Veterinary Assistant - Surgery

About the role

BluePearl Pet Hospital in Northfield, IL is hiring an exceptional Veterinary Assistant to join our Surgery Department. A BluePearl Surgery Assistant will be responsible for some post-operative client communication and must be able to work independently while contributing to a larger team goal.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to stable patients according to hospital standards of care and core values.
• Place peripheral intravenous catheter in cephalic vein.
• Perform physical exams; accurately count heart rate, pulse rate, capillary refill time, assess mucous membranes, temperature, respiratory rate and effort.
• Understand normal vital parameters and alert doctor when abnormal.
• Set up intravenous fluids.
• Administer subcutaneous fluids.
• Operate all brands of intravenous fluid pumps and troubleshoot errors.
• Disconnect and connect patients from intravenous fluids aseptically.
• Monitor patient response to fluid therapy including signs of overload.

Requirements

• Minimum of two or more years of experience in a veterinary hospital.
• Rotating on-call schedule required once training has been completed.
• Must possess unrestricted, current authorization to work in the U.S. and not require future sponsorship for an employment-based green card (position not eligible for visa sponsorship or sponsorship transfer).

Skills

• Peripheral intravenous catheter placement (cephalic vein)
• Physical examination and vital sign assessment (heart rate, pulse, capillary refill, mucous membranes, temperature, respiratory rate/effort)
• Intravenous fluid setup, administration, and monitoring
• Subcutaneous fluid administration
• Operation and troubleshooting of intravenous fluid pumps
• Aseptic technique for IV line connection/disconnection
• Fluid therapy monitoring including overload recognition

Benefits

• Trupanion pet insurance and discounts for pet treatments, procedures, and food
• Career growth through skill-based leveling, talent development programs, and leadership workshops
• Access to Mars Veterinary Health career advancement opportunities
• Annual continuing education allowance
• Free continuing education sessions
• BluePearl University for training
• Clinician access to over 2,000 medical journals
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Parental leave benefits
• Flexible work schedules
• 401k and retirement planning
• Paid time off and floating holiday plans

Pay

Pay range: $20.32 - $30.00 per hour (dependent on local veterinary licensing, experience, and advancement through competency assessment tool).

• Weekday Night (Mon-Fri 6p to 8a): $4.00 shift differential
• Weekend Day (Sat-Sun 8a to 6p): $4.00 shift differential
• Weekend Night (Sat-Sun 6p to 8a): $5.50 shift differential

Schedule

Rotating on-call schedule required after training completion.