Veterinary Technician

The Veterinary Technician is responsible for assisting doctors, to the fullest extent possible, with the care and treatment of patients in the hospital.  The Veterinary Technician is also responsible for tasks that facilitate the workflow of the workday, which can include client communications, patient care, cleaning, and/or serving as a backup to other appropriate skilled positions. 

Incumbent must have the skills, ability, and judgment to perform the following essential job duties and responsibilities, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Demonstrate proper restraint techniques of patients for radiographs, physical exams, and other procedures; including safe lifting of patients onto and off of exam tables as well as in and out of cages
• Utilize and follow designated workflows and hospital tools and sign off as required, (i.e. SOPs, checklists, etc.) to help ensure the highest quality of teamwork and service while reducing wait times.
• Assist with radiographs ensuring proper body positioning, commensurate with the type of radiograph needed.
• Take patient vital signs to establish patient baseline health and progress during and following treatment.
• Maintain and use medical equipment (e.g. lab and monitoring equipment, anesthesia machines, scope towers etc.) to ensure quality of care of patients.
• Administer pharmaceuticals (oral or injectable) as prescribed by the Doctor of Record. Assist in the calculation of drug dosages, utilizing job aids such as calculators, Excel spreadsheets and/or independent mathematical skills.
• Initiate and utilize SOAP notes consistently to ensure complete medical record of the patient visit. Assist doctors to the fullest extent possible.
• Administer treatments and injections following the instructions of the Doctor of Record.
• Perform Phlebotomy or Cystocentesis procedures within established guidelines (upon approval by hospital manager); perform routine in-house laboratory tests for medical analysis (e.g. blood counts, electrolytes, etc.) and where appropriate, prepare samples for outside analysis.
• Properly document patient activity and procedures on treatment sheet (if applicable) and into the hospital information system (eVet).
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records as required (e.g. pharmacy records, treatment plans, anesthesia, client communication, lab results).
• Process in house and outside pharmacy requests as prescribed by the Doctor of Record, including assessment of patient condition, calculation of proper dose, inventory access/control.
• Ensure client, patient and work areas are clean and adequately stocked.
• Provide veterinary husbandry (e.g. bedding, cage turnover, food/water, litter, laundry, dishes) if needed for hospitalized patient.
• Communicate clearly and precisely with the doctor and clinical teams with regard to patient updates and overall care.
• Greet clients in a friendly and courteous manner when needed for intake, visitations and releases.
• Communicate with clients in person or on the phone regarding prescription pickups and other client interactions as assigned.
• Assist doctor in surgical procedures using established surgical preparation techniques (upon approval of hospital manager).
• Work well with all team members and ensure that actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
• Maintain ongoing cleaning and disinfectant protocols throughout the hospital – including closing duties, laundry, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned.