***At this time we do not have any openings for this position, any applications/ resumes we receive will be kept on file for future openings***
DeSoto Animal Clinic is looking to hire a full-time veterinary assistants to join our current team of four veterinarians, five C.V.T.’s, many other veterinary assistants and receptionists. We are looking for an enthusiastic team player with a customer service-oriented mind to join our staff providing small animal care for Manatee County. Each full-time assistant is scheduled to work four weekdays and alternate Saturday shifts. Experience preferred. You will be required to interact with clients and will perform animal handling and care duties throughout the day. The environment is very fast paced, the ability to multi- task is essential for this position.
Why work with DeSoto Animal Clinic
Our practice was established in 1980, and since that time we have maintained and have continued to grow a well established clientele. We are committed to the optimum health of our patients and strive to provide quality veterinary care. We stand out from other clinics in the area with the level of care and compassion that we provide. Our commitment to the animals in our community is unwavering. We have built a solid team that is much more than that, we cultivate a culture where our team is more like a family. We believe this family-like atmosphere fosters a work environment that allows individuals to be themselves and in essence work their best.
We are located on Florida’s Gulf Coast between Tampa Bay and Sarasota in scenic West Bradenton, Florida. We are within an 8-mile drive of the beaches of Anna Maria Island. This area has many activities including water sports, museums, food, outdoor activities, culture, camping, hiking… the list goes on.
Veterinary Assistant
The purpose of this position is to serve as an examination room assistant to the veterinarians at DeSoto Animal Clinic, to perform record-keeping duties related to animal patient care and treatment, and to provide miscellaneous support to the veterinary practice and staff. This position requires a practical knowledge of hospital organization and services, the basic rules and regulations governing visitors and animal patient treatment, data entry, proper animal restraint and a practical knowledge of the standard procedures, veterinary records and terminology used in the hospital.
Primary job responsibilities:
- Care of hospitalized patients each morning, including but not limited to feeding, watering, elimination (walking dogs and cat boxes) and cleaning cages and runs. Recording details about food and water intake and elimination in patients’ records.
- Care of hospitalized patients each evening as well.
- Set up exam rooms for the day as directed. Ensure that rooms are properly stocked with supplies (syringes, etc.) and that otoscopes are properly assembled and working.
- Break down exam rooms at the end of the day.
- Maintain exam room cleanliness in-between appointments and throughout the day.
- Prepare to load exam rooms by reviewing charts. Greet clients and patients appropriately in the waiting area and escort them to the exam room. Assist clients with strollers, wheelchairs or multiple pets when necessary. Provide additional chairs when applicable.
- Assist clients with departures from the exam room. Offer to carry medications, food or carriers.
- Review preliminary history on patient’s medical record.
- Obtain vital signs. Assist technicians with ancillary procedures when necessary.
- Obtain and/or process samples as directed. Provide knowledgeable, sub-professional advice regarding animal care by answering routine questions in accordance with clinic policies.
- Appropriately direct non-routine and other questions and communication to a technician or doctor.
- Prepare all required forms, such as admission forms, health certificates and rabies certificates.
- Assist doctor with examination, using proper restraint techniques appropriate to the demeanor of the patient.
- Gather handouts, brochures, samples or other materials as directed by the doctor.
- Ensure that all patient information is complete and current, in the computer record.
- Log controlled drugs filled by doctor or technician.
- Properly label and dispense medications as directed by the doctor. Present clients with medications, instructions and other items to take home.
- Follow clinic policies regarding patient admission. Make sure all appropriate forms are completed & signed and that client’s contact information is accurate.
- Handle emergency situations by following established clinic policies and procedures in situations where immediate treatment of patients is needed. Attempt to reassure distressed pet owners.
- Notify receptionists of patient dismissal. Relay any information regarding over-the-counter products, food or other medications recommended by the doctor.
- Ensure that proper follow-up and reminders are set up.
- Enter other data into the computer system as required.
- Assist technicians with their duties, such as patient treatment, sedation & anesthesia induction, radiology, etc.
- Perform designated housekeeping duties, especially when exam room assistance is not required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
The assistants work under the direct supervision of the Hospital Manager, who will indicate assignments, limitations and priorities. Recurring assignments should be performed independently. Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the Hospital Manager (Lead C.V.T. if HM is not available). Completed work will be reviewed for accuracy and compliance with established procedures.
Skills and knowledge:
- Knowledge of clinic procedures and operating instructions for assisting with appointments, completing medical records, recording information, dispensing medications and products, relaying information to clients regarding animal care, and maintaining standards of care and clinic protocols.
- Knowledge of the spelling and meaning of commonly used terminology of veterinary medicine to accurately record information.
- Personal contact with visitors, other staff members and animal owners affected by a variety of problems is required. Must accurately relay the owner’s concerns and medical complaints of the animal(s) to the staff members who will be involved with the patient’s care.
What our clinic has to offer for you
- A new, large, state of the art facility that offers ten exam rooms, a large treatment area, a pharmacy, a digital radiology room and ultrasound, Idexx lab equipment, therapeutic LASER, a fully equipped surgical suite including a CO2 surgical LASER, as well as a separate dental suite
- A very well-established patient/client base
- No boarding or grooming
- Work- life balance, flexibility, working 4 days per week and Saturday mornings on a rotating basis, no ER after-hours duties
- Paperless records
Benefits
- Medical insurance with 50% covered by DeSoto Animal Clinic
- Dental and vision insurance options are available
- Short term disability policy paid 100% by DeSoto Animal Clinic
- Maternity leave
- Closed on Sundays, re-occurring days off
- Discounted veterinary bills
- Simple IRA with 3% match
- Paid time off
- Uniform allowance
- Closed on major holidays
- $14.00 to $15.00 an hour
If you are interested in employment opportunities you may quickly apply, using the form to the right, or you may submit a full employment application in person, by mail, fax or email.