Veterinary Assistant/Technician

JOB DESCRIPTION

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

REPORTS TO:        Practice Owner, Attending Veterinarian or Technician Manager

The veterinary technician is the veterinarian’s primary medical support. They begin the examination procedure and continue to assist the doctor throughout the examination, diagnosis and treatment phases.  They aid the veterinarians in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail.  They have a deep understanding of veterinarian’s preferences and thoroughly anticipate their needs. They have a very significant role in communicating with and education clients about their pets.

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Vocational school training desirable but not required
• Previous On-The-Job training/experience required

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum four years experience as veterinary technician or assistant.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 18 years old.
• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to work with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.
• Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis.
• Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature.
• Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of hospital team members including mentorship and training of other staff
• Has excellent client communication skills.
• Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs).  Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent position.
• Working conditions:  May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.

The range for the position is $19.50 per hour to $22.00 per hour.

Benefits are outlined in the employee manual and are separate from the hourly wage.

• Abide by WCAH core values and mission statement.
• Provide compassionate care to patients and clients.
• Dependable, arrives at shift in a timely manner and is committed to upholding the core values and mission of the hospital
• Ask for assistance from coworkers when needed to ensure efficiency of patient care
• Conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.
• Accurately maintain electronic medical records in accordance hospital policy.
• Prepare and maintain the exam rooms and treatment areas.
• Perform physical assessments; record observations legibly in files or computer.
• Can proficiently restrain pets even when large, difficult or fractious.
• Understands all common vaccinations and vaccination protocols and can explain to clients.
• Knows all common preventative medicines and can explain their use to clients.
• Has advanced knowledge of common medical conditions and their treatments.
• Understands usage, knows the dosage, and common side-effects for commonly used prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the clients.
• Perform advanced medical math/dose calculations
• Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty.
• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees and provides mentorship/training and oversight to assistants, technicians and veterinarians.
• Gives SQ, IM and IV injections (with or without IV port).
• Proficiently perform venous puncture and catheterization in the most difficult patients.
• Perform ultrasound guided cystocentesis and urinary catheterization for urine collection
• Can handle client’s medical questions with confidence and direct to veterinarians when appropriate.
• Can prepare complex estimates for procedures and discuss financial commitments with clients supporting hospital financial policies.
• Can explain necessary follow-up and homecare instructions.
• Assist RVTs in medical, surgical and dental procedures.
• Able to recognize abnormal Pulse Ox, respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature.
• Can recognize and respond to emergencies

• Perform ophthalmologic tests including tonometry, tear test, and fluorescein stain
• Can proficiently position for and perform image capture of radiographs for advanced/orthopedic studies and can administer and oversee sedation for this
• Can place IV catheters and properly care for them.
• Understands the use and care of IV pumps including troubleshooting them.
• Knows common disease states and can alert veterinarians when symptoms change or when concerns arise with hospitalized patients.
• Prepare a patient and the machine for an ultrasound procedure.
• Admit patients following hospital policy and doctors written orders.
• Can discharge patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are well groomed and in a medically appropriate state. 
• Properly documents patient treatments and client communications respectfully and professionally.