Veterinary Assistant
Department: Veterinary Assistants
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Niceville, Florida
Compensation: $18.00 - $22.00 / hour
Description
Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Niceville is a premier provider of emergency and specialty veterinary care located in Niceville, FL. We operate 24/7, 365 days a year, offering advanced medical services including emergency care, surgery, critical care, and more. Our dedicated team is committed to delivering compassionate and high-quality veterinary care to pets in need.
Position Overview : We are seeking a Full-Time Veterinary Assistant to join our dynamic team. This role plays a crucial part in supporting our veterinarians and technicians in delivering excellent patient care and client service. If you are passionate about animal welfare and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities of the Veterinary Assistant
Assisting with Examinations, Treatments, and Surgical Procedures :

• Provide direct support to veterinarians and veterinary technicians during routine exams , emergency procedures , and surgical interventions , ensuring all steps of the process are carried out efficiently and safely.
• Prepare animals for procedures, including preoperative sedation , anesthetic monitoring , and positioning for surgeries.
• Assist in performing sterile techniques , ensuring that all surgical instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and ready for use.
• Use surgical instruments , sutures , and other medical tools to assist in surgeries, ensuring that animals are properly cared for throughout the process.

Safe Handling and Animal Restraint :

• Employ positive reinforcement and safe restraint techniques to handle and restrain animals of various species, including dogs, cats , and exotics , during exams, diagnostic procedures, and treatments.
• Use knowledge of animal behavior to reduce stress and discomfort for patients, ensuring safety for both the animal and the veterinary staff.
• Assist with specialty handling for large animals , exotic pets , or aggressive animals , providing safe, humane restraint under the guidance of veterinarians.

Laboratory Procedures and Diagnostics :

• Perform a wide variety of in-house laboratory tests , including blood draws , urinalysis , fecal exams , and cytology (e.g., ear cytology or skin scrapings ), ensuring proper technique and accurate results.
• Assist in preparing and reading diagnostic imaging such as radiographs (X-rays) and ultrasounds , helping veterinarians interpret the results for diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Ensure that all laboratory tests and samples are correctly labeled, stored, and handled, in compliance with protocols to maintain sample integrity.
• Help perform blood transfusions , urinary catheterizations , and other advanced procedures under the direction of a veterinarian.

Medication and Treatment Administration :

• Administer prescribed medications, including oral , topical , subcutaneous (SQ) , intravenous (IV) , and intramuscular (IM) medications, ensuring proper dosage and following all protocols for safe administration.
• Provide fluid therapy , pain management , and intravenous (IV) catheter placement for animals undergoing treatment.
• Prepare and administer vaccines , antibiotics , and specialty treatments as directed by the veterinarian.
• Track medication schedules, ensuring accurate administration, and educate clients on at-home medication management, such as oral medications , topical treatments , or injections .

Patient Monitoring and Vital Signs :

• Monitor and record vital signs (e.g., heart rate , respiratory rate , blood pressure , temperature ) during anesthesia, surgery, and recovery.
• Observe patient behavior and clinical signs (e.g., changes in appetite, activity level, and urination/defecation patterns) to assess their condition and communicate findings to the veterinarian.
• Assist in postoperative recovery , monitoring anesthesia recovery, administering pain management, and ensuring that animals are stable before being released to clients.

Hospital and Treatment Area Maintenance :

• Maintain a clean, sterile, and organized work environment , including exam rooms , treatment areas , and kennels , to meet hospital safety and sanitation standards.
• Disinfect and sanitize medical equipment, exam tables, cages, and surgery rooms between patient use, following infection control protocols .
• Ensure that medical supplies are stocked and organized, and assist in inventory management and ordering of necessary supplies and medications.

Client Education and Communication :

• Provide clients with clear, compassionate explanations of their pet's diagnosis, treatment plan, and post-care instructions, including medication schedules , wound care , and nutritional guidance .
• Educate pet owners on preventive health care practices, including vaccination schedules , parasite control , nutrition , and behavioral management .
• Assist clients in understanding the importance of follow-up visits , annual check-ups , and emergency preparedness for their pets.
• Provide exceptional customer service by maintaining a calm, professional demeanor while addressing client concerns, answering questions, and offering additional resources when needed.

Administrative and Client Support :

• Assist in patient intake and discharge procedures , ensuring all necessary information is captured in the electronic medical records (EMR) system.
• Schedule follow-up appointments, procedure bookings, and follow-through on treatments and procedures as directed by the veterinarian.
• Handle client communications , including appointment reminders, collection of medical history, and updates regarding treatment progress.

Team Collaboration and Support :

• Work closely with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other support staff to ensure smooth patient care delivery and excellent customer service.
• Participate in team meetings and continuing education opportunities, contributing to a supportive, positive work culture.
• Offer assistance with training new staff or junior technicians and veterinary assistants in clinic protocols, patient care techniques, and veterinary procedures.

Additional Skills and Knowledge:

• Veterinary Equipment Handling : Proficient in using and maintaining veterinary equipment such as blood analyzers , radiology machines , surgical instruments , and anesthesia monitors .
• Clinical Record Keeping : Expertise in documenting patient history, treatments, medications, and progress notes accurately in electronic medical record (EMR) systems, ensuring compliance with clinic protocols and veterinary standards.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise to be Successful
Educational Requirements :

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of a Veterinary Assistant or Veterinary Technician program from an accredited institution is highly desirable.

Veterinary Experience and Expertise :

• Previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant or in a veterinary clinic is preferred, ideally in a general practice , emergency care , or specialty hospital setting.
• Proficiency in veterinary medical terminology , including terms related to diagnostics , surgical procedures , pharmacology , and patient care protocols .
• Familiarity with routine and emergency veterinary procedures , including but not limited to vaccinations , blood draws , anesthesia administration , urinary catheterization , and surgical assistance .

Clinical and Technical Skills :

• Demonstrated ability to perform basic laboratory procedures (e.g., urinalysis , bloodwork , cytology ) and assist with diagnostic imaging (e.g., radiographs , ultrasound ).
• Hands-on experience with IV catheter placement , medication administration (oral, injectable, IV, SQ), and monitoring vital signs (e.g., heart rate , blood pressure , respiratory rate ).
• Comfortable with anesthetic monitoring and assisting during surgical procedures in both routine and emergency settings.
• Ability to maintain and troubleshoot essential clinical equipment such as anesthesia machines , x-ray machines , and veterinary diagnostic tools .

Team Collaboration and Communication :

• Strong ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment , assisting veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other support staff in providing high-quality patient care.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills , with the ability to explain complex medical terms and treatment options clearly and compassionately to pet owners .
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in high-stress situations , ensuring patient safety and client satisfaction during emergencies or critical care events.

Client Relations and Education :

• Compassionate and patient-focused, with a deep commitment to educating pet owners about preventative care , post-procedure instructions , nutrition , and vaccination schedules .
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships , offering emotional support and education in times of medical crises, and guiding pet owners through the care process.
• Experience in client communication , scheduling follow-up appointments, and providing essential instructions for home care after procedures or treatments.

Compassion and Animal Care :

• Empathy and genuine compassion for animals , with a focus on stress reduction and comfort care during all procedures and hospitalizations.
• Ability to identify signs of pain , distress , or discomfort in animals, and provide timely intervention under the supervision of a veterinarian.
• Committed to the well-being of pets, from routine wellness exams to critical care and emergency procedures .

Adaptability and Flexibility :

• Flexibility to work various shifts , including nights , weekends , and holidays , in a 24-hour emergency care facility .
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced , dynamic environment , handling multiple tasks and emergency situations with professionalism and poise.
• Multitasking ability, ensuring the completion of essential tasks such as patient care, record-keeping, and administrative duties during busy or high-volume periods.

Physical and Mental Stamina :

• Ability to handle physically demanding tasks , such as lifting and restraining animals, standing for long periods, and performing manual tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Mental agility to make quick decisions during medical emergencies, and maintain focus while working under pressure.

Commitment to Professional Growth :

• Desire to continue learning and stay updated on the latest advancements in veterinary medicine , including attending continuing education courses and workshops.
• Open to training and learning new skills in emergency procedures , critical care protocols , and other specialized veterinary fields.

What can We Provide You?
Competitive Compensation :

• Attractive salary based on experience, skills, and expertise in veterinary care. We recognize and reward your dedication to providing exceptional care to pets and their families, with performance-based compensation and opportunities for merit-based raises.

Comprehensive Benefits Package :

• Health Insurance : Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage to ensure that you and your family are well taken care of.
• Prescription Drug Coverage : Access to affordable prescription medications as part of our benefits package.
• Mental Health and Wellness Support : We understand the demands of working in veterinary medicine, and we offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) and mental health resources to support your emotional well-being.

Retirement Planning :

• 401(k) with Employer Match : Secure your financial future with our retirement plan options, including a 401(k) program with an employer match to help you save for the long term.

Paid Time Off (PTO) :

• Paid Time Off for personal, vacation, and sick days, so you can take the time you need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Holiday Pay : We recognize the importance of your time, which is why we offer paid holidays for those who work on designated holidays, ensuring that your efforts are appreciated.

Professional Growth and Development :

• Opportunities for Career Advancement : At Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Niceville, we are committed to your professional growth. We provide clear pathways for career progression , allowing you to take on new responsibilities, gain hands-on experience, and move up in your career.
• Continuing Education Support : We believe in fostering ongoing learning and offer support for you to attend conferences , workshops , and seminars to stay current with the latest trends in veterinary medicine. Financial support for certification and continuing education units (CEUs) may be provided.
• Access to mentorship from experienced veterinary professionals, with opportunities to develop specialized skills in emergency care , critical care , surgical procedures , and diagnostic imaging .

Supportive and Inclusive Work Environment :

• Work in a collaborative and team-oriented environment , where everyone from veterinarians to support staff works closely to provide the best patient care. We value open communication, mutual respect, and the collective expertise of our team.
• Focus on work-life balance : We understand the challenges of the veterinary profession and are committed to providing a supportive workplace that prioritizes your mental health and job satisfaction.
• Employee Recognition : Regular acknowledgment of hard work, including performance-based incentives, awards, and other recognition programs to show our appreciation for your contributions.

State-of-the-Art Facility and Technology :

• Work in a cutting-edge facility with access to advanced veterinary technologies, such as digital radiography , ultrasound , in-house laboratory equipment, and anesthesia monitoring systems.
• Stay at the forefront of veterinary care with hands-on experience with the latest medical advancements and techniques, from emergency diagnostics to surgical interventions .