Veterinary Technician
16 days ago
Haledon
Job Description The Veterinary Technician assists the veterinarians with patient care and treatments, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, euthanasia as well as client education, marketing and inventory maintenance at North Haledon Veterinary Care. 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. PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES • Obtain and record patient histories., • Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures., • Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians., • Administer fluids as prescribed by the veterinarian., • Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a 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 electrocardiographic, radiographic and ultrasonographic equipment., • Take radiographs., • Communicate with and educate owners., • Maintain knowledge of preventative healthcare recommendations in order to answer client questions, provide education on vaccines, flea and heartworm products, and assist in marketing veterinary services from which their pet would benefit, such as a dental cleaning, senior wellness, spay and neuter and boarding., • Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use., • 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 hospital administrator of any regulatory issues., • Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy., • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar., • Perform other duties as assigned. CONTROLS OVER WORK The Veterinary Technician works under the direct supervision of the Staff Manager(s) and Veterinarians 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 commonly used veterinary terminology (e.g. terms of anatomy, physiology, diseases, tests, etc.) in order to accurately enter specific information into patient records. 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. 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. Standing for greater than 8 hours., • 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 animal handlers 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 diseases. Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA. Note: When duties and responsibilities change, job description will be reviewed and subject to changes of business necessity. Essential Functions: • Receive, handle and treat patients with skill, compassion and care 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., • 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, and the practice philosophy., • 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 (greater than 8 hours); will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms., • Frequently lift, carry and handle dogs weighing 50 lbs., • Present yourself in a clean and orderly fashion, properly uniformed.
