Veterinary Technician Emergency and ICU

Job DescriptionJob Description:

ICU- Primary General Description of Position:The primary job responsibility of the emergency room nurse is to ensure rapid and thorough care is provided to all pets presenting to the emergency service. Primarily, this will entail performing diagnostics and treatments on emergency patients. This nurse would also be responsible for some owner communications, assisting the doctors directly with record keeping and procedures. One emergency nurse will be assigned to be the primary triage nurse each day. Essential Functions:Report to workMust be an experienced veterinary technician. CVT or other licensing is preferred but not required. Desire to pursue VTS specialty certification is a plus and encouraged.Good communication skills with coworkers and clientsAble to draw blood, place IVC, and run blood workKnows how to take x-rays/proper positioningAble to sedate patients and monitor while under sedationCan lift and restrain up to 40 lbs.Can monitor anesthesiaKnows basic math calculations for medications TriageThis is to be performed as outlined in the protocol: rapid assessment and vitals performed upstairs unless patient stability/demeanor precludes this, very brief history, and transport of unstable patients downstairsThis requires recognizing when these vital signs are abnormal based on type of patient, age and disease processAll patients are then written on the triage boardDoctors will assign themselves when they are ready to see the caseOne emergency nurse per day is assigned to this as their primary roleIf there are no patients currently requiring triage, other emergency room duties should be completedSpecial attention to daily tasks such as checking crash cart, callback bin, etc. Treatment of Emergency patients Ensuring all prescribed treatments are completed within the ordered time periodTaking/monitoring vital signs/blood pressures, etc. Recognizing when these vital signs are abnormal based on type of patient, age, and disease process, and reporting these to the doctor.Giving medications/IV fluids in all routes of administration--oral meds/injectable meds-- subcutaneous/intramuscular/intravenous. Consulting protocol book or prescribing doctor for instruction of administration of unfamiliar drugsEstablishing intravenous catheters along with IV fluids. Following IV catheter care protocols and fluid protocols to ensure patient safetyDrawing blood for laboratory tests and then performing in house Chemistry/CBC/Lytes/Snap Tests/Urinalysis and SediVue/Crossmatch/Blood typing/set up certain assays/tests/biopsy/cultures/cytology etc. to be sent out to Idexx. Maintaining responsibility for in-house tests and diluting appropriately when results are out of rangePracticing safe handling and maintenance of patient tubes including but not limited to chest tube, nasal oxygen, urinary catheters, abdominal drains. Following prescribed orders for timed drainage/technique/dosageBe able to safely prepare blood transfusions as per protocol. Be able to calculate an appropriate starting rate and increase rate as indicated. Be able to monitor appropriately and recognize when vital signs are abnormal, as well as report to the doctor Admitting patientsCreating estimates and reviewing them with clientsCompleting admission treatments and diagnostics as ordered by the veterinarianRounding ICU nurses when the patient is transferred to their care, following nurses rounds format Other Patient CareCompassionately, calmly and gently approaching and handling patients. Practice Fear Free techniques whenever possibleApproaching and handling patients according to safety protocols and core values. Practicing basic animal husbandry – ensuring clean/dry bedding, clean litter boxes at all times. Ensuring all patients have water available unless specifically under order not to. Following prescribed diet orders, as well as recording amount offered, amount eaten, and adverse reactionsChecking patients prior to discharge – clean, dry, etc.Practicing critical thinking and independent thinking. Be aware of what tasks are most critical to be performed and doing those first (pain medication, insulin, temperature checks on a patient on heat, etc). Be aware of what types of care you usually give to patients and question if this is not being ordered (such as pain medicine in a fracture, anti-nausea medications in a vomiting patient). Notice and alert the doctor if there are other concerns regarding a patient (has not urinated since admission, no appetite, painful, straining to defecate, etc.) Record KeepingAssisting emergency doctor by beginning SOAPsEnter weight, vitals, and presenting complaintEntry of the vital signs and medications given to each patient into the computer and writing them down onto each patients treatment sheet which holds all orders pertaining to that patient that is overseen by the doctor in charge of the caseEntering radiology request formsMaking sure all charges are appropriately entered with specific amounts recordedEnsuring that eliminations are recorded on the treatment sheet and electronic record. Ensuring the doctor is informed if there is an abnormalityReviewing euthanasia paperwork with client if this cannot be completed by doctor or front desk Care of the ERCleaning of the ER to meet infection control guidelines. Delegating cleaning tasks to assistants as necessary. This includes but is not limited to daily cleaning/disinfection of patient housing, surface cleaning/disinfection in the ER, mopping, sink cleaning/disinfectionAid in maintaining/properly using equipment within the hospital including, but not limited to oxygen cage, anesthesia machines, clippers, blood pressure/SP02 and resp. monitors, syringe/IV pumpsChecking and cleaning anesthesia machinesOrganizing the working areaEnsuring needed items are in stock and delegating restocking to assistants as necessary.Checking the crash cart once a shift and filling out the checklistRestocking or replacing missing items immediately Procedural SupportAid in the intubation/sedation/anesthetizing of patients as needed Restraining patients for procedures/exams for doctorsPerforming CPR Filling medications to go homeReviewing discharge paperwork with client if this cannot be completed by the doctorCheck the callback bin for lab work/x-ray results and get them to the appropriate doctorCalling primary care veterinarian for records/radiographs if Stella is unavailableActively participate in hospital’s day to day function by taking on additional responsibilities as needed.Answer phones- they ring constantly; “Thank you for calling Central hospital for Veterinary Medicine, this is _______________ how may/can I help you?” Work Environment:Clean and well organized ICU and treatment areaEasily accessible medical equipment and suppliesNoisy conditions can occurProtective equipment for nervous animals is easily accessible ER- Secondary General Description of Position:The ICU nurse is responsible for the care and monitoring of all patients hospitalized in the ICU, with the exception of the patients cared for by the critical care nurse. This includes administration of medications, performing procedures such as blood draws, and assisting doctors in procedures. Nurses are expected to treat patients with compassionate and gentle handling and use Fear Free techniques as much as possible. The ICU nurse is also expected to recognize abnormal vital signs, pathology in the patient, and practice critical thinking regarding the patient. Nurses are responsible for entering nursing updates into the electronic medical record whenever treatments are performed. Nurses are expected to participate in cleaning of the ICU to maintain basic infection control and to give owners periodic brief updates when the doctors are unable to. Finally, nurses are responsible for preparing rounds notes and adequately informing the next shift of all pertinent patient information. Essential Functions:Report to work at scheduled timeMust be an experienced veterinary technician. CVT or other licensing is preferred but not required. Desire to pursue VTS specialty certification is a plus, and encouraged.Good communication skills with coworkers and clientsAble to draw blood, place IVC, and run bloodworkKnows how to take x-rays/proper positioningAble to sedate patients and monitor while under sedationCan lift and restrain up to 40lbsCan monitor anesthesiaKnows basic math calculations for medicationsCan work efficiently and multitask Administration of TreatmentsEnsuring all prescribed treatments are completed within the ordered time periodTaking/monitoring vital signs/blood pressures, etc. Recognizing when these vital signs are abnormal based on type of patient, age, and disease process, and reporting these to the doctorGiving medications/IV fluids in all routes of administration-- oral meds/injectable meds-- subcutaneous/intramuscular/intravenous. Consulting protocol book or prescribing doctor for instruction of administration of unfamiliar drugsEstablishing intravenous catheters along with IV fluids. Following IV catheter care protocols and fluid protocols to ensure patient safetyDrawing blood for laboratory tests and then performing in house Chemistry/CBC/Lytes/Snap Tests/Urinalysis and SediVue/Crossmatch/Blood typing/set up certain assays/tests/biopsy/Cultures/Cytology etc to be sent out to Idexx. Maintaining responsibility for in house tests and diluting appropriately when results are out of rangePracticing safe handling and maintenance of patient tubes including but not limited to chest tube, nasal oxygen, urinary catheters, abdominal drains. Following prescribed orders for timed drainage/technique/dosageTube feeding – esophageal, naso-esophageal, nasogastric, and gastric tubes. Being able to reconstitute/blenderize diets as prescribed and administer through the tubeBe able to safely prepare blood transfusions as per protocol. Be able to calculate an appropriate starting rate and increase rate as indicated. Be able to monitor appropriately and recognize when vital signs are abnormal, as well as report to the doctor Other Patient CareCompassionately, calmly and gently approaching and handling patients. Practice Fear Free techniques whenever possibleApproaching and handling patients according to safety protocols and core values Practicing basic animal husbandry – ensuring clean/dry bedding, clean litter boxes at all times. Ensuring all patients have water available unless specifically under order not to. Following prescribed diet orders, as well as recording amount offered, amount eaten, and adverse reactionsPracticing critical thinking and independent thinking. Be aware of what tasks are most critical to be performed and doing those first (pain medication, insulin, temperature checks on a patient on heat, etc). Be aware of what types of care you usually give to patients and question if this is not being ordered (such as pain medicine in a fracture, anti-nausea medications in a vomiting patient). Notice and alert the doctor if there are other concerns regarding a patient (has not urinated since admission, no appetite, painful, straining to defecate, etc.) Record KeepingEntry of the vital signs and medications given to each patient into the computer and writing them down onto each patients treatment sheet which holds all orders pertaining to that patient that is overseen by the doctor in charge of the caseMaking sure all charges are appropriately entered with specific amounts recordedGiving and Receiving Nursing Rounds on each patient in ICU plus other dog/cat wards in the hospitalEnsuring that eliminations are recorded on the treatment sheet and electronic record. Ensuring the doctor is informed if there is an abnormality Care of the ICUCleaning of the ICU to meet infection control guidelines. Delegating cleaning tasks to assistants as necessary. This includes but is not limited to daily cleaning/disinfection of patient housing, surface cleaning/disinfection in ICU, mopping, sink cleaning/disinfectionAid in maintaining/properly using equipment within the hospital. Including but not limited to oxygen cage, anesthesia. machines, blood pressure/SP02 and resp. monitors, syringe/IV pumpsOrganizing the working areaEnsuring needed items are in stock and delegating restocking to assistants as necessary Procedural SupportAid in the intubation/sedation/anesthetizing of patients as neededRestraining patients for procedures/exams for doctorsPerforming CPR Answer phones if neededActively participate in hospital’s day to day function by taking on additional responsibilities as neededAnswer phones- they ring constantly; “Thank you for calling Central hospital for Veterinary Medicine, this is _______________ how may/can I help you?” Work Environment:Clean and well organized ICU and treatment areaEasily accessible medical equipment and suppliesNoisy conditions can occurProtective equipment for nervous animals is easily accessible Recovery- Secondary General Description of Position:The recovery nurse is primarily responsible for the postoperative care of routine member doctor surgery and dental patients. They are also expected to assist with pre-operative workup prior to surgery. When these tasks are complete/not actively required, this nurse is expected to assist ER nurses as needed due to the proximity of the recovery area to the ER, as well as complete other necessary daily tasks to ensure the smooth daily flow of the hospital. Essential Functions:Report to workMust be an experienced veterinary technician. CVT or other licensing is preferred but not requiredGood communication skills with coworkers and clientsAble to draw blood, place IVC, and run bloodworkKnows how to take x-rays/proper positioningAble to sedate patients and monitor while under sedationCan lift and restrain up to 40lbsCan monitor anesthesiaKnows basic math calculations for medicationsCan work efficiently and multitask Member doctor surgeries/dentalsAssisting in obtaining and performing pre-anesthetic blood workChemistry/CBC/Lytes/Snap Tests/Urinalysis and SediVue. Set up certain assays/tests/biopsy/Cultures/Cytology etc to be sent out to Idexx. Maintaining responsibility for in house tests and diluting appropriately when results are out of rangePlacing IV catheters and completing any pre-operative treatmentsFollowing CHVM IV catheter placement and care protocolStarting IV fluids, giving anti-emetics, assisting with pre-medicationAssisting with induction of anesthesia if neededRecovering patients after procedure is completeOne on one with patient until extubated, and performing extubationTaking/monitoring vital signs/blood pressures, etc. Recognizing when these vital signs are abnormal based on type of patient, age, and disease process, and reporting these to the doctorGiving medications/IV fluids in all routes of administration-- oral meds/injectable meds-- subcutaneous/intramuscular/intravenous. Consulting protocol book or prescribing doctor for instructi

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