JOB DESCRIPTION - VETERINARY TECHNICIAN INTRODUCTION The veterinary technician is the doctor's primary medical support person. They begin the examination procedure and continue to assist the doctor throughout the examination, diagnosis and treatment phases. They aide the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail. They have a significant role in communicating with clients about their pets. The Veterinary Technician operates under the supervision of the Practice Manager and Owner(s). PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide compassionate care to patients. - Performs all duties in accordance with hospital medical policies and procedures. - Prepares and maintains the exam rooms and treatment areas. - Performs physical examinations; records observation on patients. Perform in-clinic deworming's; record patient weights, temperatures, and respiration rates; record observations on patient status such as nature and amount of vomitus, bowel movements, and urinations+/- blood. Perform ear cleanings and plucking, dental cleanings for dogs and cats. Monitor and record vital signs on all patients. - Assists the doctor in medical, surgical and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery with aseptic technique; assists the doctor in administering anesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; administers fluids and medications. - Give injections - intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous. Administers oral medication. - Place intravenous, urinary and jugular catheters. - Performs emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, opening airways, and external cardiac massage. - Assists in restraining pets when necessary. - Performs clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotations, heartworm checks, skin scraping, urinalysis, cytology and fungal cultures; draws blood for laboratory analysis; maintains file of lab test results and ensure that test results are recorded in patient records. - Takes radiographs following proper safety procedures, monitor blood pressure and administers EKGs and EEGs. - Admits and discharges patients on the doctor's orders, ensuring that patients are well groomed and in a medically appropriate state. Councils' client on various aspects of animal care; explains dosage/purpose of medications; reinforces the proper care and procedures that should be followed at home; makes follow-up calls to clients. - Understands usage and dosage for all proscription drugs and can readily explain them to clients. - Properly cleans all surgical materials after they are used; keeps the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery. - Maintains an appropriate inventory of all medical supplies. - Follow DEA and OSHA guidelines. Follow appropriate safety and handling of hazardous materials. Follow established hospital safety guidelines regarding radiographs, controlled drugs, animal handling, etc. - Assists other staff members as required. - Demonstrate initiative and teamwork in everyday duties, assisting other team members within the practice. - Organize work area and exercise time management skills to maximize personal efficiency within the practice. Prioritize tasks and handle multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner. - Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, the PM, and the practice philosophy. - Perform other duties as assigned. CONTROLS OVER WORK The practitioners 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 advice on source materials available. The Veterinary Technician uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instructions, but refers deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations not covered by instructions to the practitioner or practice manager for decision or help. The practitioners or practice manager assure that finished work and methods used are technically accurate and 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 the practice manager or practitioners. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE - Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests. - Knowledge of vaccinations. - 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 the instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make preparations 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 to accept direction on given assignments. Understand and carry out oral and written direction. PHYSICAL EFFORT The physical demands described 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, stoop, walk, sit, talk, and listen, frequently working in a 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 lbs. WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the duties of 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. REQUIREMENTS - Hold a current license as a veterinary technician and or further education courses, diplomas or degrees in animal science/veterinary technology. This is not mandatory but preferred. - A minimum of 3 year of experience in veterinary medicine. - Ability to multi-task and juggle multiple work streams (change gears quickly) while setting/managing priorities and providing consistent follow through. - Computer skills are a must. Proficient in Microsoft, instant messaging, emailing, various social media. - Possess strong typing skills. - Possess strong telephone skills. - Possess strong communication skills and be able to work as part of a team. - Possess a respectful attitude and positive outlook even during busy workload. - Ability to be productive, efficient, and respectful during high stress periods. - Willingness to learn and ability to retain information taught. - Available to work Monday thru Friday and occasional Saturdays. Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $16.00 per hour