Veterinary Assistant - Ottawa, Canada - VSCAN

VSCAN

Verified Company

Ottawa, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

The primary role of the VSCAN Veterinary Assistant is to work with our doctors, technicians and other team members to provide the best experience possible to our patients.

VAs are the primary caregivers to all hospitalized pets, and are responsible for making sure that all patients are kept comfortable and safe.

VAs keep doctors and technicians informed of changes in the patient's status.

VSCAN VAs also help the doctors during their neurological examinations with the restraint of patients, as well as help RVTs before, during, and after any procedure (bloodwork, anesthesia, surgery, etc.).

Responsibilities

Prepare patient medications with DVM approval and label signature.
Help to prepare lab samples for submission to outside laboratories (IDEXX) as needed.
Ensure all areas in the clinic is wellstocked, unpack and record inventory orders as needed.
Preparing of surgical suite for procedures, as well as prepare, sterilize and sterilely opening surgical instruments and packs.
Provide care to patients such as monitoring and recording urination, bowel movements, eating, drinking, seizure activity, etc
Take and record vitals when asked (TPR, weight, etc ), as well as promptly informing RVTs or CVMs of any changes in patient status.
Keep all areas (treatment, prep, cages, and surgical suite) organized and clean by mopping, sweeping, general cleaning and emptying garbages.
Discharge appointments by sending home patients and providing medication, instructions about home care, demonstrate physiotherapy exercises as directed by DVM or RVTs.
Assist in preparation and/or induction of patients for anesthetic procedures such as imaging (MRI or CT) and/or surgery, as well as helping with recovery and transportation of patients.
Demonstrate proper patient handling techniques when assisting other team members and handle potentially fractious patients when needed (for treatments, sample collections, radiographs or neurological examinations).
Provide care to patients (as directed by RVT or DVM) to make them as comfortable as possible such as cleaning/bathing patients, kennels, feeding, walking, administering oral medication, preforming physiotherapy exercises, performing laser therapy, helping with anesthesia induction/recovery, getting patients ready to be discharged (remove IVC, double check fentanyl patch cover if applicable, bring patients to owners when ready to go ).

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of a recognized Veterinary Assistant program preferable but not required.
Prior experience working with animals and/or in a veterinary practice is an asset.
Comfortable with handling/restraining animals.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Good organizational skills.
Computer skills.
Able to work independently and with a team.
Strong time management skills
Ability to multitask while providing consistently high level of care and support to others.
Comfortable remaining calm in emergency situations. Basic knowledge of medical terminology, sterilization techniques, and veterinary equipment/procedures.

General Working Conditions

Exposure to offensive odors.

- (Continuous) excessive noise.

Slippery or uneven walking surfaces.
Working in close proximity to others.
Possible exposure to excessive heat/cold (when taking patients outside).
May be required to lift heavy patients alone (up to 15kg), or with support (up to 60kg).
Required to transport clinical samples such as blood or tissue, or any other bodily fluid(s).
Potential exposure to bites and/or scratches from fractious patients, and emotionally stressful/draining situations.
Sometimes instructed to perform activities such as: typing, reaching (above shoulder), kneeling, squatting, walking, standing or crouching for extended periods of time (ex: surgical or digital procedures).
Can be required to wear protective equipment (ex: gloves, protective eyewear, respiratory protection, etc.) when asked considering possible exposure to: noxious fumes, radiation, biohazardous substances, and chemical hazards.

Hours: 32-40 hours a week