Overview
The Neurology service of the Small Animal Section utilizes state-of-the art diagnostic tests and cutting edge surgical procedures to provide high quality care to their patients and assistance to their clients in a facility and environment that emphasizes quality of life for animals and support for owners in the form of education, information services and grief counseling; to provide a facility and environment that supports teaching of Neurology to veterinary students, interns and residents in training, as well as continuing education for veterinary practitioners, veterinary technicians and the general public; to provide a facility and environment conducive to the study of neurologic disease, diagnosis, prognosis and treatments in companion animals; to support and promote general awareness about neurologic disease in companion animals in the scientific community and in the general public.
What You'll Do
This position will assist the neurologists, residents, interns, staff, and students in carrying out the treatment of inpatient, outpatient and chronically managed cases. The Vet Assistant in Nuerology will be the primary person responsible for expediting and completing patient prescription requests, and will assist with client and referring veterinarian questions and concerns as needed.
As a Veterinary Assistant you will be responsible for:
Veterinary Assistance:
- Prioritize and expedite client prescription needs to in house, human and online pharmacies following department protocols
- Review patient records to identify needs for recheck bloodwork and appointments
- Communicate with clients regarding refill updates, recheck and follow up needs as communicated by clinicians
- Work closely with clinicians to ensure timely client service and excellent patient care
- Assist with physical examinations of inpatients and outpatients
- Admit neurology patients for procedures
- Prepare patients for discharge
- Submission of various lab samples
- Expedite Neurology patient care and diagnostics in inpatient and outpatient services
- Assist technicians with inpatient Neurology patient needs
- Participate in euthanasia, after care and client grief support as needed
- Act as an on the floor liaison as required for the service for clients, RDVM's, and other hospital services.
- Collaborate and communicate with client service representatives and hospitals liaisons
- Assist as needed with daily calls from clients with questions/problems
- Be available to serve as service contact for the front desk and inpatient sections
Cleaning/Stocking/Equipment Maintenance:
- Coordinate and prioritize daily husbandry care of inpatients and maintain adequate inventory for the service (medical supplies, special food supplies and pharmaceuticals)
- Clean/stock/maintain service areas
- Maintain service equipment and ensure that all equipment is kept in good working order.
- Oversee service contracts if applicable for equipment
- Establish and maintain cleaning protocols for the service areas
Miscellaneous - Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor and Shift Leader including:
- Provide coverage for other shifts and sections of the Hospital as needed.
- Participate in Departmental and Hospital-wide initiatives as required.
- Complete other tasks as assigned by supervisor
Research:
- Assist in clinical research and projects as needed including treating research/laboratory animals.
Cross training and assisting in other areas of the hospital is expected as needed.
What We're Looking For
Basic Requirements:
- High school diploma (or the equivalent) and at least one year of related experience.
- Familiarity with medical terminology, veterinary pharmacology and animal behavior.
- Ability to restrain small animals in a safe, compassionate manner.
- High emotional intelligence and team player
- Engaged learner; Highly motivated to improve your knowledge base and skill set.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Electronic Medical Records
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in an Animal Science or other animal biology related field
- Successful completion of a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant Program
- Credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Assistant
- One or more years’ experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a veterinary hospital
Pay Range
Minimum $18.80, Midpoint $21.85, Maximum $24.90
Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.
