Veterinary Technician

Title:  Veterinary Technician

Reports Directly to: Practice Manager

Guidance by: Clinic Veterinarians

Schedule: Hours will be scheduled mainly between the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm but the potential for some evening hours and weekend on-call shifts exists.  Must be flexible with schedule changes and short notice overtime requests.

Introduction: STVO Veterinary Technicians are required to assist 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. They will perform with a high level of client/patient interaction with a focus on compassion and utmost patient care. Veterinary Technicians also will support and work cohesively with fellow teammates. 

This is an overview of the position and the job responsibilities listed do not encompass the entire position. 

Primary Job Responsibilities: 

• Greet clients/patient in a friendly manner
• Update client/patient files as necessary. 
• Prepares the exam rooms for patient visit and assist doctors
• Obtain patient weight 
• Take vital signs of animals including temperature, pulse, and respiration
• Admit patients, collect patient chief complaint and medical history
• Prepare Patient records in our Software Management system, Vetter.
• Prepares discharge paperwork for each patient seen
• Dispense and properly invoice medications and supplies for patients
• Communicate with and educate owners of their pets conditions with use of the prepared discharge paperwork. 
• Educate owners on medications being dispensed for their pet and how to use them. 
• Present invoices and prepare estimates for recommended surgeries or procedures.
• Answer Clinical telephone calls from clients and relay medical updates to doctors
• Complete Medication refills that are requested by clients through the refill line or by task from reception. 
• Assist veterinarians in medical exams and procedures using proper restraint
• Be able to recognize signs of pain and discomfort
• Provide Ophthalmic specialized nursing care to injured or ill patients
• Collect Lab samples through venipuncture
• Prepare Laboratory samples for outside laboratory analysis
• Perform Venous catheterization
• Administer treatments and injections following the instructions of a doctor or treatment form.
• Prepare instruments and equipment for surgical procedures
• Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus(ventilator) are in good working condition.
• Induce anesthesia and intubate patients
• Properly shave and prep patients for surgery
• Monitor patients under anesthesia 
• Assist veterinarian in surgical procedures using proper aseptic technique
• Be familiar with proper surgical scrub, gloving & gowning.
• Maintain and use medical equipment 
• Perform diagnostic testing; Blood Pressure, Schirmer tear Test, and Tonometry
• Prepare Cytology slides using Dip Quick Stains
• Walk patients outside to use the restroom as needed. 
• Keep in-hospital Patients comfortable and make sure their cages are clean.
• Adhere to weekly task list and schedule
• Supports/covers front office as necessary
• Make suggestions to improve clinical & surgical protocols
• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy. 
• Attend Continuing Education to further your knowledge of Ophthalmology
• Continually strive to improve and grow
• Attend and engage in team meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned and as necessary to support the company

Controls over Work 

The Veterinary Technician works under the direct supervision of the practice 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

• 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.