Veterinary Assistant

At Vernon Hills Animal Hospital, we aim to provide the highest quality in veterinary medical care in a friendly, relaxed setting. Our appointments are longer than the average in the veterinary business. That’s because we want to take the time to get to know your pet and give him or her an individualized and thorough health care plan.

Our services include general medicine and surgery (including laser surgery), wellness care and vaccinations, exotic animal medicine and surgery, geriatric medicine, dentistry, radiography (general and dental), therapeutic cold laser treatments, and laboratory services. 

 Position Purpose
Reporting into the Veterinary Technician Team Leader and the Practice Manager, the Veterinary Assistant assists the veterinarians and technicians with patient care and treatment, monitors hospitalized pets, maintains inventory, prepares prescriptions, performs routine in-house laboratory work, educates clients regarding veterinary care and procedures, and assists with surgical procedures. May work on a range of animals from small to large to exotic (based on practice’s scope of service).

Veterinary Assistant Competencies

• Patience & Compassion: Remaining professional while still making Doctors, teammates, clients, and patients feel as comfortable as possible regardless of the situation or challenges presented. Responding quickly and calmly to crisis while maintaining a high standard of patient care.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Carefully coordinating actions with Doctors and practice team members. Providing feedback appropriately and in a timely manner. Quickly incorporating feedback to ensure positive results. Sharing ideas and being open to other’s ideas.
• Communicating: Conveying instructions to clients and teammates to ensure successful patient care.
• Active Listening: Following the instructions of Doctors and sometimes patient owners. Picking up the needs of Doctors and teammates based on prior experiences and feedback.
• Organization Skills: Clear tracking of lab specimens, medications, patient instructions, workflow, and other job-related items while managing multiple patients and clients.
• Client Satisfaction: Ensuring all activities and interactions result in the highest level of client satisfaction.

• Assist veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the practice of veterinary medicine and other tasks as needed.
• Assist veterinarians in outpatient exams by taking histories, vital signs, and weights, as well as providing client education.
• Prepare patients for surgery and monitor vital signs of the patient during surgery.
• Collect and prepare samples; obtain blood, stool, and other samples.
• Perform in-hospital laboratory testing and prepare specimens for outside laboratories.

• Take, develop, and maintain radiographs following proper safety procedures.

• Provide basic animal handling and restrain animals during exams.
• Administer and monitor medications, anesthesia, vaccines, and treatments at the discretion of the Doctor.
• Accurate charting at the discretion of the Doctor.

• Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients; exercise compassion and care in all interactions with patients.
• Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment, and lab areas; restock exam rooms with supplies. Assist other team members to keep the public areas of the practice clean; clean and maintain all medical equipment.
• Communicate with Doctors and practice team members including client discussions, patient plans, client concerns, etc.
• Follow DEA and OSHA guidelines; document controlled drug logs anytime a controlled drug is used; follow appropriate safety and handling of hazardous materials; follow established hospital safety guidelines regarding radiographs, controlled drugs, animal handling, etc.

• Any other duties as assigned.

• Ability to work on weekends
• Previous veterinary experience preferred
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to lift patients and carry equipment up to 25 pounds; ability to lift patients or carry equipment over 25 pounds with assistance
• Practice OSHA safety techniques including proper PPE
• Basic math and the ability to calculate medication dosages
• Basic computer skills, familiarity with MS office applications, etc.
• Strong communication skills to ensure patient safety