Licensed Veterinary Technician

The Veterinary Technician assists the doctors to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients, and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work. The Veterinary Technician assists in multiple procedures providing care for animals including physical examinations, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, euthanasia, as well as client education, marketing and inventory maintenance. This position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases; their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventative health care recommendations. This is an overview of the position and the job responsibilities listed do not encompass the entire position. The Veterinary Technician is under the direct guidance and supervision of the Hospital Team Lead and veterinarians.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Triage: Obtain and record patient histories, brief physical exams, and evaluate TPRs
• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests
• Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians
• Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian
• Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian
• Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals
• Place IV catheters
• Place endotracheal tubes
• Perform dental prophylaxis
• Handle and administer controlled substances
• Maintain up-to-date log of controlled substance inventory and use
• Prepare patients, instruments and equipment for surgery
• Assist in surgical procedures
• Assure that monitoring and support equipment are in good working condition
• Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of high tech diagnostic equipment
• Take and process radiographs
• Communicate with and educate pet owners
• Maintain knowledge of preventative health care recommendations in order to answer client questions, provide education on vaccines, flea and heartworm products, and assist in marketing veterinary services from which their pet would benefit, such as a dental cleaning, senior wellness, spay and neuter, boarding, grooming, and Wellness Plans
• Educate clients on products and medications sold, including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use
• Maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies
• Clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials
• Knowledgeable regarding related federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA
• Ensure that the hospital and its employees are in compliance with regulations. Inform management of any regulatory issues
• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy
• Assist in other job positions within the hospital, as coverage is needed (especially reception)
• Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

•  High school diploma required
•  Current licensure as a Veterinary Technician in Nevada
•  6-12 months experience working in an animal hospital in a veterinary technician position preferred, but not required

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL EFFORT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job.

• Frequently required to bend, stand, stoop, squat, kneel, walk, sit, talk, and listen. Frequently working in a bent position.
• Frequently use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
•  Use strength or agility in capturing and restraining stronger, more active animals.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Occasionally handle dogs weighing up to and over 150 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

•  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to hazards associated with aggressive patients; hazards associated with infected animals and controlled substances; exposure to unpleasant odors and noises; exposure to bites, scratches and animal wastes; possible exposure to contagious diseases. Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.
• Will be exposed to potentially hazardous or unpleasant materials, including: blood, urine, feces, and vomit (at least 50% of the time); anesthetic gases (25% of the time); cleaning materials (90% of the time); medical sharps (90% of the time); radiographic exposure (25% of the time), exposure to therapy laser (10-15% of the time), and zoonotic diseases (less than 10% of the time)

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.
• Knowledge of sterilization techniques to sterilize various instruments and materials.
• Knowledge of the instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make  preparations and provide “tableside” assistance.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.  
• Critical thinking - Understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Receive, handle and treat patients with skill, compassion and care including: monitoring during anesthesia, administering fluids, assisting in diagnosing, surgery and general and specialized nursing care. 
• Accurately perform laboratory tests.
• Accurately dispense and administer medications and vaccines.
•  Input data into computer software system.
• Ability to observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.
• Regular attendance and timeliness.
• Strong communication and client service skills. Considerable tact and diplomacy is required. Ability to work with clients and patients in a professional, friendly, and hospitable manner.
• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
• Willingness to learn new skills and to work together with team mates to provide top notch care and customer service

CONTROLS OVER WORK

• The Veterinary Technician works under the direct supervision of the Lead Veterinary Technician and Hospital Team Lead, who will indicate general assignments, limitations and priorities.
• Recurring assignments are performed independently.
• Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor.
• Completed work is reviewed for technical accuracy and compliance with established procedures.