Veterinary Assistant Surgery Recovery

Summary:

The Surgery Recovery Veterinary Assistant at Beacon Veterinary Specialists is responsible for the safe smooth and efficient transition of patients from anesthesia to full consciousness providing continuous monitoring and support throughout the post-anesthetic recovery period.

This role requires close attention to patient status effective interdepartmental communication and the ability to anticipate and respond to post-operative needs. A strong working knowledge of commonly used perioperative medications and anesthetic agents is essential including their drug classes durations of action physiological effects potential adverse reactions and contraindications.

Schedule: Tuesday-Friday from 8:00am - 6:30pm

Post-Anesthesia Patient Care:

• Monitor post-operative patients during anesthetic recovery including vital signs pain assessment and return to full consciousness
• Recognize and promptly respond to abnormal recovery patterns and anesthetic complications
• Operate interpret and troubleshoot patient monitoring equipment (ECG pulse oximetry blood pressure monitors capnography etc.)
• Administer post-operative medications as directed including analgesics anti-emetics and sedatives
• Prepare and administer blood products and associated testing
• Perform basic interpretation of laboratory results to support safe recovery management
• Place and maintain indwelling urinary catheters IV catheters and nasogastric tubes as needed
• Perform pre and post-operative radiographs including orthopedic views using proper positioning and safety protocols
• Understand how loco-regional anesthesia (nerve blocks epidurals) affects postoperative ambulation and urination and monitor accordingly
• Implement post-surgical care protocols tailored to species procedure type and disease profile to optimize patient comfort and outcomes

Outpatient Care

• Assist the Doctor Assistant (DA) with outpatient technician appointments including but not limited to:
  • Suture removals
  • Bandage/ splint changes
  • Sedated procedures and recovery
  • Radiographs
  • Obtain lab samples (via venipuncture cystocentesis wound cultures etc)
• Assist DAs in preparing the patient for discharge following hospitalization:
  • Remove IV catheter urinary catheter and place harness (when applicable)
  • Help ensure the patient is clean dry and ready to be discharged to the owner
  • Double check surgical discharges and prescribed medications to go home are accurate and complete

Responsibilities:

• Keep accurate and thorough patient charting with an understanding of normal and abnormal vital signs and trends
• Communicate clearly with the veterinary team regarding patient status concerns and recovery progress
• Maintain a clean organized and well-stocked recovery area to ensure patient safety and comfort
• Support the anesthetic team with patient prep radiographs and updating treatments and charges
• Support as needed with surgical discharges
• Support DAs in providing clinical support for outpatient appointments

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 23 years of experience working as a veterinary assistant with at least 12 years of direct experience in surgical/anesthesia recovery emergency critical care or specialty practice preferred
• Continuing education in anesthesia pain management or critical care is highly desirable
• Attention to detail and the ability to follow strict protocols
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended period