Job Title:
Reports To:
Prepared Date:
Revised Date:
Approved By:
Nurse
Hospital Manager/ Doctor
March 5, 2014
Summary: The Nurse is responsible for client and patient care and for assisting the veterinarian.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned.
Examination
 Ask probing questions about the reason for the visit
 Review vaccination records and prepare vaccines according to our vaccine protocol
 Record case history, weight, temperature and other details
 Restrain and stabilize animals during examination and treatment
 Trim nails, express anal glands, remove sutures and perform other routine procedures
 Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments prescribed by a veterinarian
 Provide basic education on animal care, nutrition and medical conditions
 Teach clients how to administer medicines at home
 Recommend products for optimal wellness, such as vitamins, supplements, dental
cleaning, flea control, geriatric care and dietary measures
 Assistant with euthanasia
 Clean and organize examination rooms
 Keep exam rooms stocked
 Check expiration dates of vaccines and medications
 Complete weekly and monthly cleaning checklists
 Client education-handouts, ability to discuss common pet care topics (housebreaking,
heartworm prevention, etc.)
Treatment and Laboratory
 Collect blood, stool, urine or tissue samples for testing
 Perform laboratory tests
 Assist veterinarian in medical procedures using proper restraint; know how to restrain
fractious patients
 Administer treatments and injections following the instructions of a doctor or a
treatment form
 Take vital signs of animals including temperature, pulse, and respiration
 Feed, walk and bathe animals when applicable
 Pick up feces inside and outside, clean up accidents
 Clean cages and runs after each use
 Complete weekly and monthly cleaning checklists
 Simple grooming and bathing as needed
 Perform and analyze skin and ear cytologies
 Perform venous catheterization
 Complete ear cleanings and nail trims
Pharmacy
 Prepare and label medications to be sent home with the patient
 Check expiration dates of medications
 Keep area clean & organized
Radiographs
 Take and develop x-rays
 File xrays
 Maintain xray equipment
 Prepare xrays for consult with radiologist at Medvet if applicable
Surgical
 Sterilize instruments and equipment
 Set up for surgeries as needed
 Assist veterinarian in surgical procedures using proper aseptic technique
 Assist with dental procedures
 Prepare animals for surgery
 Induce anesthesia and intubate patient
 Monitor patients under anesthesia
 Perform teeth cleanings
 Keep surgical area clean and orderly
 Assist with CPR
Office Management
 Train new employees
Customer Service and Reception
 Answer phones as needed
 Schedule appointments
 Greet customers
 Prepare invoices and collect payment
 Knowledge of held check payment plan
 Discharge patients
 Follow up with clients, keep up with call back book
 Fill in for receptionist when needed
Operations
 Ensure maintenance and cleanliness of physical facility and equipment.
 Run necessary errands
 Maintain regular inventories
 Ensure orders for drugs and medical supplies are completed
 Setup for dental trainings
 Work dental trainings as needed, includes weekends
 Stay late for emergencies as needed
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. Must be customer service oriented and friendly. Professional appearance required,
scrubs are to be worn at all times and are furnished by the employer. Nurse will be required to be
at work when scheduled and be on time. The requirements listed are representative of the
knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and/or Experience:
Associate's degree (A. A.) from accredited college or university; or one to two years related
experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must
demonstrate desire to continue learning.
Language Skills:
Must have good client communication and telephone skills. Must effectively be able to read,
speak, and write legibly in English.
Computer Skills:
Must be experienced with basic computer and printer tasks and operations. Able to work with
Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Internet. Experience with Cornerstone veterinary software
helpful.
Mathematical Skills:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and to compute rate, ratio and percent; ability to
convert units of measurement.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral,
or diagram form.
Physical Demands:
Must be able to lift 40 pounds and work on feet all day.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Employee must be able to work
well independently and in a group. Must be able to prioritize and handle multiple unrelated tasks
simultaneously while working in a busy environment. Potential for exposure to x-rays,
anesthetic gases with proper protective measures and exposure to zoonotic diseases and possible
hazardous materials.