Job Information
St. George's University Clinical Veterinary Assistant I in St. George's, Grenada
Clinical Veterinary Assistant I
St. George’s University invites applicants for a full-time Clinical Veterinary Assistant I role, in the Small Animal Clinic (SAC) in the School of Veterinary Medicine
Job Description
Objective
The Clinical Veterinary Assistant I is the primary support to the Clinical Veterinary Technicians, the veterinarians and patients with duties encompassing a wide array of tasks, including keeping animal restraint and handling, cleaning cages, walking dogs, completing medical records to administering vaccines and medications. He/she must be able to pay attention to details, respond quickly and calmly to crisis and maintainvery high standards of patients care.
Essential Functions
Instructional Activities:
Support faculty while they teach in the following courses/disciplines:
SAMS 528
SAMS 526
SAMS 515
LAMS 502
Patient care:
Observing animal patients for change in behavior
Giving nursing care or first aid therapy in accordance with Government Regulations and as directed by a clinician
Administering and monitoring patients under anesthesia
Walking hospitalized and out-clinic patients
Assisting in restraining patients for physical examination, sample collection and diagnostic tests
Performing physical therapy on patients
Cleanings cages and patients’ beddings when needed
Collecting history from clients
General operations
On the advice of a senior technician or clinician admit and discharge patients
Undertaking clinic receptionist/accounts clerk duties on out of hours, public holidays and weekends
To function as an on-call technician as is required and commanding the emergency cellular phones
Restocking of consultation rooms, treatment wards and various departments
Adhering to isolation ward protocols for patients with infectious diseases
Registering new patients
Collecting payments and providing clients with receipts after hours
Answering the emergency phone
Adhering strictly to the Small Animal Clinic Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Equipment/Tools (use & maintenance)
Maintaining SAC diagnostic equipment and reporting any malfunctioning
Assisting clinicians in the use and maintenance of diagnostic equipment and machine including ultrasound, x-ray and dental machines
Restocking the emergency crash cart
Diagnostic:
Preparing patients for diagnostics tests and surgical procedures, including, but not limited to ultrasound, endoscopy, spays, neuters, dentistry, orthopedic repair, wound repair, emergency soft tissue surgeries (GDV, acute abdomen, urinary obstruction, etc.)
Preparing and sending out referral diagnostic laboratory tests
Performing radiographs on patients
Performing catheterization (intravenous and urinary)
Performing routine laboratory analysis, including hematology, serology, blood chemistry, urinalysis, fecal, cytology, ELISA tests, and skin scrapings
Tracings of EKG
Clinical Labs/wet labs for students and student clubs under the direction of faculty
Setting up of laboratories for clinical sessions
Assisting with demonstrating of practical skills and techniques, including – venipuncture, IV catheter placement technique, nail clipping, history taking, performing vitals and patient care
Essential Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Ability to work independently, as part of a team and collaborate effectively with diverse constituencies within the Small Animal Clinic
Demonstrate high level of confidence in using good judgment, and innovative and creative problem-solving skills.
Ability to work shifts including evenings and weekends
Strong communication skills, time management, customer service skills and a demonstrated high-level of discretion, tact, and diplomacy
A commitment and personal responsibility for safety and safety concerns by promoting safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
Possesses cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Understanding and love for animals as well as the knowledge of animal anatomy.
Skills in applying anesthesia
Work Environment/Physical Demands
This job is primarily performed in a clinical teaching setting at the Small Animal Clinic.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle reagents and chemicals
The employee must regularly lift animals, move office/laboratory products/pet food and supplies, up to 70 pounds.
Hours and Travel
40 hours work week Sunday through Saturday (3 shifts).
Shifts are either 8 hours or 12 hours.
Split shift can be required.
No international travel is expected for this position
Qualifications
Undergraduate Degree in Biology, Agriculture, medical technology or a related field or Associate Degree or equivalent in Natural Sciences
plus 3 years as a Lab Undergraduate Degree in Natural Science, or Veterinary Nurse or Registered Nurse, or CVT certification
Special Instructions to Applicants:
This is a full time position
To ensure full consideration, complete application materials including CV, Cover Letter and names and email address of two references must be submitted.
Review of applicants will be ongoing until the position is filled.
St. George's University (SGU) is a leading center of international medical education, drawing students and faculty from 140 countries to the island of Grenada, in the West Indies. SGU has helped change lives through its more than 21,000 alumni, which include physicians, veterinarians, scientists, and public health and business professionals across the world.