Veterinary Assistant Level 2 - Blood Bank & Hospice Services

The VA2 supports both Blood Bank and Hospice Services on the second floor of DoveLewis North. This role assists with patient care, appointments, procedures, and daily department operations while supporting DVMs and certified veterinary technicians as needed. Responsibilities also include maintaining the cleanliness, organization, and readiness of patient care and work areas. A genuine love of and respect for all animals is required, along with an appreciation of the human-animal bond and the sensitive nature of hospice care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions and major responsibilities listed below illustrate the types of work that may be performed. Omission of a specific duty does not exclude it from the position. Duties and responsibilities may change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

• Safely restrain canine and feline donors while a CVT obtains blood donations.

• Obtain samples for annual laboratory testing of canine and feline donors using approved venipuncture sites. Jugular blood draws are prohibited.

• Assist with processing blood donations after collection under the direct supervision of the Blood Bank Director.

• Place intravenous catheters for euthanasia patients and feline blood donation appointments.

• Assist the Hospice DVM with new consultations, examinations, treatments, and procedures.

• Take patient vital signs as directed and promptly report concerns or changes to the supervising DVM or CVT.

• Support patient discharge, including reviewing instructions and helping ensure clients have the necessary medications, supplies, and follow-up information.

• Assist with appointment scheduling and client communication as needed.

• Prepare and maintain clean, organized, and appropriately stocked patient care, consultation, and blood-processing areas.

• Prepare and maintain clean kennel environments; wash, fold, and stock laundry as needed.

• Provide aftercare for deceased or euthanized animals, including completing identification tags and collecting memorial paw prints and fur clippings.

• Provide compassionate, respectful support to patients and clients, recognizing the sensitive nature of hospice and end-of-life care.

• Maintain patient comfort by providing a clean, calm environment, treating animals kindly, and anticipating stress or discomfort.

• Use accepted veterinary and DoveLewis practices, equipment, and techniques within the VA2 scope of practice.

• Report concerns, problems, equipment issues, and staffing needs to the appropriate supervisor or department lead.

• Support training of new employees by explaining applicable policies, protocols, workflows, and department expectations.

• Maintain required knowledge and skills by completing assigned training and continuing education.

• Assist DVMs and CVTs with other patient-care and departmental needs within the VA2 scope of practice.

• Perform other duties and assigned projects that are consistent with the position and VA2 scope of practice.

Specific duties that are not performed by a VA2 ________ initial

A VA2 does not perform subjective laboratory work, manual bladder expression or centesis, care for critical or unstable patients, collect blood donations intended for transfusion, administer controlled substances, monitor sedation, anesthesia, or tranquilization, or perform duties specific to a VA3, CVT, or VTS related to patient care and treatment.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of veterinary practice, infection control, and workplace safety measures.

• Understanding of canine and feline behavior and safe animal-restraint practices.

• Ability to perform approved venipuncture and intravenous catheter placement accurately and safely within the VA2 scope of practice.

• Ability to follow blood-processing procedures under direct supervision and maintain accurate attention to labeling, organization, and cleanliness.

• Ability to communicate with clients, co-workers, and vendors in a courteous and professional manner, including during emotionally sensitive end-of-life care.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality, use sound judgment, and ask for support when a request or patient need exceeds the VA2 scope of practice.

• Basic computer skills, including email, Microsoft Word, scheduling tools, and veterinary software.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work with close attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently during slower periods and identify appropriate department tasks.

• Ability to attend continuing education or training as requested by a supervisor.

• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule and work varied shifts as needed, including holidays.

Education and Experience

• Education or experience equivalent to a high school diploma.

• Experience in a veterinary facility is preferred.

• Completion of all required Kennel Assistant and VA1 skills, plus demonstrated proficiency in phlebotomy and intravenous catheter placement within the VA2 scope of practice.

• At least one year of related experience, including phlebotomy and intravenous catheterization, or current enrollment in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program.