Hospital Veterinary Assistant (Overnight)

Summary:

The ASPCA Animal Hospital (AAH) is designed to provide life-saving care and relieve suffering for animal victims of cruelty and neglect who come to us through our internal partners:  ASPCA Adoption Center, Kitten Nursery, Community Medicine and Community Engagement (CE) teams; and our external partners: NYPD and other NYC organizations.   Additionally, we provide subsidized care exclusively for animals whose owners are experiencing financial challenges and could not otherwise afford medical care for their pet.

The Hospital Veterinary Assistant is responsible for the daily care of surgical patients and assisting the Licensed Veterinary Technicians and Veterinarians in a high-quality, high-volume emergency hospital.

This is a full-time, overnight position. Weekends may be required.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Medical and Nursing Care (50%)

• Assist Veterinarians and LVTs with general duties in all departments
• Comprehend veterinary medical concepts to support patient needs.  Able to communicate such information to clients
• ·Treat animals and clients with care and respect, providing compassionate, low-stress patient care to all patients utilizing the AAH Fear Free guidelines.
• ·Proficient in animal handling and restraint for medical procedures
• Capture radiographs while practicing AAH Fear Free protocols
• Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients and competently explain medications, physical therapy, and warning signs
• Monitor and document vital signs. Capable of recognizing abnormal values and immediately communicating concerns to LVTs /Veterinarians 
• Assist with inpatient nursing care as directed by LVTs including and not limited to: bottle-feeding neonates, administrating oral, topical and ophthalmic medications, performing physical therapy, running in-house tests (a-Stat, BG, PCV, TS, etc.) and preparing samples for laboratory pick-ups
• Prepare patients for treatment room and surgical procedures, observing all hospital policies, to enforce sterility and safety of patients
• Follow LVT/Veterinarian directions during emergencies and maintain competency in CPR
• Ensure prompt and accurate documentation of treatments and procedures and communicate patient concerns or observed changes to LVTs /Veterinarians
• Safely lift and transport patients up to 40 pounds.
• Walk dogs outside in any weather as instructed
• Provide a safe and compassionate environment for animals in our care, our staff, and for our clients by using low-stress handling techniques

Professionalism and Training (30%)

• Represent ASPCA in professional and courteous manner

• Support organization and departmental policies and protocols

• Communicate in effective and professional manner with clients, public, and all ASPCA staff members to ensure the safety and compassionate care of our patients

• Adopt a learner mind-set demonstrating willingness to learn, implement, and teach policies

• Support onboarding and coach assigned trainees through responsibilities and patient care

• Effectively prioritize the needs of trainees, patients, and the veterinary medical support staff

• Provide management with regular feedback about training needs, new hires, coworkers, interns, hospital operations, etc. 

• Ensure and maintain high quality standard of care, work ethic, and performance

• Work calmly and efficiently under challenging conditions; independently and as part of a team

• Attend staff meetings and training sessions

• Advise supervisor of unsafe conditions including hazards or infractions of safety rules

Operational Support (20%)

• Follow all PPE protocols while cleaning and disinfecting all hospital departments including: treatment, surgery, wards, exam rooms, and kennels

• Follow all protocols put forth by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

• Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental Standard Operating Procedures

• Set up wards and treatment, exam, and operating rooms for patient procedures, anesthesia, surgery, and support pack and prep room responsibilities

• Ensure equipment in all areas is functional and report equipment malfunctions to management

• Take inventory and stock supplies as needed in all departments

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