Veterinary Assistant - Surgery
About the role
The surgery veterinary assistant is responsible for the general nursing care and treatment of animal patients. Primary responsibilities will include assisting the surgery technicians and doctors in duties to provide support, and facilitate patient care effectiveness. The surgery assistant will perform duties and take direction from the surgery technicians and doctors.
How you'll make a difference
- Preparation and set up for various surgical procedures
- Circulating and assisting in the OR
- Cleaning and disinfecting of surgical suites and the pre-op area
- Assisting with radiographs, blood draws, catheter placement, induction of anesthesia, and patient positioning in the OR
- Setting up anesthesia machines for patients, filling isoflurane, and changing soda lime granules as needed
- Assisting with recovery of anesthetized patients
- Cleaning and sterilization of surgical instruments and organization of surgery packs
- Use of the vacuum steam sterilizer and ethylene oxide sterilizer
- Taking inventory, placing inventory orders, stocking the surgery department and bandage change area
- Assisting with bandage changes and appointment needs
- Assisting with admitting and discharging patients
- Client communication, such as scheduling appointments and patient check ins
What you will bring
- Experience working as a Veterinary Assistant, AVA Certification and confidence in surgery duties preferred; will also consider those currently enrolled in veterinary program
- Providing empathy, comfort, and unparalleled nursing care to all patients and their owners
- Positive outlook, ability to work in a highly collaborative environment, and commitment to develop long-term relationships with colleagues, clients, and community
- Excellent communication and organizational skills and the ability to deliver exceptional client service is expected
- Honesty, integrity, and a desire to learn and have fun
Schedule
Four 10-hour shifts
Pay
$19.00 - $23.00 / hour based on experience
Benefits
- Highly competitive salary based on experience
- Mental health support with Talkspace
- Continuing education support with CE allowance and PTO
- Reimbursement of membership and licensure fees
- 401k retirement plan options with company match
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance options - some plans may be paid up to 100%
- Basic life insurance provided and other voluntary insurance options available for full-time team members
- 6 weeks paid parental leave for full-time team members
- Hospital discounts as well as Trupanion Pet Insurance
- Paid time off and time to enjoy it
Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital has a long standing and national reputation of gold standard medicine, supported by both the education and training of our team members, along with top-of-the-line equipment needed to keep stride with the advancements in veterinary medicine. Our culture consists of respect, compassion, understanding, and teamwork. Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital provides an internal community that supports work-life balance, employee learning and engagement and personal and career development; we also are committed to external community involvement, which encompasses fellow veterinary establishments and shelters, city eco sustainability actions, support of local businesses and law enforcement pet care.
Location: 10140 W 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033