Veterinary Exam Room Assistant

Valley View Animal Hospital EXAM ROOM ASSISTANT

Job Objectives:

The purpose of this position is to assist veterinarians with patient care and treatment, monitor hospitalized pets, maintain inventory, prepare prescriptions, perform routine in-house lab work, educate clients regarding veterinary care and procedures and assist with surgical procedures. Operates under the supervision of the Veterinarians and the Hospital Administrator.

• Communicate with clients regarding the medical status of their pet. Provide accurate information to clients concerning fees, hospital policies, etc.
• Instruct clients as to how to care for their pets after discharge from the hospital, how to administer medications, etc.
• Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients.

• Restrain animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during examinations and procedures.
• Work often requires lifting and carrying animals which may weigh upwards of 100 lbs. Will be assisted by animal handlers in working with larger animals.
• Assist with moving animals throughout the hospital. Cage and remove animals as needed.
• Work often exposes the Exam Room Assistant to unpleasant odors and noise. May be exposed to bites, scratches and animal waste; may also be exposed to contagious diseases.
• Exercise compassion and care in all interactions with patients. Know how to properly handle difficult or contentious animals.

• Follow established procedures in order to assist veterinarians with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients and patients through the out-patient clinic. Consult with veterinarians on a daily basis to plan each day’s activities. Keep doctors apprised of potential problems, discussions with clients, etc.
• Review medical records and notes made by the admitting receptionist in order to discern the nature of the visit and any tests or procedures that may be needed.
• Greet clients and escort them and their pets into an exam room.
• Discuss with the client the reason for the visit, any symptoms or problems being experienced, and any procedures that may need to be done (i.e. vaccinations, fecal or heartworm tests, etc). Utilize a pre-exam checklist to ensure that all medical needs are covered. Answer client questions one-on-one on various aspects of animal care up to, but not including, controversial items and/or those best left to the veterinarians.
• Obtain fecal or urine samples that may be needed from the pet. Utilize a fecal loop when necessary. Anticipate and prepare any medications or vaccines the doctor will need to treat the patient.
• Notify the veterinarian when patients in the exam room are ready to be seen. Advise the veterinarian of the information already known such as the nature of the visit, preventive procedures due, tests that are to be run, etc. Assist the veterinarian within the exam room by restraining the animal, preparing forms, obtaining instruments, etc. Remain in the exam room until excused by the doctor.
• Perform any lab work that may be needed or make sure that lab work is performed by another team member while the patient is still in the exam room.
• Ensure all procedures rendered during the visit are documented for proper billing. Ensure that all vaccinations, procedures, notes, etc have been documented in the medical record. Pass on information/advice from the doctors; explain dosage/purpose of medications; reinforce through discussion the proper care and procedures that should be followed at home.
• Escort the client and patient to the front desk and give the medical record and patient visit form to the receptionist for client receipting. Prepare the exam room for the next visit.
• Call back/follow-up with clients concerning certain patients; recommend additional visit if patients progress does not appear satisfactory.

• Accurately perform routine in-house laboratory procedures. Appropriately prepare and handle specimens.
• Prepare specimens for outside laboratory.
• Take, develop and maintain radiographs following proper safety procedures.

• Perform routine nail trims, and weight checks.
• Sterilize instruments.
• Prep patients for procedures.
• Give injections as directed – intravenous via catheter.
• Examine patients for fleas, skin problems, and other obvious problems.

• Educate clients regarding preventive medicine and vaccination…