National Veterinary Associates Chula Vista , CA 91909
Posted 1 week ago
Job Description
2024-01-04
POSITION SUMMARY The Veterinary Technician works hand-in-hand with veterinarians to ensure quality patient care, and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work. The Veterinary Technician assists in multiple procedures providing care for animals including physical examinations, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, euthanasia as well as client education, marketing and inventory maintenance. Technicians may also see their own appointments for procedures such as suture removal, nail trim, vaccine administration when a doctor exam is not required, labwork, surgery admission and discharge, and boarding entrance exams. 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. The Veterinary Technician is under the direct guidance and supervision of the Lead Veterinary Technician and Veterinarians. PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Technical: 65%
Assist veterinarians with veterinary medicine and surgery in any appropriate capacity
Obtain and record patient histories, vital signs, and weights
Perform in-hospital lab testing and prepare specimens for reference labs
Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.
Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian; use and maintain IV pump. • 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; clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials.
Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.
Communicate with and educate owners in a compassionate, tactful, professional manner
Take radiographs - processes rads, demonstrates proper positioning techniques
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 procedures, and boarding.
Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use.
Perform client callbacks • Assist kennel staff
Maintain legally defensible medical records in cooperation with veterinarian
Maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies
Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
Perform other duties as assigned. Technical
Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems
Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of high-tech diagnostic equipment including electrocardiographic, radiographic and ultrasonographic equipment.
Report diagnostic testing to veterinarians
Maintain quality controls and record keeping on in-house lab equipment
Complete proper sample preparation and paperwork for reference lab tests
Fill prescriptions per veterinarians' instructions; double-check for accuracy; have another employee sign (two signatures on each prescription that leaves our hospital) Technical
Admit patients scheduled for anesthetic procedures
Keep surgical materials stocked; prepare gown and surgical packs or oversee this process
Check oxygen lines and waste gas scavenger system; turn off scavenger system after surgical procedures are completed
Prepare surgery suite for surgery in collaboration with surgery assistant
Prepare instruments; know type of surgical instruments required for specific surgeries
Perform induction/intubation and all pre-anesthetic procedures, including patient prep
Monitor patients post-operatively
Clean surgery suite and instruments following hospital sterilization protocols
Keep accurate anesthesia/surgical medical records;
Accurately calculate and record all medications and injections administered
Ensure all surgery patients go home well-groomed and in an appropriate medical state Technical
Clean, scale, and polish teeth using dental equipment and hand instruments
Perform fluoride treatments
Record dental problems in record and report to veterinarian
Assist veterinarians with performing oral extractions or other dental procedures
Take before & after photos to be sent to client
Text client via ipad app when patient has woken up from surgery to advise the veterinarian will contact them soon but all went well
Take dental radiographs for each tooth on each patient Technical
Update medical records as needed
Communicate with doctors and technicians through notations in medical records
Record necessary (highlighted) information for hospitalized patients
Create estimates/treatment plans and communicate them effectively and thoroughly, with confidence, to clients Housekeeping Duties: 10%
Maintain cleanliness of exam rooms, surgery suite, treatment area; all surfaces • Maintain equipment cleanliness and longevity by vacuuming pet hair from wheels and equipment
Keep food and drinks out of treatment area and surgery suite; any place not permitted by OSHA
Discard syringes, vials, containers in appropriate containers Administrative Duties: 20% Inventory
Log controlled drugs
Assist with inventory physical count
Know how to use inventory module in Cornerstone
Unpack deliveries, reconcile against packing slip, restock supplies Safety
Follow OSHA requirements
Follow practice's health and safety protocols
Maintain SDS manual and follow proper protocols
Be knowledgeable regarding related federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA; ensure everyone is in compliance; inform Lead Veterinary Technician or Practice Manager of any regulatory issues Administrative
Be proficient in using Cornerstone
Assist CSRs when they need help
Attend staff and department meetings Professional Growth Duties: 3%
Attend continuing education for technicians, minimum of 10 hours annually
Network with technicians from other practices
Read veterinary and technician journals
Belong to professional associations or forums CONTROLS OVER WORK The Veterinary Technician works under the direct supervision of the Lead Veterinary Technician 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. Reports to: Lead Veterinary Technician
REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE Education • High school diploma or equivalent • Prefer Associate's degree in applied science, veterinary technology, but will consider at least 3 years of experience in lieu of degree. Skills • Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments. • Critical thinking
National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.
NVA, a community of approximately 1,400 premier locations consisting primarily of general practice veterinary hospitals in addition to equine hospitals and pet resorts, and Ethos Veterinary Health, which consists of 145 world-class specialty and emergency hospitals, are rooted in a culture of compassion and innovation.
NVA and Ethos Veterinary Health's innovative, collaborative approach underpins a shared commitment to delivering exceptional veterinary care. For more information, visit www.nva.com.
NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.
National Veterinary Associates