About the Role
Responsible for daily care of all surgical patients, assisting doctors and veterinary assistants with pre-, peri- and post-operative care of patients, general cleaning, and training others to utilize our patient care protocols.
Job Responsibilities
Handle and track controlled substances for large volumes of surgical patients
Efficiently premedicate, induce, and intubate any and all patients as necessary
Able to monitor anesthesia, with a clear idea of abnormal conditions
Able to safely express urinary bladders
Able to place and secure intravenous catheters
Able to give intramuscular, intravenous, and subcutaneous injections
Able to collect and prepare blood, urine, and fecal samples
Able to run and accurately interpret various diagnostics including fecal tests, SNAP tests, cytology slides, and in-house lab work run through IDEXX
Correctly administer vaccinations and medications as directed by the veterinarian
Ensure prompt and accurate paperwork procedures are followed each day
Communicate in effective and professional manner with public, trainees, and all staff members
Represent AlterCare Animal Clinic in a professional and courteous manner at all times
Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures
Communicate with clients and assist with rechecks as needed
Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly manner
Train veterinary assistants, new staff members, and trainees to utilize our patient care protocols
Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian and direct others during the event, and maintain competency during CPR procedures
Able to glove in sterilely and assist doctor with surgery when appropriate
Handle medical calls
Effectively “team lead,” displaying a positive attitude and acting as a motivating force for all staff members
Able to work shifts as assigned.
Maintain RVT license in the state of Ohio by completing requirements as needed by the licensing board.
Remain in good standing with the Ohio Veterinary License Medical Board.
Remain Health & Safety conscious and actively involved in maintaining a safe work environment.
Comply with policies, procedures and code of ethics.
Perform any and all other tasks which are assigned by management.
Uphold the highest standards of internal and external customer service at all times.
Job Requirements
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
RVT or enrolled in an approved veterinary medical technology program
Must speak fluent English
Client Education
Must be able to learn basic veterinary medical concepts, including but not limited to vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks
Must also be able to communicate basic veterinary concepts to owners and be able to repeat information relayed by a veterinarian
Will be asked to take medical histories for surgical rechecks
Will be asked to communicate with the public on a daily basis in a professional manner
Animal Handling
Will be asked to handle (on average) 40-60 patients per day
Must be able to learn characteristics of animal behavior (for example be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior)
Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals (will train)
The use of safety equipment is mandatory
Must possess excellent reflexes
Should be able to identify own limitations and be willing to ask for help
Must become proficient at animal restraint for various procedures
Physical Requirements
Must be able to work standing or sitting for 8 or more hours
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day with help
Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly
Must be able to see fine detail in a variety of situations
Must have good hearing, including ability to distinguish changes in pitch
Must have reasonable degree of agility to move through tightly cramped areas in various situations
Must have acceptable sense of touch and smell
Must have good range of motion in joints especially wrist, knees, elbows
Must have good range of motion in your back for twisting etc.
Must be able to work in potentially extreme environmental temperatures
Must have acceptable sense of balance
Must be able to work and reach on hands and knees
Must be able to use a ladder and/or step stool
Must possess excellent hand-eye coordination
May be asked to move large oxygen tanks
Must possess an acceptable degree of dexterity in hands and fingers
Must have good vision, including peripheral vision, fine detail, distance, depth perception, and ability to focus.
Emotional/Mental Requirements
Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions.
Must be able to respond quickly to a variety of medical situations (with training)
Must be able to cope with death due to surgical complication or euthanasia.
Ability to rapidly and accurately process information
Ability to delegate tasks
Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help
Ability to work independently and as part of team
Ability to make decisions
Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm
Potential and Prolonged Exposures
Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions, including but not limited to, dish soap, chlorhexidine, and spectra soap
Prolonged exposure to isopropanol, hydrogen peroxide
Potential exposure to formalin solution
Potential/prolonged exposure to isoflurane gas
Prolonged exposure to quaternary ammonium cleaners and bleach
Prolonged exposure to pressurized steam
Potential exposure to sharps including needles and surgical blades
PREFERRED
MUST BE a current registered veterinary technician, with a license to practice in Ohio. 1-2 years of experience in a veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital, and/or animal shelter or control facility. Candidate should be highly motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a professional, positive, and upbeat attitude.