3rd Shift ER Veterinary Technician

Veterinary Technician

Summary of Position:

The duties will include, but may not be limited to, keeping accurate medical records, clerical work, client education, promotion of hospital products and services and support of the organization. This position requires knowledge of hospital procedures, policies and services; client and patient treatment protocols; hospital

Computer systems; and the standard procedures, records, and terminology used in a veterinary hospital. The Registered Veterinary Technician is the doctors’ primary support. They assist in pet restraint, lab work, procedures, surgery, nursing care, and triage/discharge of patients.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication as directed by the veterinarian
• Prep and assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures
• Triage patients, perform physical exams, and gather brief medical histories
• Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs
• Operate and maintain hospital equipment, i.e., EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors and machines
• Anesthetize animals and monitor anesthesia under the direction and supervision of the veterinarian
• Communicate with clients/owners about the status of patients, as directed by the veterinarian
• Fill prescriptions/administer medications, including proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs
• Maintain cleanliness of exam rooms (after each patient), reception areas, hospital grounds, and treatment areas, as needed
• Clean cages, as needed
• Do laundry
• Communicate patient status with oncoming staff and veterinarians, and update records and financial information, as needed, in the computer
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, and/or pain
• Communicate and approach job duties in a mature manner
• Foster teamwork approach and work well with all levels of hospital team members
• Participate in all staff and technician/assistant mandatory staff meetings
• Participate in the review process for other technical staff and doctors when requested
• Answer phones and perform other reception duties as needed by the hospital
• Understand zoonotic disease risks in the work environment and use all appropriate safety equipment, garments, and procedures to protect self and others
• Understand and limit the potential exposure to bites, scratches, and potential injuries
• Understand that employees in this role are exposed to various cleaning solutions and other chemicals, odors, noises, and animal wastes and behave in a professional manner when dealing with these conditions
• Proactive role in developing new skills and furthering knowledge base by attending CE.
• Demonstrate flexibility to float to other departments in times of need
• Support the team in welcoming new employees and assist in the training process when needed
• Perform duties of specialty area as described in Specialty Addendum
• Performs other duties as assigned

Competencies/Requirements:

• Familiarity with Hospital policies and procedures

Proficiency

• Clinical laboratory procedures
• Medication calculations and administration
• Catheter placement
• Intubation
• Vital sign monitoring
• Client communications
• Anesthesiology
• Animal restraint
• Patient physical assessments
• Radiographic technique
• Venipuncture

Expertise/Certifications

• Current NC Veterinary Technician Registration

Education

• Graduate of an accredited veterinary technology program

Work Experience

• One or more years’ experience in veterinary environment, including intern assignments

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds (work requires lifting, carrying, and restraining animals
  • with assistance from other staff members for animals weighing over 50 pounds)
• Ability to walk or stand for 10 to 12 hours (or longer shifts, as needed); frequently working in a bent position
• Ability to handle stressful situations
• Ability to complete assigned tasks, even if extended work hours are required in order to do so

Job Knowledge                                                                                                                      

• Refers to the amount of relevant job knowledge and skill an employee has. Includes awareness and possession or mastery of special facts, practices, manual skills and techniques and decision-making methods. How well the employee is knowledgeable of services, policies and procedures.

Teamwork                                                                                                                             

• Works with and helps others to accomplish goals in and out of your department.

Initiative                                                                                                                                

• Identifies opportunities and issues, proactively acts and follows through on work activities to resolve or capitalize on them.

Technical Skills and Learning                                                                                                

• Able to learn and integrate new technical skills and knowledge. Maintains current knowledge in field of expertise. Actively seeks opportunities for Continuing Education and Skill Improvement.

Dependability                                                                                                                         

• Refers to the ability to be relied upon to perform a task in the way required and to complete the assigned job duties and responsibilities.

Animal Restraint                                                                                                                   

• Always using proper care, and judgment when handling patients. Taking appropriate precautionary steps when needed. Demonstrating composure and peace of mind with a patient during difficult procedures.

Interpersonal Skills                                                                                                               

• Able to operate within the work environment through social communication and interactions. Interpersonal skills are how people relate to one another and involve using skills such as active listening, tone of voice, and cooperation.

Administering Nursing Care                                                                                                  

• Always showing appropriate levels of care, concern and empathy with patients. Responding respectfully with urgency to direction given by DVM's or LVT's.

Technical Skills and Learning                                                                                                

• Able to learn and integrate new technical skills and knowledge. Maintains current knowledge in field of expertise. Actively seeks opportunities for Continuing Education and Skill Improvement.

Maintaining a Clean and Orderly Work Area                                                                      

Patient Physical Assessments

• Conduct patient physical assessment with minimal support from other personnel.                                               

Care and Use of Equipment                                                                                                  

• Able to perform all maintenance and operation checks of job related equipment; medical and otherwise.
• Is sensitive to equipment needs and takes steps to ensure quick repairs.

Attendance                                                                                                                            

• Attendance refers to the consistency that an employee shows in turning up for work and completing normal work hours.

Clinical Laboratory Procedures

• Comfort and experience at a high level of accuracy with most laboratory processes and procedures.

Medication Calculation and Administration

• Accurate medication calculation and administration, which includes appropriate recordkeeping and communication.

Work Quantity & Productivity                                                                                             

• Work Quantity and Productivity refers to the employee's work in terms of both the quality and quantity. Includes general attendance as well as perseverance on difficult or unfavored assignments.

Documentation in the Patient Medical Record 

Additional Information:

The list of essential functions and additional functions, as outlined in this job description, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this position. The omission of any job function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a required assignment for the position.