Certified Veterinary Technician

Job Overview:

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The licensed veterinary technician, provides caring, compassionate and detail-oriented nursing care for hospitalized patients and outpatients. They are responsible for correctly and efficiently executing treatments, diagnostics, and medication administration at the appropriate times. They must maintain detailed and correct medical records in Infinity, while ensuring all charges are included in invoice. Updates and communicates with client in a timely and respective manner.

Required Technical Skills:

Draw blood, place peripheral IVC, central lines, PICC lines and intraosseous catheters in small animals

Obtain sterile urine samples through urinary catheters or cystocentesis in dogs and cats

Monitor and maintain PICC lines and triple-lumen central jugular catheters in dogs and cat

Place, monitor and maintain temporary and indwelling urinary catheters in male and female cats and dogs

Take radiographs using correct patient positioning and safety techniques

Induce, maintain, and recover stable and unstable patients from sedation and general anesthesia

Place, monitor, and maintain nasogastric or naso-esophageal feeding tubes in cats and dogs

Monitor and maintain esophageal feeding tubes

Placement of nasal cannulas for nasal oxygen delivery

Ability to use and monitor the Snyder oxygen cage for oxygen dependent patients

Set up, monitor, and maintain patients on high-flow oxygen

Sterile intubation of long-term intubated patients

Initiating and maintaining patients on a ventilator with adjustable FiO2

Monitor and perform nursing care for patients with tracheostomy tubes

Perform CPR using the RECOVER guidelines

Administration of partial parenteral nutrition

Setting up, administering and monitoring pRBC, whole blood, plasma, platelet and albumin transfusions

Ability to perform basic and advanced medical math

Advanced knowledge of medications, potential medication interactions, and potential adverse effects of medication

Provide post-op care, including for orthopedic and neurosurgery patients.

Monitor and maintain JP drains and Wound Vacs

Monitor and maintain Pleuro-Vac

Obtain blood pressure and perform blood pressure interventions

Ability to prepare and analyze microscope samples of blood, urine and other fluids

Whelping newborn dogs and cats and caring for neonatal patients

Recognize and administer treatment for cardiac arrhythmias

Administration of Treatments

Ensuring all prescribed treatments are completed within the ordered time period
Taking/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 drugs
Establishing intravenous catheters along with IV fluids. Following IV catheter care protocols and fluid protocols to ensure patient safety
Drawing 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 range
Practicing 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/dosage
Tube feeding esophageal, naso-esophageal, nasogastric, and gastric tubes. Being able to reconstitute diets as prescribed and administer through the feeding tubes
Be 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 Care

Compassionately, calmly and gently approaching and handling patients.Practice Fear Free techniques whenever possible
Approaching 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 reactions
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 is given 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 Keeping

Entry 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 case
Making sure all charges are appropriately entered with specific amounts recorded
Giving and Receiving Nursing Rounds on each patient in ICU plus other dog/cat wards in the hospital
Ensuring that eliminations are recorded on the treatment sheet and electronic record. Ensuring the doctor is informed if there is an abnormality

Care of the ICU

Cleaning 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/disinfection
Aid 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 pumps
Organizing the working area
Ensuring needed items are in stock and delegating restocking to assistants as necessary

Procedural Support

Aid in the intubation/sedation/anesthetizing of patients as needed
Restraining patients for procedures/exams for doctors
Performing CPR
Answer phones if needed
Actively participate in hospitals day to day function by taking on additional responsibilities as needed

General Job Expectations:

Upholds MVS attendance expectations of no more than 3 unscheduled occurrences in a rolling 12-week period
Always be in position and prepared to work at the start of each scheduled shift.
Be prepared to handle any pet or facility emergency that may arise. Follow contingency plans.
Competently speak and write the English language.
Continuously strive to gain more information, additional skills, and keep up with new developments in the field through reading journals, and attending continuing education.
Follow OSHA standards, and other safety protocols and procedures put in place by MVS.
Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations and terminology when speaking and writing.
Know the range of services the practice provides and the species it treats.
Maintain a professional appearance while at work, including clean and pressed uniforms or clothes.
Participate in all staff meetings
Perform other duties as assigned
Stay current on policies, procedures and schedule by checking your personal e-mail, reading the weekly meeting minutes and WhentoWork daily
Understand and be able to recognize animal behaviors (ex. Fear, aggression), know how to change approach to animal based on behavior

Anesthesia and Surgical Procedures

Complete and understand anesthesia machine check-list, be able to trouble shoot
Complete understanding and ability to perform induction (IV, chamber, mask) and intubation
Confidently perform anesthesia monitoring; knowledge of normal and abnormal parameters
Knowledge of induction agents, analgesics, and CPR medications
Anesthesia equipment maintenance and trouble-shooting
Knowledge of basic surgical instruments
Understanding of the sterile field
Ability to clean, repack, and sterilize instruments
Basic knowledge of autoclave verses ethoxide
Demonstrate proper safety precautions when working with anesthetic chemicals and equipment
Efficiently and safely recover patient, obtaining necessary post-operative vitals
Insure all appropriate charges are entered into Infinity

Attitude and Behavior

Demonstrate commitment, dedication, cooperation and positive behavior
Handle stress and pressure with poise and tact
Promote a positive attitude among staff. Smile and maintain a friendly demeanor while on the job.
Show respect and compassion for clients, team members, and animals (alive or deceased) at all times
Applies an engaged attitude that facilitates workflow
Properly communicates and rounds team members, within and across services, effectively to facilitate patient care

Client Service

Answer phone by the third ring if CSR is pre-occupied or unavailable
Assist grieving clients and comfort them. Be familiar with the grieving process. Always be sensitive to the background chatter and conversations that could exacerbate the anxiety and grief clients are experiencing
Complete phone training with member of management team
Cordially greet clients and their pets, addressing each by name
Discuss treatment and diagnostic costs to owners, ensure owners of patients to be hospitalized are provided with an accurate estimate with code status chosen and that proper deposits are collected
Handle challenging clients with a calm and reassuring demeanor; know when to bring in member of management team
Maintain communication with clients waiting in lobby, continuously update them of status
Provide counseling and compassion for clients; answer their questions unless it is clear attending doctor should do so

Patient Care and Comfort

Always wash hands after handling patients to minimize the spread of infectious diseases and pathogens
Appropriately and effectively triage every patient that enters MVS
Provide clean bedding, water and litter pans for hospitalized pets according to individual patient needs
Understand and be able to recognize normal and abnormal vital signs, follow through when abnormal signs are seen

Pharmaceuticals

Basic knowledge of all medications used in hospital; including routes of administration, side effects, dose, drug interactions, etc
Learn and become comfortable with CRI calculations
Prepare medications and prescriptions for dispensing as directed by the veterinarian and be able to teach owners how to administer
Use proper aseptic technique in drawing up medications
Verify all dosages and conversions on treatment sheet are correct

Physical Plant Maintenance

Launder soiled linens using established protocols
Maintain cages, runs, and/or hospital facilities, including exam rooms, treatment room, isolation area, ICU wards, employee lounge, bathrooms and doctors office in a neat, sanitary and stocked condition
Maintain constant vigilance regarding open doorways that could allow pets to escape from their cage or facility
Maintenance of all work areas including but not limited to sweeping, mopping, emptying garbage and recyclables, dusting, and cleaning counter tops, kennels, and wet sinks

Record Keeping

Ensure all appropriate charges are entered into patient invoice
Ensure all treatments and diagnostics are in Infinity prior to the chart going up front for discharge
Ensure appropriate handling of controlled substances and proper maintenance of the controlled drug log
Ensure proper documentation and labeling of deceased patient for cremation or home burial
Maintain detailed, prompt and accurate medical record using Infinity treatment plans to ensure timely patient care and treatments

Technical Animal Knowledge and Skills

Use safe, reliable, and confident restraint, while showing compassion and care. Use provided restraint tools effectively
Use proper technique to shave patients, which minimizes clipper burn and skin trauma
Know and be able to execute proper fecal and urine collection methods
Understand how to monitor, adjust and maintain IV infusion pumps, syringe pumps, programmable syringe pumps
Understand proper use of digital x-ray machine
Minimize radiation hazards: use protective equipment and wear dosimetry badge
Use appropriate and correct positioning to obtain diagnostic quality radiograph
Understand adjustments needed to
Consistently use Right and Left markers
Apply and monitor pressure bandages using proper technique
Execute and understand proper technique for Venipuncture using patients cephalic, saphenous and jugular veins
Know proper administration techniques for IV, IM, SQ and oral medications
Know proper aseptic technique for placement of cephalic, saphenous and jugular intravenous catheters
Know proper aseptic technique for placing and maintaining urinary catheters
Know proper techniques for obtain blood pressure, and recognize abnormal and normal ranges
Learn and become familiar with central line placement
Set-up and record diagnostic multi-lead ECG tracings, recognize normal and abnormal rhythms, learn to troubleshoot equipment complications
Understand the life cycle and pathology of common and zoonotic diseases to prevent transmission throughout the hospital and in public areas. Follow and understand isolation procedures

Job Functions

Emergency Inpatient Technician:

Ability to provide in-hospital care based patient status. (ie: critical, medical board)
Knowledge of medication contraindications and administration via all sites on patient
Ability to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest in a patient
Timely and confidently perform Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
Knowledge of electronic treatment plans and able to complete in a timely manner.
Ability to maintain and complete patient treatments and electronic treatment plans
Ability to enter and complete medical records
Ability to walk, sling, rotate and maneuver patients
Ability to monitor post-surgical patients
Ability to perform procedures such as: urinary catheterization, naso-gastric/esophageal tube and central lines
Oxygen Therapy: able to understand the function of oxygen chamber system and operation, along with troubleshooting.
Fluid Therapy: Understanding fluid rates, boluses, concentrations and administration
Ability to enter charges onto invoice

Emergency Outpatient Technician:

Ability to understand triage and able to triage patients appropriately
Able to check patients in by acquiring a full descriptive history, along with patient vitals
Able to round doctors in full and concise manner
Ability to enter charges, based on the provider on staff
Ability to complete outpatient diagnostics, ie: Radiographs, bloodwork, ultrasound, etc
Ability to complete outpatient treatments
Able to fill and dispense medications appropriately, by hospital standards
Able to discuss take home instructions and/or educate client on how to treat their pet
Provide assistance to inpatient technician with treatments and care on in-hospital patients
Knowledge of electronic treatment plans and able to document/complete in a timely manner
Ability to enter and complete medical records effective and efficiently working with various ER veterinarians and MVS specialists

Language Skills:

Ability to legibly and thoroughly write medical records and correspondence. Ability to read and interpret documents such as laboratory reports, medical records from other doctors, hospital policy and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively before small groups of customers or employees of the hospital. Ability to graciously deal with client complaints. Ability to successfully communicate with diverse personality types.

Computer Skills:

Must be proficient with basic computer, fax and printer operations. Able to work with Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Internet. Experience with Infinity veterinary software helpful.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as drug dosing, oxygen levels, dilutions, percentages, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Must possess solution-focused problem solving skills.

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 Amount

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

More than 100 pounds

X

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:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. As a hospital, there will be exposure to a variety of chemicals and cleaners. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud. Pet dander and exposure to a wide variety of animals is to be expected

Educational: Extensive and broad knowledge of animal science, medicine, husbandry, including basic knowledge of pharmacology and sufficient mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid dosages. High school diploma or equivalent is required. CVT Licensure or meets eligibility for licensing requirements. VTS and higher education is preferred but not required.

Must be a licensed technician (CVT) and a Veterinarian Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care
5+ years experience in Emergency and Critical Care veterinary medicine
Fear Free Certified
Keeps up to date with current medicine by completing continuing education
Good communication skills with coworkers and clients
Can work efficiently and multitask
Ability to uphold MVS Attendance expectations not to exceed 3 unscheduled absences within a 12-week rolling period
Promotes and supports a positive work environment
Can lift and restrain up to 40lbs

Physical: Must have the strength and stamina to lift approximately 50 pounds, walk dogs weighing up to 130 pounds and work on their feet all day.

Ergonomic: An employee in this position must be capable of safely working in environment with potential exposure to hazardous materials, infectious and zoonotic diseases.

Other: An employee in this position must have a sense of caring for animals; be willing and available to stay late or through breaks, when needed, to assist with emergency or critical-care patients is needed. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients and patients for whom the practice provides veterinary services. Ability to multi-task, prioritize and delegate while maintaining composure in stressful situations is expected.

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