JOB DESCRIPTION

Registered Veterinary Technician

REPORTS TO: Team Development Manager, Assistant Manager, Hospital Administrator, or Owner(s)

The veterinary technician is the veterinarian’s primary medical support. They begin the examination procedure and continue to assist the doctor throughout the examination, diagnosis, and treatment phases. They aid the veterinarians in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail. They have a very significant role in communicating with and educating clients about their pets.

Salary Range: $25 - $30 per hour depending on experience

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

Registered Veterinary Technician License required
Customer Service background desirable but not required.
Typing skills required.
Some computer knowledge required; comfortable with Word, keyboarding, and use of communication tools such as email.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum two years experience as a veterinary assistant or technician.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

The veterinary assistant must be able to:

• Minimum of 18 years old.
• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to deal with them even when stressed, ill or in pain.
• Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis.
• Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature.
• Can support and be a part of a team.
• Works well with all levels of hospital staff.
• Has excellent communication skills.

Physical Effort: Work requires lifting, carrying and restraining animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent or squatting position.

Working conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Technical Skills & Expectations

• Conducts oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.
• Keeps legible and accurate medical records in accordance with hospital policy.
• Prepares and maintains the exam rooms and treatment areas.
• Performs physical assessments; records observations legibly in files or computer and initials after each entry regarding treatment he or she performed
• Effectively restrains pets even when large or difficult.
• Understands all common vaccinations and vaccination protocols and can explain to clients.
• Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty.
• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
• Handles client’s medical questions with confidence and directs to veterinarians when appropriate.
• Prepares estimates for procedures and discusses financial commitments with clients supporting hospital financial policies.
• Explains necessary follow up and home care instructions.
• Assists the veterinarian in medical, surgical, and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery; maintains anesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; administers fluids.
• Properly cares for all surgical materials; keeps the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery.
• Performs emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, opening airways, and external cardiac massage.
• Performs clinical procedures such as: TPR, Drug calculations, Blood draws, Running blood machines, Cystocentesis, Urine strip and prep urine sediment, Radiographs, Treatments of pets as prescribed by DVM, Catheter placement and care, Ear smears/cytology, Fluid maintenance, Assist DVM examinations, Intubation, Dental radiographs, Surgical preparation, Basic medical observation, Anesthetic monitoring, Restraint, Care of hospitalized pets, Anal gland expression, Injections (SQ, IM, IV), Nail trims, Performs electrocardiogram, Maintains file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records, Effectively positions patients for and takes radiographs.

• For all tech appointments, DVM appointments, suture removals, blood draws, drop in blood pressures or treatments: Thoroughly reviews the record to ensure that all steps, treatments or instructions to owner requested by the doctor at the last visit and in the subsequent communications are performed. Records weight at every visit. Asks the owner how patient is feeling and addresses any concerns. Thoroughly records in the chart (with initials) all physical findings, client communication, observations and treatments performed. Reviews patient reminders to ensure no other treatments are pending and reminds client as indicated. Alerts the appropriate doctor (note on message board, or enter on blood work spreadsheet) regarding treatments such as blood pressure, spot BG, etc, to review results and contact client.

• If a tech vaccination occurs: Ensures that client feels animal is in good health with no concerns that would make vaccination inappropriate. Performs a brief technician physical exam (including temperature unless unduly upsetting to the patient) and fully records (with initials) in the patient chart that this physical exam and the vaccination was administered. Places the text for the vaccination performed in the title of the medical quick text for the visit. Observes patient for a few minutes after vaccination to ensure no evidence of anaphylaxis before release.

• Ensures that all charges for procedures or treatments performed are placed in PVL (including your Invoice Item Initials) or front staff is advised of all charges.

• May be asked to room clients and follows appropriate VA procedure. When VA becomes available, clearly transfers client and patient to available VA.

• Knows common disease states and can alert veterinarians when symptoms change or when concerns arise with hospitalized patients.

• Prepares patients for ultrasound procedures.

• Admits patients following hospital policy and doctors written orders. If patient is a drop off case, collect a thorough history or review the patient’s drop off sheet prior to admitting patient into the hospital. Must record in the record and mentally notate the locations of any masses or lesions that are pointed out by client.

• May be asked by veterinarian to discharge routine surgical or dental cases. Ensure that client is asked if they have any additional questions for the DVM before escorting to check out station.

• Discharges patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are well groomed and in a medically appropriate state.

Personal Conduct/Attitude/Teamwork

1. Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
2. Displays tact and respect with team members even when busy or hectic.
3. Feels and expresses a genuine liking for animals and their owners and for working in an animal care field

Client Communication

• Conducts oneself in a confident and professional manner with clients even when situations are stressful and/or focused on individual tasks.
• Deals intelligibly, pleasantly, and efficiently with clients, often doing several things at one time.
• Greets clients with poise and natural effort.
• Outlines costs and fees in a positive light while supporting hospital payment policies.
• Easily remembers clients and patients names and uses them.

Facility Maintenance

• Maintains a professional/welcoming appearance of the treatment area through cleaning and organization.

Record keeping

• Accurately maintains medical records in an electronic format.

Organization/Time Management

• Works almost constantly in the presence of other staff members and clients
• Understands and carries out oral and written directions.

Other

• Performs other duties as assigned.