Veterinary Assistant

Location: Vancouver, BC

Department: Surgery

Vancouver Animal Emergency and Referral Centre welcomes a dependable and caring Technologist Assistant (or Veterinary Assistant) to join our team full-time. This is an exceptional opportunity for an organized, motivated, and empathetic individual to join us in an important support role for the entire hospital. The veterinary assistants in our Surgery department have an important role in keeping the service running smoothly and performing a varied workload while assisting with a wide variety of orthopedic, soft tissue and emergency surgeries.

• Assist the veterinary staff with various tasks and treatments

• Create a warm and welcoming environment for our pet parents

• Create a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our patients and adapt to changing situations

• Take initiative and work independently

• General housekeeping duties; cleanliness of reception area, pet holding areas, and common areas

• Willingness to learn more regarding; veterinary services, updated medical office procedures Compassion and nurturing attitude

• Veterinary Assistant (VA) or Veterinary Office Assistant (VOA) program certificate is an asset

Schedule: Hours of work will generally be Monday to Wednesday (9am-7pm), however candidates should have some flexibility, should coverage be needed in other areas of the hospital on various days.

Compensation: $17.40 to $25.00 per hour. The hourly rate range is for the primary location for which the job is posted. It may vary depending on the work location of the successful candidate or other factors.

VTA Duties and Responsibilities:

• High standard of instrument reprocessing and sterilization, striving to ensure fully stocked operating rooms in an efficient manner

• Maintenance of equipment and supplies used in our three state-of-the-art surgical units

• Assembling and providing surgical supply sets and carts as ordered for scheduled and emergency surgeries

• Inventory monitoring, ordering, replenishing and rotating supplies in your work area.

• Safe animal restraint and handling of dogs and cats. Must be able to lift up to 20kg patients

• Assisting the surgery team with various animal nursing tasks

• Above average knowledge on sterile preparation of patients for various surgical procedures including orthopedic & soft tissue procedures. Ability to scrub in to assist the surgeon is also an asset if needed.

• Ability to assist technologists with anesthesia induction of patients for various surgical procedures.

• General cleaning duties; cleanliness of operating rooms, sterilization area, pet holding areas, and common areas. Maintaining continuous surgical laundry flow.

• Preparing and submitting lab samples to various outside laboratories

• Attend staff meetings

• Assisting the Board-Certified Specialist and Registered Veterinary Technologists in any other appropriate capacity as requested

Skills and knowledge:

• Previous experience in a veterinary setting is beneficial, however it is not a requirement.

• Completion of a Medical Device Reprocessing course or familiarity with instrumentation and various types of instrument sterilizers (steam/chemical). Candidates with previous experience in medical device reprocessing in a human medical facility will also be considered.

• Recent program grads who are motivated and confident in their abilities and possess above-average skills are also encouraged to apply.

• Superior customer service and outstanding client communication skills

• Keen interest in improving and learning new skills with a sense of curiosity

• Exceptional organizational skills and a detail-oriented work style

• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills

• Willingness to learn more regarding; veterinary services, updated medical office procedures Compassion and nurturing attitude

• Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.

• Awareness of the hospital's policies and procedures

• Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations

• Have physical strength and ability to stand for an entire shift when needed & lift up to 20kg

What VCA Canada Offers

Join our team and you will make a huge difference in the lives of pets and their families! With an extensive network of hospitals across Canada, each location offers a diverse experience, a local community feel, and a caring culture you can thrive in: We have the right fit for you!

• A caring culture ofWellness and Appreciation!

• RRSP Employer 5 % Match Program – saving for your future just got easier!

• Five paid sick days a year

• Two paid wellness days a year

• Comprehensive Health & Dental benefits

• Virtual health care (telemedicine) offering quick access to quality care

• E-tools to assist with meditation, better sleep, exercise, and focus

• Exceptional career development: there is room to grow here!

• Opportunity to apply for a Veterinary Technologist scholarship (annual process)

• Medical Library; 2000+ journals, 600+ textbooks, research, and more at your fingertips!

• Annual uniform allowance

• VCA Canada Student Loan RRSP Program – Ask us more!

• Referral Bonus Rewards

• Opportunities to give back to your community through VCA initiatives

• Very generous personal pet care discounts including veterinary services and pet food

Email: careers.canada@vca.com for further information or click Apply Now!

VCA Canada is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace and is an equal-opportunity employer. If you require any assistance, please let us know.

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