not limited to: treatment area, kennels, procedure rooms, exam rooms, parking lot and grounds.
• Clean and maintain all hospital equipment according to manufacturer's instructions and hospital policy.
• Maintain an even, friendly demeanor while on the job.
• Promote a positive attitude among staff.
• Handle stress with poise and tact.
• Show respect for clients, patients (alive or deceased), team members, and the hospital always. Be willing and available to stay late or work through breaks, when needed to assist with emergency or critical-care patients.
• Engage in productive work during slow periods.
• Ensure daily/weekly/monthly task lists are completed.
• Readily assist coworkers as needed.
• Stock hospital supplies, pharmaceuticals and pet-food as needed and facilitate depleted items being placed on the order list.
• Regularly check for outdated stock. Remove and replace expired items as directed. Participate in all staff training and meetings.
• Always be cognizant of patient safety.
• Understand and maintain strict client confidentiality.
• Be prepared to handle any pet or facility emergency that may arise. Know and follow contingency plans.

Clerical Tasks:

• Access client information within the practice management software system. Enter and retrieve client and patient data in the computer.
• Accurately notate details about patients, their care and client conversations in the medical record including vitals and treatment details.
• Check in and input patients and clients into computer. (overnight)
• Collect, post, and record client fees and deposits, make change, process credit card transactions, and assist in making count of cash drawer. (overnight)
• Assist in the ordering, receiving, stocking and distribution of supplies.
• Know phone functions including hold, intercom, and transfer.
• Accurately enter items and services into invoices as needed.
• Assist clients in filling out/completing electronic forms.
• Save hard copies of paperwork into client files.

Customer and Personal Service Tasks:

• Provide friendly and quality care to the clients and patients of Bay Beach Veterinary Hospital
• Receive incoming phone calls, screen those that are handled by other health care team members and take care of all other calls, both urgent and routine. Provide knowledgeable sub-professional advice concerning the care and treatment of animals. (overnight)
• Check clients in and greet clients in a professional, friendly, and hospitable manner. (overnight)
• Communicate effectively, compassionately, and professionally with clients during the triage process.
• Handle angry or grieving clients in a calm and reassuring manner. Enlist the help of a doctor or supervisor when needed.
• Assist clients to their cars if needed.
• Verify or witness clients' statements regarding procedures, including euthanasia.
• Answer questions and educate clients about basic pet care and procedures. Refer questions you cannot answer to appropriate colleague.

Triage Tasks:

• All patients triaged within 15 minutes of arrival in hospital.
• Obtain brief history from owner.
• Obtain full TPR and bring any abnormalities to the attentions of the DVM/LVT.
• Assign patient to proper triage class based on BBVH color system.
• Ensure patients are placed in appropriate place to wait to be seen based on presenting complaint and condition (isolation, ICU, with owner, etc.).

Exam Room Tasks:

• Always ensure cleanliness of exam rooms.
• Bring owners into the exam room.