Veterinary Technician

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 help the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work at Lili Veterinary Hospital.

The Veterinary Technician will also work as an exam room assistant assisting the veterinarians with patient care and treatments in order to achieve optimum care for the patients.

Job Responsibilities

· Obtain and record patient histories.

· Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.

· Prepare specimens for outside laboratory. Obtain results form the labs and ensure they are documented into the medical notes.

· 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 ill/ injured and hospitalized pets.

· Prepare patients, instruments and equipment for surgery.

· Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machine, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.

· Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of high-tech diagnostic equipment including electrocardiographic, radiographic and ultrasonographic equipment.

· Take and process radiographs.

· Communicate with and educate owners.

· Maintain knowledge of preventive healthcare 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 dental cleaning, senior wellness, spay and neuter and boarding.

· Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use.

· Maintain inventory of pharmaceutical, equipment and supplies.

· Clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment and materials.

· Knowledge regarding related federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA. Ensure that the hospital and its employees follow regulations. Inform the veterinary hospital administrator of any regulatory issues.

We are looking for someone who is a team-player, will always lend a helping hand, and who can laugh at the little things.

· Perform other duties assigned.

Exam room and client communication

· Communicate with clients regarding the medical status of their pet. Provide accurate information to clients concerning fees, hospital policies and procedures etc.

· Instruct clients as to what they should do prior to bringing their pets in for procedures, how to care for their pets and after discharge from the hospital, how to administer medications, etc.

· Educate clients regarding preventive medicine and vaccination requirements. Recommend laboratory procedures, such as pre-anesthetic profiles, geriatric screenings, fecals, urinalysis, heartworm checks, FeLV testing etc. Give Clients handouts and educational materials to take home to further their understanding of veterinary issues.

· Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with patients.

· Restrain animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during examinations and procedures. Know how to properly handle difficult or contentious pets.

· Follow established procedures in order to assist veterinarians with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients and patients through the out-patient clinic. Consult with veterinarians on a daily basis to plan each day’s activities. Keep doctors apprised of potential problems, discussions with clients etc.

· Review medical records and notes made by admitting receptionist in order to discern the nature of the visit and any tests or procedures that may be needed.

· Greet clients and escort them and their pets into an exam room. Place the patient on the exam table and prepare for the doctor to enter the room. Obtain basic information (weight, temperature, etc.) on the pet.

· Discuss with the client the reason for the visit (chief complaint), any symptoms or problems being experienced, any procedures that may need to be done (i.e. vaccinations, fecal or heartworm tests, etc.). Utilize a pre-exam check list, lifestyle surgery and any other applicable client educational pieces to ensure that all medical needs are covered.

· Obtain any laboratory samples that may be needed from the pet or make sure that the laboratory work is performed by another team member while the patient is still in the exam room. Anticipate and prepare any medications or vaccines the doctor will need to treat the patient.

· Notify the veterinarian when patients in the exam room are ready to be seen. Advise the veterinarian of the information already known such as the nature of the visit, preventive procedures due and assist veterinarian in exam room by restraining patients, preparing forms etc.

· Ensure all procedures rendered during the visit are documented for proper billing. Ensure that all vaccinations, procedures, notes etc. have been documented in the medical record.

· Monitor laboratory supplies and order additional lab supplies as needed.

· Promote the practice’s products, programs and services. Utilize passive marketing. Make suggestions to clients about products appropriate for their pet’s condition.

· Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment and lab areas. Restock exam rooms with supplies as needed. Assist other team members to keep the public areas of the practice clean and well maintained. Clean and maintain all medical equipment as required.

Controls over work

The Veterinary Technician works under direct supervision of the Veterinary Technician Team Leader 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.

The practitioners (veterinarians) 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 advise on source material available.

The exam room assistant uses initiative in carrying out recurrent 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 an in compliance with instructions or established procedures. Review of the work increases with more difficult assignments, if the exam room assistant has not previously performed similar assignments. Administrative supervision may be provided by Technician Team Leader.

Skills and Knowledge

· Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies and requesting laboratory tests.

· Knowledge of proper methods of animal restraint.

· Apply knowledge and skills in controlling/handling individual animal temperament.

· Knowledge of the use, care and storage of veterinary instruments, materials and equipment.

· Knowledge of sterilization techniques for various instruments and materials.

· Knowledge of the instruments, materials and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to prepare 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 accept direction on given assignments.

· Critical thinking – understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approach to problems.

Physical effort

The physical demands of descried 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, stop, walk, sit, talk and listen, frequently walking in 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 pounds. Assistance will be provided by animal handlers when working with larger animals.

Work environment

While performing 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 12 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Veterinary Experience: 2 years (Preferred)
• Veterinary Technician Experience: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Veterinary Technician Certification (Preferred)

Work Location:

• One location

Work Remotely:

• No

Work Location: One location

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Every weekend
• Monday to Friday
• Rotating weekends
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Venipuncture: 3 years (Required)
• Veterinary experience: 3 years (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $20