In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:
• Perform quality work within the scope of the mission and purpose statement of Central Texas Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital. Work with personal accountability and exceptional morale.
• Interact professionally and with integrity and compassion with coworkers and clients and patients in accordance with this organizations core values.
• Work effectively and independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees.
• Commit to providing excellent high-quality care of patients and clients.
Position Purpose
The Emergency and Critical Care Doctor Assistant plays an integral role in the advanced veterinary care provided by the Emergency and Critical Care Department of Central Texas Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital. This role goes hand in hand with our purpose statement of enhancing the quality of life for our patients
Responsibilities/Duties/Functions/Tasks
1. Communication
Monitor messages from clients in various locations (voicemail, email account, and respond to messages accordingly. All communication must be notated in the veterinary practice management software.
Answer phone calls for clients having problems with patients at home when doctor is not available to take phone calls.
Update clients on hospitalized patients when it is not necessary for the doctor to talk to client or when the doctor is not available to update the client. All updates on patients given by ECC Doctor Assistant should be relayed to the doctor and put in the patient’s Communication Section of ezyVet.
Perform daily recalls as appropriate.
Work directly with ECC Docs to assist in paperwork completion.
Assist ECC Doctors to prepare estimates when time allows.
Call prescriptions in to the pharmacy.
Assist in sending Patient Summaries to rVetLink portal or pcDVM when asked.
Download client e-mails into the medical record if sent.
2. Patient Discharge
At start of shift, confirm which patients will be discharged that day.
Verify that discharge instruction(s) are ready and email to client when completed.
Verify that medications are prepared and ready – confirm with ECC Doctor that the medications are correct.
Coordinate baths and patient clean ups with technician assistants prior to patient release from the hospital.
Send completed, approved invoices to clients via email asking them to pay in advance to expedite the “check-out” process.
Verify if clients have paid invoices throughout the day or when paged that here for pick-up.
Explain discharge instructions including medication instructions to clients at time of pick-up or if on a call with client prior to prick-up.
If client has not paid invoice(s) online prior to pick up, go over discharge instructions that have already been emailed to them then have the client check-out or pay bill.
Explain discharge instructions including medication instructions to clients at time of pick-up or if on a call prior to prick-up.
Release patients from the hospital after client has checked out with front desk taking all medications and supplies out to the client at the same time as the patient.
3. Patient Care
Provide general nursing care and comfort of patients in treatment room.
Set up recovery cages for patients (warm water blanket, clean bedding, and cage card)
Prepare prescriptions as ordered by the doctor: Appropriate container, labeling, directions, and warnings.
4. Other
Download medical histories and lab work that is available online/from e-mails into the medical record.
Have pertinent radiographs available at the time of patient appointment, loaded on a computer when appropriate.
Assist in maintaining general cleanliness and order of treatment area.
Coordinating donations and sympathy cards when appropriate for deceased patients.
5. Doctor Assistant is not responsible for
Speaking to clients about invoices unless the client asks them directly while speaking about another issue
Speaking to clients about new problems regarding a patient
Assisting in surgery
Admitting patients to the hospital
Special Position Requirements
Position 1: 8a-5p Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, every other Wednesday
Position 2: 8a-5p Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every other Wednesday
Overtime and working at other hospital locations may be required.
1-Hour lunch break
Position Requirements
Consistent, regular attendance when you are scheduled to work.
Consistent, on time arrival at work each day you are scheduled to work.
Always be in position and prepared to work at the start of each shift.
Good communication skills.
Ability to work well with others as a team.
Flexibility and the ability to adjust to a changing environment.
Handle stress and pressure calmly, with poise and tact.
Self-motivated, hard worker.
Ability to multi-task, prioritize and delegate appropriately.
Willingness and ability to learn new tasks quickly.
Ability to receive constructive criticism and accept responsibility for actions.
Reliable and dependable.
Common sense, good judgment, and sense of humor.
Physical Effort
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, talk, and listen; may require extended periods of time on feet. Use hands to manipulate, handle, feel or reach with hands and arms. Required to lift up to forty pounds. Employees will be expected to acquire assistance with lifting or carrying animals or materials over 40 pounds.
Work Requirements
Radiation exposure (x-ray, CT Scan, MRI)
Possible exposure to gas sterilization using ethylene oxide
Hazards associated with infected animals, controlled substances, and possible exposure to contagious diseases
Exposures to unpleasant odors and noises
Exposure to aggressive patients, bites, scratches and animal wastes
Qualifications
1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. Veterinary technician experience required. Licensure preferred but not necessary.
3. Experience with post-operative monitoring of patients required.
