Veterinary Assistant, Blood Bank

Veterinary Assistant, Blood Bank

Location:

Cincinnati, OH

Schedule:

Full Time | 1st shift | 4 Ten Hour Shifts Per Week, Mon-Thurs, 8am-6pm | No Weekends!

Compensation: $20-23/hr

Care Center is a multi-specialty veterinary practice with locations in Cincinnati and Dayton. Our referral services include board-certified specialists in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Cardiology, Critical Care, Oncology, and Rehabilitation. We are also staffed 24 hours a day by a passionate and experienced Emergency team. Our 21,000-square-foot facility offers advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities including CT, radiation therapy, radioactive iodine therapy, digital radiography, ultrasonography, echocardiography, minimally invasive scoping, and fluoroscopy.

Care Center is AAHA Accredited, earning both Traditional and Referral Accreditation at our Cincinnati and Dayton locations. Our Blood Bank team participates in the Association of Veterinary Hematology and Transfusion Medicine and utilizes Fear Free principles when caring for our donors.

The Veterinary Assistant - Animal Blood Bank supports the Blood Bank team in providing high-quality canine and feline blood products while creating a safe, positive, and low-stress experience for our volunteer donors and their families. This position works closely with Blood Bank RVTs and veterinarians to assist with donor appointments, blood collection procedures, patient handling, laboratory sample preparation, blood product processing, client communication, documentation, and maintenance of a clean and efficient Blood Bank environment.

• Provide friendly, professional service to blood donor families.
• Assist with scheduling donor appointments and maintaining accurate donor information.
• Help answer general questions regarding the blood donation process within the scope of the position.
• Assist with donor check-in and discharge.
• Help create a positive, welcoming experience that encourages continued participation in the donor program.
• Communicate donor concerns or changes in health status promptly to the RVT or veterinarian.

• Safely restrain and position canine and feline donors for examinations, blood collection, laboratory testing, and other procedures.
• Assist veterinarians and RVTs during blood donation procedures and prepare donors and supplies for collection.
• Monitor donor comfort and behavior throughout appointments and assist with post-donation monitoring, feeding, comfort, and recovery.
• Utilize Fear Free and low-stress handling techniques whenever possible.
• Assist with peripheral venipuncture and other technical skills when appropriately trained and permitted within the scope of the position.
• Assist with sedated or anesthetized feline donor procedures under the direction and supervision of an RVT or veterinarian, as permitted by hospital policy and applicable regulations.

• Assist with preparation, labeling, processing, and storage of blood products after completion of required training.
• Prepare laboratory samples for in-house and outside laboratory testing.
• Operate approved laboratory and Blood Bank equipment after appropriate training.
• Maintain accurate identification and organization of samples, blood products, and supplies.

• Assist with accurate documentation of donor visits and procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized, and properly stocked Blood Bank work areas, kennels, equipment, collection areas, and treatment spaces.
• Prepare donation supplies and procedure areas for upcoming appointments and assist with inventory.
• Participate in community blood drives, donor recruitment events, and educational events as needed.
• When Blood Bank caseload and operational needs are low, this position may be assigned to assist other departments within the hospital based on staffing and patient-care needs. Duties performed in other departments will be appropriate to the team member's training, experience, and scope of responsibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous veterinary assistant, animal care, kennel, shelter, or related experience preferred.
• Previous experience safely handling dogs (including large breed dogs) and cats preferred.
• Veterinary Assistant certification is welcomed but not required.
• Ability to recognize changes in patient behavior or condition and communicate concerns promptly.
• Compassionate and attentive approach to animal care.
• Ability to remain focused and organized in a fast-paced veterinary environment.
• Strong attention to detail, communication, organizational, and time-management skills..
• Basic computer skills and an interest in learning specialized veterinary blood banking and transfusion medicine procedures.
• Previous blood banking experience is not required; specialized Blood Bank training will be provided!
• Must demonstrate a willingness to learn, follow established protocols,…