Registered Veterinary Technician Job Description

Summary:

Veterinary technicians have many important responsibilities and they may work in multiple roles within the hospital. Veterinary technicians are routinely entrusted with patient assessments, anesthesia, procedures, laboratory testing, assisting in surgery, patient nursing, radiology, client education and more. A veterinary technician must be detail-oriented, have the ability to make sound decisions, respond quickly and calmly to crises, and maintain high standards of patient care. Technicians need to communicate clearly with the doctor’s, other hospital personnel, and clients to ensure that patients receive the care that they need.

Veterinary technicians should enjoy working with a diverse group of people and animals and be friendly and flexible in the face of varying expectations from clients and co-workers. A technician’s focus is ever changing according to the priority of the moment. This often requires significant multi-tasking and creative thinking ability. Technicians must remain calm and collected in the face of emergency situations in order to lead others through the tasks that must be accomplished.

Technicians must share in VSS’s expectation of the high quality of care we provide and communicate this sense of assurance to clients. It is important to know and understand our services and recommendations and be able to clearly convey the value of the services to the clients. Excellent client communication skills and a commitment to outstanding client service are essential.

Technicians provide training, supervision, and leadership for other members of the patient care team. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to set a good example, promote a positive work environment, and provide direction and motivation to co-workers are important aspects of the position.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Greet clients in a friendly manner
• Admit patients; handle telephone calls/client updates, etc.
• Prepare prescriptions, dispense medications and supplies
• Update client/patient files
• Maintain computer records/backups
• Assist the veterinarian during examination of animals, providing restraint as needed in order to work safely and effectively.
• Assist veterinarian in surgical procedures using proper aseptic technique
• Induce anesthesia, intubate patients, and monitor patients under anesthesia
• Maintain and use medical equipment
• Perform routine laboratory procedures and analyses in hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology
• Prepare samples for outside laboratory analysis
• Administer treatments and injections following the instructions of a doctor; this will include (but is not limited to) administering oral medications and giving SQ, IM, and IV injections.
• Perform treatments and monitoring care as directed on hospitalized patients including (but not limited to): assisted feeding, glucose curves and insulin injections, follow-up care on surgical patients in the hospital, IV fluid maintenance, heat support, mild range of motion activities, and other duties as directed by the doctor
• Monitor patients for vomit, blood, urine, and feces in the cage, and clean patients and cages as needed. Note incidents on patient flow sheet.
• Monitor changes in patients’ conditions and alert doctors to significant changes when appropriate.
• Perform catheterization - urinary and venous; set up and maintain lines and volumes
• Nasoesophageal and nasogastric tube placement and maintenance
• Set up and maintain oxygen therapy
• Obtain and administer whole blood, rbc, or plasma transfusions
• Triage incoming patients, taking vital signs including temperature, pulse, and respiration
• Perform emergency procedures including shock assessment and initiation of treatment, control of hemorrhage, establishing an airway by intubation and providing ventilation with O2, performing external cardiac massage, applying temporary bandages or splints, and clipping and cleaning wounds or burns
• Obtain ECG readings
• Take, develop, and evaluate proper positioning and exposure of radiographs
• All employees of VSS are required to follow OSHA standards and be familiar with Safety Data Sheets. Occupational hazards may include but are not limited to animal bite or scratch wounds, exposure to x-rays, anesthetic gases, caustic or toxic materials, and zoonotic diseases. Employee must follow all safety guidelines contained in the employee handbook and posted in hazardous areas.
• All employees of VSS are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and sanitary conditions of the entire hospital, including the parking lot, sidewalks, and entryways. Trash, urine, feces, blood or other such debris should be cleaned and sanitized immediately.

Requirements:

• Veterinary Technicians must have the physical strength and ability to lift and carry a pet or other object weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance. Must be able to assist in lifting patients or other objects weighing more than 50 pounds.
• Moderate physical demands may be frequently required and will include repetitive and frequent standing, walking, stooping, bending, twisting, and lifting. Must be able to grasp, hold, and manipulate objects varying from small and fine to large and heavy with both hands.
• Technicians must physically hold and restrain pets that may struggle, scratch, or try to bite. This requires the emotional ability to remain calm and compassionate with animals that are reacting to fear and/or pain and the physical strength, dexterity, and reflexes to keep the pet, themselves, and other doctors or staff safe.
• Must be able handle the physical demands of the position for the entire assigned shift, often exceeding 10 hours per day.
• Technicians must be able to safely and competently operate equipment pertinent to carrying out their duties, including but not limited to laboratory equipment, anesthesia equipment, and radiology equipment.
• Basic computer and technological skills are required
• Professional appearance required, VSS provided scrubs are to be worn at all times.
• Must be able to work all shifts, including nights and weekends
• Technicians will be required to be at work when scheduled and be on time.
• Technicians must be able to view physical symptoms or medical problems, read medical instruments, and follow handwritten instructions.
• Technicians must be able to respond and quickly react to frequent auditory signals, warnings, or communication from other staff, animals, or medical equipment.
• Technicians must be able to make independent decisions, recall many facts and figures from memory, and solve complex problems.
• Technicians must have knowledge of hospital procedures outlined in the current employee manual as well as those that are implied (reasonable expectations).
• Requires strong client service, communication and team work skills.
• Strong ability to multitask under pressure, handle stress, and problem solve during critical situations.
• Veterinary technicians must interact with other team members professionally, politely, and positively.

• (RVT) Registered Veterinary Technician (or LVT in other states) or have the ability to obtain within 6 months is preferred.
• Two to four years of previous veterinary technician experience.
• Previous veterinary experience at a Specialty Veterinary Hospital or Emergency Hospital is preferred.
• Highly motivated, team players, with a positive attitude. Additionally, you must be able to work efficiently, with an emphasis on multi-tasking and prioritization, and be able to thrive in a fast paced environment.

Benefits:

We offer full time employees a comprehensive benefit package that includes: 100% Company Paid Medical Insurance, 401(K), Continuing Education, Scrubs, Employee Pet Discounts, Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO). Compensation is based on experience and skill level.

Opportunities for Advancement:

There are multiple opportunities for advancement to different veterinary technician and leadership roles throughout the hospital as you gain knowledge and look to advance your career. We work hard to provide employee development, additional education and support for our team.

For more information about VSS, please visit our website:

http://www.vssstl.com/