Veterinary Technician (General) - Radiation Oncology

Duties & Responsibilities

• Patient Care- learn to provide proficient and skilled paramedical technical support, nursing care and instruction in a professional and courteous manner
   • Perform initial vital assessment of patients (body weight, temperature, pulse, and respiration), and assist clinicians, staff and students in conducting physical examinations, handling animals, and updating clinical records.
   • Provide needed care to animal patients while in the hospital including but not limited to preparing areas of confinement (placing bedding in cages and runs), offering food and water, taking for walks.
   • Assist with pet owners to obtain history of pet’s progress since the last visit (receive) and provide information about patient care to owners (release patients) for radiation therapy.
   • Ensure the proper and complete treatment of animals, which could include helping to collect biologic samples, tending to animal needs (such as cleaning of wounds and bandaging).
   • Assist with administration of oral or parenteral medication, SQ or IV fluids to radiation therapy patients under the direction of radiation oncology veterinarians and technicians.
   • Assist veterinarians with coordinating diagnostic imaging as needed for radiation therapy patients.
   • Communicate with pet owners to facilitate appointment scheduling, and coordinate visit with any needed services (medical oncology, imaging, anesthesia).
• Learn to manage paperwork and maintenance of the radiation therapy service
  • Learn to create base discharge summaries and enter needed vital information in patient records.
  • Learn to clean and maintain facility, equipment and instruments.
  • Maintain supplies necessary for radiation treatment planning and positioning.
  • Maintain treatment records as instructed.
  • Assist with scheduling of pets for radiation therapy.
• Learn to perform anesthesia and assist with monitoring of patients undergoing sedation or anesthesia for radiation therapy or patient assessment
  • Learn to maintain anesthesia of animals for treatment under the direction of a veterinarian.
  • Assist with monitoring of anesthesia (including IV catheter placement or restraint).
  • Learn to recognize and respond to emergency situations related to the administration of anesthetics.
• Other duties may include teaching or assistance with radiation research.
• Other duties as assigned