Veterinary Assistant

Company: Kansas State University
Location: Manhattan
Posted on: March 11, 2023

Job Description:

Veterinary Assistant





Department: 3670080070 Veterinary Health Center


Job no: 514345


Employment type: Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)


Location: Manhattan, Kansas


Worksite: On-site requirement


Categories: Veterinary Medicine


Pay Grade: 05A


















About This Role:





The College of Veterinary Medicine has a variety of sections such as Small Animal ICU, Central Preparation, Pet Health, Large Animal ICU, Exotics, Equine, and Specialty Surgical Services. These sections are seeking applicants for a Veterinary Assistant. The search committee will provide more details about the specific areas looking to hire during the interview process.

Duties/Responsibilities

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• Small Animal ICU: Assist VHC Veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians: A) Serve as secretary of the specialty service a. Screen calls b. Serve as resource in management of service daily activities c. Serve as a client liaison with the service B) Provide patient care a. Restraint of animals b. Feed, exercise and bathe patients C) Collection of urine and fecal samples D) Monitor, record and report physical signs of hospitalized patients E) Assist with compliance of all biohazard and infection control protocols a. Examples i. Clean cages and runs, provide clean bedding, water and litter boxes ii. Maintain cleanliness and general upkeep of ICU iii. Enter charges for the service and ensure accuracy F) Restock and reorder supplies. Electronic Medical Record Specialist A) Medical Scribe a. Gather information for patient visit b. Enter documentation into the Electronic Medical Record as directed and appropriate B) Provide input in the creation and development of electronic medical record forms C) Serve as electronic medical record and Hospital Information System resource for students, staff and faculty. Other duties as assigned.
  
  
• Sterile Processing Technician: Assist with ancillary support services within the VHC, to include, but not be limited to the following: A) Preparing surgical instruments and linen packs for decontamination as they return from surgery into pack Load contaminated instruments into sonic cleaner or instrument washer. Visually inspect all instruments for traces of contamination when cycles are complete (i.e. remaining blood or tissue fragments). Place instruments in appropriate racks/trays as defined in the assembly manual, (i.e. spay pack, orthopedic pack, arthroscopic pack, etc.). Transport instruments to clean room B) Prepare surgical instruments and packs for sterilization. Inspect instruments for sharpness or damage. Remove and report instruments in need of repair. Ensure packs/trays are properly assembled, and packaged/wrapped as defined in the assembly manual. Wrap specifically so items are to surgeon's specifications, and all instruments and supplies are oriented so the pack may be opened maintaining a sterile field around its outer perimeter. C) Sterilization of surgical packs and supplies. Properly load, wrap, tape, and identifiy (contents and date sterilized.) instrument packs in the correct sterilizer appropriate for the type of pack being sterilized, and set the machine to the appropriate cycle settings. Complete sterilization load logs. Upon completion of cycles, remove packs, interperate control monitors (i.e. cycle printouts, autoclave tape color changes, biologicals, etc.) to determine if sterilizers functioned properly and each pack has been appropriately processed. D) Prepare gauze/sponges, towels, needle packs, and other medical supplies so each contains a specified number of items, with each is oriented and labeled according to the assembly manual. E) Launder and fold surgical linens, towels and uniforms. Packing, wrapping, and sterilization of surgical gowns, following approved sterile techniques. F) Maintain a clean and orderly work area by participating in daily cleaning tasks. - Routine maintence and cleaning of all machines and equipment within the Central Preparation (CP) department. - Routine cleaning of counters and shelving containing sterile packs and other commodities. A) Assist in training of new employees in specific techniques associated with performing sterile pack preparation procedures and other duties within the department. B) Organization and set up of surgery carts and other specialty carts. C) Assist in maintaining and monitoring equipment, materials, supplies and other commodities utilized daily in support of client, teaching and research procedures at the Veterinary Health Center in accordance with established protocols and procedures. Assuring that all items have been serviced according to the preventive maintenance protocol, are functional, clean and available for future procedures. This includes returning partially used commodities into service or initiating proper disposal of them in order to maintain an adequate inventory of supplies and materials. - Provide requests to supervisor (or other purchasing personnel in supervisor's absence) for reordering of commodities. D) Perform daily tasks to ensure the Self-Help Laboratory is operational. These tasks include: cleaning, stocking, troubleshooting and maintaining equipment, reporting equipment in need of repair to surpervisor (or SSD or other procurement officer in supervisor's absence). Quarterly duties in self-help include: maintaining MSDS book, appropriate signage, and evaluating the need for par levels adjustments. E) Participate in after-hours emergency on call rotation to include weekends and holidays. A) Provide assistance to Veterinary Nurses in both small animal and large animal surgical nurses stations and operating rooms to include but not limited to the following: - Assist in breakdown of tables and instrument preparation for transport to CP department. B) Perform other duties as requested by Central Prep Nursing Supervisor, Director of Surgical Support Services, Health Care Technician II, or Veterinary Health Center Administrator or Director by following procedures developed for the KSU-VHC. C) Be an effective and dependable employee by beginning each day with a clean, neat uniform, establish and maintain good work habits, maintain a positive, professional relationship with faculty, staff, students and clients demonstrating behavior that is conducive to harmonious working relationships.
  
  
• Pet Health: Assist VHC Veterinarians and Veterinary Nurses: A) Provide patient care a. Restraint of animals b. Feed, exercise and bathe patients B) Collection and submission of urine, fecal, and blood samples C) Monitor, record and report physical signs of hospitalized patients D) Assist with compliance of all biohazard and infection control protocols a. Examples i. Clean cages and runs, provide clean bedding, water and litter boxes ii. Wash and sanitize feed bowls and animal cages E) Restock and reorder supplies.
  
  
• Electronic Medical Record Specialist A) Medical Scribe a. Gather information for patient visit b. Enter documentation into the Electronic Medical Record as directed and appropriate B) Provide input in the creation and development of electronic medical record forms C) Serve as electronic medical record and Hospital Information System resource for students, staff and faculty D) Serve as secretary of the service a. Screen calls b. Serve as resource of service daily activities c. Serve as a client liaison with the service E) Schedule appointments.
  
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  
• Large Animal ICU: Clinical Facilitator - This position will be responsible for monitoring patient care, patient flow in-hospital and in the isolation area, patient record maintenance using EMR, and patient handling, treatment, and restraint during all phases of the teaching program while directly interacting with students, faculty and staff. This will allow supervision of case management by students, to include teaching of basic handling skills to students. Initiative and oversight will be needed to supervise maintenance and stocking activities of dispensary and emergency carts in all work area. Typical responsibilities may include: a. Plan daily schedule based on needs of animals hospitalized in the KSU-VHC. b. Supervise case treatments during scheduled 10 or 12 hour rotating shifts, when necessary. Assist students in restraint to ensure safety and proper patient care. c. Assist faculty in monitoring electronic medical records. Assure daily data entry and billing are kept up to date within the computerized hospital management system, following the established KSU-VHC format. d. Monitor, on a daily basis, patient care and status. This includes stall maintenance, feed and watering protocols and animal appearance. e. Supervise students scheduled on Emergency ICU duties. Ensure appropriate patient care and treatments. Work is reviewed by senior clinician on duty and by supervisor as necessary for results achieved.
  
  
• Technical Services- This position will provide on-going staffing relative to the service commitment of the teaching hospital. Technical responsibilities of this hospital assistant position will be shared by Equine and Livestock Service areas of the KSU-VHC. Technical responsibilities will include equipment setup and operation, surgical preparation and setup and clinical assistance to faculty within the area (as scheduled) to facilitate services and communications between hospital activities such as central preparation and the dispensary. Typical responsibilities may include: a. Maintain the equine/livestock services barn on a daily basis. This will include stocking and cleaning sinks in the receiving area, tack rooms, bull pens, swine receiving, working dispensary, field service trucks and any other area that may be deemed by the section head or the Large Animal Nursing Supervisor. Also return residual products to central dispensary or central supply following the discharge of a patient. b. Maintain all equipment associated with the conduct of the Equine and Livestock section in good working order. c. Participate in patient rounds and clinical service with students during after-hours KSU-VHC operations. d. Take an active role in the supervision and training of fourth year veterinary students in current technical aspects of large animal medicine to include such areas as intensive care patients, maintenance of fluid therapy, clipper care and proper restraint techniques and safety while loading and unloading patients. e. Maintain the Equine and Livestock ICU area (including stocking and patient monitoring). f. Provide backup support to endoscopy procedures and endoscopy equipment maintenance and cleaning as outlined by Hospital protocol. Set up endoscopy equipment and supplies, assist clinicians during procedures, enter appropriate charges for supplies used and for the procedure into the computerized hospital management system, clean equipment according to established protocols, and restock supplies after each use, as assigned. g. Maintain the cleanliness of Cubex equipment located in both livestock and equine pharmacy area.
  
  
• Additional Responsibilities - Additional technical and training responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following duties: a. Initiate measures to increase the efficiency and operation of the Equine/Livestock Services Section as it relates to technical training and patient care. b. As necessary, assist with coordination of emergency care, vacation period coverage, and unexpected teaching demands with other veterinary assistants and veterinary nurses. c. Assist with clerical research projects after completion of primary hospital duties, as needed. Specific research duties will be coordinated with section head. d. Maintain proficiency in operation and maintenance of Hospital equipment (i.e. endoscope, ultrasound, etc.).
  
  
• Exotics: Exotics Assistant Responsibilities: This position will be responsible for organization and maintenance of the exotic's exam rooms, conference room, and patient ward and wildlife ward. The position will provide assistant support to exotics faculty, staff, and senior veterinary students assigned to the exotic's rotation. Typical responsibilities will include: a) Organize and stock the exam rooms, surgery suite, and wards with necessary materials and equipment to facilitate efficiency in patient receiving, testing & treatments. b) Assist clinicians and RVTs in basic aspects of patient care, including oral drug administration, sample and request submissions, and patient hygiene. c) Assure daily data entry in medical records and accurate billing entry into the hospital information system. d) Monitor on a daily basis: patient care including patient status, feeding schedules, cage and run areas, and animal appearance.
  
  
• Exotics OR Technical Responsibilities: 1. Prepare and maintain the surgical suites to consistently provide a sterile environment and adequate supplies 2. Assist as a surgical team member by preparing animals for surgical procedures 3. Assist surgical team members by acting as circulator during procedures and maintaining and monitoring sterile technique in surgery areas. 4. Become familiar with new medical equipment as it becomes available 5. Assure instruments are prepared and returned to Central Preparation in a timely manner.
  
  
• Additional Responsibilities: 1. Be an effective and dependable employee by beginning each day with a clean, neat uniform, establish and maintain good work habits, maintain a positive professional relationship with faculty, staff, and students. 3. Will cross- train to other areas within Specialty Surgical Services to provide support in time of illness or vacations. 4. Perform other duties as requested by supervisor or Hospital Director by following procedures developed for the KSU-VHC.
  
  
• Equine: CLIENT SERVICES SUPPORT: ADMISSIONS: Receive and admit patients for care into Instinct at the Horse Unit and VHC. This requires a thorough knowledge of VHC protocol, familiarity with animal species and breeds, basic knowledge of medical terminology and health problems, accurate typing and computer data-entry skills, and a customer service approach. These duties are accomplished by obtaining information from clients on themselves and for the equine/livestock patient and entering this data into the electronic medical record (EMR), and preparing several forms for admission, including the patient medical record. PHONES: Act as a telephone receptionist for calls into the desk area by answering multi-line telephone system and meeting the caller's needs or directing the caller to the appropriate section or person, via pocket pager, overhead paging system, voice mail transfer, or written notes. Calls include those from the public, referring veterinarians needing consultation or appointments, inter- hospital calls among staff, faculty and senior professional students and emergency care calls. Call duration and difficulty varies greatly. Flexibility and finesse are needed each time to make quick judgments of the patron's needs as well as the clinician schedules. Extensive knowledge of hospital protocol, faculty and staff rosters, on-call rosters, customer relations, and sound decision making skills are paramount to maintaining quality performance in this area. APPOINTMENTS: Schedule appointments for the appropriate service of the VHC. Client and patient information is then matched with an available appointment and entered into the computer. Sound judgement and decision making is necessary to separate the "can waits" and the "must be seens." This task requires above average knowledge of medical terminology, health diseases and symptoms, hospital protocol, and customer service techniques. Work is periodically reviewed by the supervisor for results achieved.
  
  
• VETERINARY ASSISTANT DUTIES: Plan daily schedule based on needs of horses at horse unit and staff at reception desk. This position is responsible for patient record maintenance using EMR and patient handling, treatment and restraint during all phases of the teaching program while directly interacting with students, faculty and staff. Assist VHC Veterinarians and Registered Veterinary Technicians: Serve as secretary of the specialty service both in hospital and field calls as needed. Serve as resource in management of service daily activities. Serve as a client liaison with the service. Provide patient care, restraint of animals, feed, exercise and bathe patients. Collection of urine and fecal samples. Monitor, record and report physical signs of hospitalized patients. Assist with compliance of all biohazard and infection control protocols. Clean stalls and runs, provide clean bedding, and water. Medical Records Assistant: Assist with patient record keeping and compliance by entering charges into the EMR as deemed necessary. Gather patient history, verify patient/client information is current and up to date with EMR. Wash and sanitize buckets, stomach tubes and pumps. Restock and reorder supplies. RESTRAINT: Assist students in restraint to ensure safety and proper patient care. Assist faculty in monitoring electronic medical records. Assure daily data entry and billing are kept up to date within the electronic medical record.
  
  
• OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES: Accurately and efficiently enter, maintain, and access information within the VHC database to include creating templates for services and large animal sections; creating calendar templates for various sections; retrieving schedules from section heads. Perform additional duties/ special projects as assigned by supervisor. Looking over all charges before discharging the patient to make sure the most common charges have been added.
  
  
• Specialty Surgical Services: Receive and deliver patients that have been dropped off for care at the VHC to the appropriate service, staff, or student within the hospital. This requires a thorough knowledge of VHC protocol, knowledge of software for completing patient intake paperwork, familiarity with animal species and breeds, basic knowledge of medical terminology and health problems, and a customer service approach.
  
  
• Assist veterinarians and veterinary nurses where needed in the hospital with patient care and restraint, transporting patients to different areas of the hospital as needed.
  
  
• Be an effective and dependable employee by beginning each day with a clean, neat uniform, establish and maintain good work habits, maintain a positive professional relationship with faculty, house officers, staff, and students. Perform other duties as requested by supervisor, or Hospital Administrator or Director by following procedures developed for the KSU-VHC.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Why Join Us:
  
  
  
  
  
  Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  We Support Diversity and Inclusion:
  
  
  
  
  
  Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  What You'll Need to Succeed:
  
  
  
  
  
  Minimum Qualifications:
  
  
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  • High School Diploma.
    
    
  • One year of relevant experience.
    
    
    
    Preferred Qualifications:
    
    
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    • Two or more years of experience as a veterinary assistant providing patient care.
      
      
    • College study with course work in animal science or closely related field.
      
      
    • Veterinary Assistant Certification.
      
      
    • Ability to work with and provide preventative maintenance for ordinary veterinary medical equipment.
      
      
    • Willingness to master new techniques.
      
      
    • Demonstrated experience, knowledge, and comfort with word and excel software. Ability to provide software instruction to a variety of audiences.
      
      
    • Ability to handle, restrain, and provide assistance for medical services to senior veterinary students, clinicians, and Veterinary Nurses for domestic animals.
      
      
    • Ability to maintain and use ordinary veterinary medical hospital equipment.
      
      
    • Minimum of one year experience in sterile processing and/or operating room.
      
      
    • Hospital experience in sterilizer operation, biomedical equipment operation and maintenance, supply and/or pharmaceutical stocking and distribution, or similar responsibilities.
      
      
    • One year post graduate experience in a veterinary hospital setting.
      
      
    • Large animal skills and experience.
      
      
    • Clinical teaching and/or supervisory experience will be considered a beneficial asset for large animal.
      
      
      
      Other Requirements:
      
      
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      • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        How to Apply:
        
        
        
        
        
        Please submit the following documents:
        
        
        
        
      • Resume
        
        
      • Cover letter
        
        
      • Contact information for three professional references
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Screening of Applications Begins:
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Screening begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Anticipated Hiring Salary Range:
        
        
        
        
        
        $13.97 - $20.96 hourly
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Equal Employment Opportunity:
        
        
        
        
        
        Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Background Screening Statement:
        
        
        
        
        
        In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        Advertised: Feb 23, 2023 Central Standard Time
        
        
        Applications close: Open until filled
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        

Keywords: Kansas State University, Manhattan , Veterinary Assistant, Healthcare , Manhattan, Kansas