Clinic Surgery Assistant

Description:

Surgery Assistant Volunteers assist our veterinary staff with medical and surgical procedures. In this fast-paced, high-complexity volunteer role you’ll get hands-on experience with everything from surgery prep to monitoring recovery to post-surgical clean-up. Because of the advanced nature of the position, candidates who move past the phone screen stage will be asked to complete a working interview to make sure the position is an appropriate fit.

Responsibilities:

• Help with surgical prep once animals are sedated for surgery
  • Trim nails, monitor breathing, lubricate eyes and use electric clippers to shave surgery site
  • Use surgical scrub to sterilize surgical field
• Move patients from the operating room to recovery cages
• Monitor patients before and after surgery
• Feed animals after surgery
• Clean and sterilize endotracheal tubes and surgical instruments
• Sterilize, fold and wrap surgical towels and drapes
• Assist with housekeeping duties such as laundry, animal care and cleaning, and sanitizing kennels for new animals
• Potential to learn additional skills such as extubating and administering injections (e.g. feline/canine distemper vaccines, microchips)

Necessary Skills:

• Excellent communication skills
• Impeccable attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple changing and competing priorities
• Able to receive and implement feedback in an ongoing manner
• Prior academic or professional experience in veterinary medicine or animal handling a plus!
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of this role, which include variable amounts of standing, walking, bending, reaching and stooping among other actions
• Able to lift, push, pull or carry objects weighing up to 40 lbs.
• This role requires frequent verbal and written communication and as such, applicants should be highly proficient in English
• Proficiency in using a computer without assistance and learning new programs. All volunteers digitally log hours and use an online scheduling function.

Requirements:

• A minimum commitment of six months
• A weekly shift on a set day and time
• Attendance at orientation, working interview and on-the-job training
• Must be 18 or older
• Preference given to those with academic or professional experience in veterinary medicine, or prior animal handling experience

Available Shifts:

• There are two available shifts:
  • 8:00am – 12pm: Mondays, Wednesdays
  • 12pm-4:00pm: Wednesday, Thursday
• We are unable to accommodate requests for alterations to the schedule. Please ensure you will be available for the full duration of a shift before applying. Thank you!

Apply Now!