Oncology Technician Assistant

INTRODUCTION

Referral veterinary technicians are under the direct guidance and supervision of the doctor. Incumbents of this position are required to assist the practitioners to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients of Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital and to aid the practitioners in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Review oncology schedule and set up procedures/appointments for that day.
• Help doctor administer chemotherapy; prepare patients for treatment; monitor patients during and after chemotherapy is administered; release patient to owner and educate clients as needed of home care procedures.
• Administer and monitor anesthesia to sometimes compromised patients; prepare and assist in surgical procedures; place IV catheters; administer fluids; recover patients post-op and properly turn patient over to ICU nurses as needed.
• Properly clean, pack and autoclave all surgical materials after they are used. Keep the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery.
• Keep accurate and timely charts of all patient progress and treatments. Enter all charges into the computer system, ensuring that the in-hospital tracking form is updated.
• Perform clinical laboratory procedures such as blood chemistries, CBC, IStat, electrolytes, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, fungal cultures, draw blood for laboratory analysis
• Take, process and submit all radiographs to VDIC for review.
• Admit and discharge patients on the doctor’s orders, being especially careful to ensure that patients being discharged are well-groomed and in a medically appropriate state.
• Answer client questions one-on-one on various aspects of animal care up to, but not including, controversial items and/or those best left to the veterinarians.
• Pass on information/advice from the practitioners; explain dosage/purpose of medications; reinforce thorough discussion of the proper care and procedures that should be followed at home.
• Provide follow-up and updates on the progress of hospitalized patients with clients concerning certain patients; recommend additional visit and/or follow up with doctor’s recommendation if patient’s progress does not appear satisfactory.
• Maintain an appropriate inventory of all supplies as dictated by the inventory control system. Inform inventory manager as needed about items that need to be ordered. Also understand usage and recommendations for prescription drugs.

CONTROLS OVER WORK

The practitioners provide continuing or individual assignments indicating generally what is to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines and priority of assignments.  The practitioners provide additional, specific instructions for new, difficult or unusual assignments in animal health care, including suggested work methods or advice on source materials available.  The referral technician uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instructions, but refers deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations not covered by instructions to the practitioner for decision or help.  The practitioners assure that finished work and methods used are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions or established procedures.  Review of the work increases with more difficult assignments, if the technician has not previously performed similar assignments.  Administrative supervision may be provided by the Practice Manager and/ or Administrator.

ADVANCEMENT

Veterinary Technicians in this practice will be taught and trained to the limits of their potential.  If, during training, an individual shows interest in a specific field, such as radiology or anesthesiology, continuing education in that field will be encouraged.  Such encouragement may be in the form of a subsidy for taking outside courses or formal training given in the practice.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS

Knowledge:

• RVT license; minimum 3-5 years of experience
• Knowledge of the procedures used for chemotherapy treatments
• Assist in radiation as needed and attend weekly radiation rounds.
• Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.
• Knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make preparations and provide assistance to DVM.

Skills:

• TPR/ physical assessment
• Drug administration/ dosage calculation
• Venipuncture
• Catheter placement
• Cystocentesis
• CPR
• Critical care and emergency assessment skills
• Radiology
• Anesthesiology
• Surgical assisting
• Post surgical care/ monitoring
• Perform laboratory tests; CBC, Chem, UA, viral tests, PT/PTT, Istat
• Set up and monitoring of equipment such as Doppler, Dinamap, SpO2, ECG, IV fluid pumps, anesthesia machines, suction pumps, crash cart, O2 cage
• Recognition and knowledge of infectious/ zoonotic disease
• Reception/ communication skills

PHYSICAL EFFORT: 

Work often requires lifting and carrying animals which may weigh upwards of 100 lbs.  Technicians will be assisted by each other in working with larger animals. Walks or stands for extended periods of time; frequently works in bent position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work often exposes the referral technician to unpleasant odors and noises.  May be exposed to bites, scratches, and animal waste; may also be exposed to contagious diseases.