Overnight - Veterinary Technician

The purpose of the Overnight Veterinary Technician position is to assist the doctors, Veterinary Technician Manager, and the Surgical Director 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 North Penn Animal Hospital.

The Overnight Veterinary Technician's primary focus is the care of patients overnight as they are recovering from surgeries, or on fluid maintenance. In addition to patient care, the position includes equipment and instrument cleaning 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 Veterinary Technician Manager, Surgical Director, Practice Manager and the Veterinarians.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Uphold and model and NPAH mission statement at all times.
• Provide friendly, quality medical and client care to the patients and clients of North Penn Animal Hospital.
• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, 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.
• Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the 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.
• Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of high-tech diagnostic equipment including elecrocardiographic, radiographic and ultrasonographic equipment.
• Take and process radiographs.
• 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 practice manager of any regulatory issues.
• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, your team and the practice mission statement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Controls over Work

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

Skills and Knowledge

• Must be a self starter and independent.
• Possession of strong organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of hospital procedures and operating instructions for making appointments, assembling patient medical records, recording test results, relaying information regarding patient’s condition, and compiling and submitting data on patients treated.
• Knowledge of the spelling and meaning of commonly used terminology of veterinary medicine to accurately record results of tests and file veterinary medical reports according to alpha, numeric or subject matter headings.
• 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.
• Knowledge of procedures used for receiving, treating and scheduling patients, for ordering medications and 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 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 and to work well on a team.
• Critical Thinking – understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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.
• Often transports patients to weigh on scales.
• Frequently required to communicate with clients, team members and associates. Must be able to exchange accurate information.
• 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. Assistance will be provided by team members when working with larger animals.

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 disease.

Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.

Essential Functions:

• Receive, handle and treat patients with skill, compassion 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.
• Accurately 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, your team and the hospital mission statement.
• 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.