Registered Veterinary Technician

INTRODUCTION

The Veterinary Technician assists the doctors to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients, and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work at Warrenton Veterinary Clinic.

The Veterinary Technician assists in multiple procedures providing care for animals including physical examinations, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, euthanasia as well as client education, marketing and inventory maintenance. This position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases; their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventative health care recommendations. This is an overview of the position and the job responsibilities listed do not encompass the entire position. The Veterinary Technician is under the direct guidance and supervision of the practice manager and veterinarians

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Obtain and record patient histories.
• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, cytology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems.
• Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Prep and place an IV catheter and administer IV fluids.
• 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 injured or ill animals.
• Prepare patients, instruments and equipment for surgery.
• Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.
• Take and process radiographs.
• Communicate with and educate owners.
• Maintain knowledge of preventative 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 a dental cleaning, senior wellness, spay and neuter.
• Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use.
• Maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies.
• Clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials.
• Knowledgeable regarding related federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA. Ensure that the hospital and its employees are in compliance with regulations. Inform the veterinary hospital administrator of any regulatory issues.
• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
• Perform duties described under Exam Room Assistant
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CONTROLS OVER WORK

The Veterinary Technician works under the direct supervision of the Veterinarian and practice manager who will indicate general assignments, limitations and priorities. Recurring assignments are performed independently. Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the veterinarian and practice manager. Completed work is reviewed for technical accuracy and compliance with established procedures.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
• Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.
• Knowledge of sterilization techniques to sterilize various instruments and materials.
• 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.

• Critical thinking - Understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Amount of Time Spent on Task


Task


None


Less than 1/3


1/3 to 2/3


More than 2/3


Stand

X


Walk

X


Sit

X

Use hands to finger, handle, or feel

X


Climb or balance

X

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

X

Talk or hear

X


Taste or smell

X

The job requires the following lifting requirements and/or exerted force be performed on the job.


Amount of Time Spent on Lifting Amounts


Lifting Amount


None


Less than 1/3


1/3 to 2/3


More than 2/3


Up to 10 pounds

X


Up to 25 pounds

X


Up to 50 pounds

X


Up to 100 pounds

X (with assistance)

More than 100 pounds

X (with assistance)

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust to focus.


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.

Essential Functions:

• Receive, handle and treat patients with skill, compassion and care including: monitoring during anesthesia, administering fluids, assisting in diagnosing, surgery and general and specialized nursing care.
• Accurately perform laboratory tests.
• Accurately dispense and administer medications and vaccines.
• Input data into computer software system.
• Ability to observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent.
• Regular attendance and timeliness are an essential function in order to fulfill the requirements of this position.
• Strong communication and client service skills. Considerable tact and diplomacy is required. Ability to work with clients and patients in a professional, friendly, hospitable manner.
• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
• Perform general physical activities that require bending, standing, stooping, moving from room to room, sit, talk, and listen; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time; will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently lift, carry and handle dogs weighing 50 lbs.