Equine Anesthesia Veterinary Technician

Job Title: Surgery Veterinary Technician with Anesthesia Focus

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Davidson Surgery Center

Summary:  Performs variety of equine health care and surgical duties to assist veterinarians and surgical team in a hospital setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.  

• Review each surgeon’s daily calendar for case load and procedures.
• Assist with daily restocking.
• Assist with daily preparations of surgical packs, operating rooms and surgical prep areas.
• Assist with x-ray of patients.
• Assist with properly placing patients on tables for surgical procedures.
• Clip and prepare patients’ surgical sites using aseptic technique.
• Assist with any duties before, during and after surgeries, including assisting with the needs of the surgical suite, cleaning, disinfecting and preparing surgical packs for sterilization.

Anesthesia

• Inspect anesthesia machines daily - restock as needed.
• Coordinate patient flow with surgeons, technicians and interns.
• Coordinate timely transfer of patients through the surgery center with surgery’s dispatch.
• Operate within the guidelines of the anesthesia and recovery management protocols specific to Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
• Provide anesthesia care of elective and emergency equine patients, including: o Evaluation of patient’s health prior to induction, informing surgeon of any abnormalities. o Sedation and induction of patients with IV and IM medications, placement of endotracheal tubes and IV catheters.
  • Properly place patients on tables for surgical procedures.. o Manage various modalities of anesthesia (i.e. inhalant, TIVA ect), fluid and medication delivery and monitor patients during surgical procedures. o Maintain accurate records of anesthesia, document/logsurgical procedures and all controlled and non-controlled medications and supplies used.
  • Monitor patients throughout recovery stage.

General Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean/sanitary, well-organized surgery area including recovery and treatment areas. o Clean floors, tables, transfer areas, and recovery rooms before and after surgeries. o Hose and squeegee floors throughout day.
• Empty trash and recycling. o Assist with laundry.
• Assist with the surgery center’s final end of day cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing instruments.
• Interact with the surgeon(s) in a professional manner to understand their overall needs and requirements.
• Attend and participate in required staff meetings.
• Assist with special projects and additional duties as directed by the supervisor(s), surgeon(s) or a member of management.

Expectations   

• To treat other people with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• To be dependable and punctual on working hours scheduled and to be willing to stay beyond scheduled hours if needed.
• To be a self-starter and take the required initiative to perform all tasks successfully.
• To obtain required knowledge and skills relevant to the technician job responsibilities.
• To contribute to the overall team by utilizing your skills and knowledge to achieve performance excellence.
• To assist in achieving and maintaining high quality standards in the overall care and needs of patients.
• To maintain confidentiality with regards to client-patient rights.
• To conduct oneself professionally as a representative of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute refraining from inappropriate language and behavior.
• To constructively communicate progress, problems or other issues requiring attention to the appropriate supervisor, doctor or member of management.
• To offer solutions and demonstrate a positive attitude when dealing with clients, supervisors, doctors, management, other team members, and outside vendors or suppliers.
• To give guidance to other personnel in understanding the importance of adhering to procedures and proper protocol in the areas of treatment, patient care and safety standards.
• To administer treatments in a timely and efficient manner, adhering to the exact specifications of the appropriate doctor.
• To maintain a professional appearance and a courteous attitude.
• To maintain a clean/sanitary and well-organized work/service area at all times.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education/Experience:
  • Two years of hands-on equine experience.
  • One year of experience administering and monitoring anesthesia (can include experience through school).
  • Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certificates and Licenses:
  • Veterinary Technician License preferred, but not required.
• Language Ability:
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general technical procedures.  Ability to write/document technical information and  procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from doctors, other staff and clients.
• Math Ability:
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, and volume. Ability to apply simple math formulas.
• Reasoning Ability: 
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Computer Skills: 
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual should have general computer software knowledge and keyboarding skills.
• Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is

• frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles;
• frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals;
• occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather);
• regularly works near moving mechanical parts; experiences outdoor weather conditions, and the risk of electrical shock;
• occasionally exposed to low levels of radiation.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands

described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is 

• frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• occasionally required to sit; climb or balance and smell.
• regularly lift and /or move up to 100 pounds, and
• frequently may be required to exert force on more than 100 pounds, which includes holding and restraining a horse (average 1200 Lbs)

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Specific horse handling and restraining skills.

Schedule

As per shift hired for: Friday-Monday, 7am-5pm 

Overtime as directed. Start or end time negotiable.  All time off to be preapproved by supervisor.

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources