Veterinary Care Generalist - Anesthesiology

Veterinary Care Generalist - Anesthesiology Veterinary Teaching Hospital

The Veterinary Care Generalist assigned to Anesthesia will be responsible for general assistance in the Anesthesia Section of the Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital and may be asked to assist in other areas of the hospital. Due to the teaching emphasis of the hospital, the Veterinary Care Generalist (Anesthesia) may be responsible in assisting in the training of veterinary students, veterinary technician students and others in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in veterinary anesthesia.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Learn to provide skilled paramedical support and nursing care in the Anesthesiology section (50%)
• Assist clinicians, staff and students in conducting physical examinations, handling large and small animals, and updating clinical records.
• Prepare patients for procedures under the direction of clinician or higher-level vet techs.
• Collect blood, urine and other samples and prepare samples for analysis.
• Monitor vitals, food consumption, urine and bowel output, etc., noting any irregularities.
• Based on clinician order, change bandages and prepare samples for analysis.
• Maintain patient and drug records as instructed.
• Learn Anesthesiology protocols pertaining to medication administration and procedures.
• Learn how to recognize and respond to emergency situations related to the administration of anesthetics.
• Learn how to monitor exhaust gas anesthetic waste.
• Learn to provide a clean environment and maintain anesthetic equipment (30%)
• Set up, clean, and maintain procedural areas and laboratories.
• Operate and maintain Anesthesiology equipment and instruments in both large and small animal.
• Assist in surgical area with basic duties, such as clean-up and requests to locate and retrieve items.
• Assist in maintaining supplies necessary to the anesthesia section.
• Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of equipment and instruments.
• Learn to assist in the training of veterinary technician students and clinical year vet students
• Provide afterhours, on-call anesthesia to large and small animal patients on a rotating basis
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

An environment of stress may be anticipated. The person in this position must be capable of reliably functioning in such an area. The amount of physical exertion will vary with assignments. For example, the assistant may be lifting a 40lb. dog on and off an examination table. The handling of any animal presents some element of risk or injury. Some strength and considerable caution are required when working with animals during diagnostic or surgical procedures. To some degree, unpleasantness may be experienced under such conditions. This position entails operating equipment, administering medications, and restraining animals of various species for examination. Exposure to anesthetic agents may present a potential hazard. An ability to work in the presence of animal waste and fluids, syringes, needles, and medications are potentially dangerous and must be used with care. Persons allergic to animal dander, dust, pollen, hay, etc., may experience discomfort in this position. Work involving animals with various disease states may expose the individual to viral, bacterial, and fungal agents known to be transmissible to man. Exposure to chemicals and anesthetic waste gases may be potentially hazardous if mishandled or misused.

Minimum Qualifications

Successful completion or current enrollment in the final semester of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Familiar with federal regulations and university and hospital polices regarding the use and handling of controlled substances. Skill in the operation of surgical, laboratory and diagnostic equipment. Able to adapt to new technologies, procedures and equipment. Demonstrate adherence to strict protocols. Able to instruct veterinary medical/technician students in patient care protocol and procedures and in the use of equipment or instrumentation. Able to recognize abnormalities in vital signs of patients, assess charges observed, and take necessary action in the absence of a veterinarian. Able to operate on the clinical floor and anticipate needs and directions of staff and students regarding patients and methods of care. Able to observe, record, compile and assimilate data. Able to explain terminology used in veterinary medicine. Knowledge related to the care and handling of anesthetic waste gases. Able to multi-task, pay close attention to details and work calmly and professionally under pressure. Strong interpersonal skills. Courteous and polite.