Job Description

AAHA accredited, Spencer Springs Animal Hospital located in Las Vegas, Nevada focuses on being #1 in patient care as well as providing the very best client service to our pet owners. We are a compassionate team of 4 Veterinarians, LVT’s and hospital personnel looking to add another highly motivated Full-Time Veterinary Assistant!

Spencer Springs Animal Hospital has an on-site IDEXX laboratory including urinalysis machine and full pharmacy. Our skilled veterinary staff offers complete dental care, routine and advanced surgery, general medicine, laser therapy and diagnostic care. We value preventive medicine and strive to keep vaccinations and other preventive care needs affordable for our clients.

Due to the high pace of our practice, we are looking for applicants with at least 1 to 2 years of technician experience. The Veterinary Technicians assist the 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 assist with procedures. Candidates must have a positive and enthusiastic attitude, ability to work in harmony with a team, strong communication skills, the ability to multi-task, take initiative, a well-rounded technical skill-set and a passion for excellence in patient care.

Fundamentals:

• Supports our mission statement and lives our values. Focuses on being #1 in patient care.
• Excellent client service, attentive to all clients and pet needs; always a source of comfort during difficult times. Demonstrates warmth, courtesy and professionalism in every interaction.
• Has a positive and enthusiastic attitude. Shows respect towards others
• Works for a goal of 100% collection of services.
• Follows general policies and procedure of SSAH as well as AAHA guideline.
• Leads by example.
• Promotes the practice.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Offers the best treatment plan to every patient and client.
• Flexible with scheduling.
• Accountability; responsible and dependable.
• Ability to manage stress in a very busy practice.

Primary Responsibilities and Key Skills

Client Communication

• Communicate with clients regarding the medical status of their pet. Provide information about treatment, fees, diet, etc.
• Instruct clients as to how to prepare their pets prior to surgical procedures, after-care, how to administer medications, etc.
• Answers questions and educates clients on veterinary care. Promotes practice’s products and services.

Animal Handling

• Restrains animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during treatment and examinations.
• Assists with moving animals throughout the hospital.
• Exercises compassion and care in all patient interactions. Knowledgeable on how to properly handle difficult or contentious animals.

Assist Veterinarians / Exam Room Protocol

• Follows procedures to assist Veterinarians with exams and helps facilitate the flow of patients. Consults with the Veterinarians on a daily basis to plan each day’s activities. Communicates all potential problems, discussions with clients, etc.
• Reviews Medical Records and appropriately documents all treatments, animal behaviors, notes, etc.
• Obtains necessary lab samples. Anticipates and prepares any medications or vaccines the Doctors needs to treat the patient.
• Ensures all procedures rendered during the visit are documented for billing.

Laboratory Procedures and Radiographs

• Accurately performs in-house lab procedures. Appropriately prepares and handles specimens.
• Prepares specimens for outside lab-work.
• Monitors lab supplies and orders as needed.
• Takes radiographs and follows and enforces all safety precautions.

Veterinary Procedures

• Performs routine suture removals, nail trims, anal glands and weight checks. Applies bandages and splints.
• Sterilizes instruments.
• Preps patients for surgery.
• Administers injectables – intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous.
• Examines patients for fleas, skin problems and other obvious problems.

Preparing Medications

• Accurately dispenses prescription medication. Prepares prescription labels and appropriately packages medications.
• Documents in the controlled drug log anytime a controlled drug is used.
• Ensures the medications are added to the patient’s record and appropriately charged to the client.

Safety

• Follows OSHA guidelines concerning safety and handling of hazardous materials.
• Follow established hospital safety guidelines regarding radiographs, controlled substances, animal handling, etc.

Hospital Maintenance

• Keep treatment area clean and sanitized.
• Clean and maintain all medical equipment as required.

Surgical Assistance

• Provide surgical support and assist the Veterinarians.
• Administer intravenous fluid therapy, monitor vital signs and oxygen saturation. Place and maintain a urinary catheter.

Hospitalized Patient Care

• Assist with morning rotations – feeding, walks, medication.
• Maintain treatments requested by the Doctor.
• Communicate all patient needs with treatment staff and Veterinarians. Document notes appropriately in patient’s medical chart.
• Review cases with other technical staff before shift changes.

Veterinary Knowledge

• Utilize in-house educational materials and continuing education provided by the hospital.
• Exercise knowledge of the hospital’s products and services.
• Maintain state required continuing education requirements.

Attitude/Teamwork

• Demonstrates initiative and teamwork in everyday duties by seeking other work to do during down-time, assisting other employees within the practice, and filling in for others where needed.

Other requirements & responsibilities:

• Scheduling flexibility, including weekends. Schedule will typically be Mon, Wed, Fri 12 hour shifts and rotating on-call Sat.
• Excellent client service and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable around cats and dogs of all breeds and sizes.
• Experience with animal restraint.
• Ability to lift up to 50Lbs.

We offer a competitive compensation, health, dental and vision insurance, 401K, uniform renewal allowance, pet care discounts and paid time off (PTO).