Introduction

Veterinary Technicians are under the direct guidance and supervision of the doctors.  Incumbents of this position are required to assist the practitioners to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients of Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates, and to aid the practitioners in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail.  In addition to the doctors, veterinary technicians report directly to the Practice Manager or Technician Team Leader.  

Major Duties

  • Prepare for office hours by stocking drawers in exam rooms and treatment area, pulling recommended/due vaccines, setting up syringes and assuring that drugs and equipment are ready for use.  Provide restraint of pets for examination and treatment by the veterinarian.  Prepare medications (both injections and dispensed medications) for outpatient, hospitalization, and surgical cases.  
  • Ensure a smooth and timely flow of outpatient appointments from check-in to discharge. 
  • Help doctors administer anesthetics; prepare patients for surgery, monitor patients during surgery and recovery, assist in surgery, administer fluids; perform support therapy to patients in surgery and post-op; remove and ready next patient.
  • Properly clean, pack and autoclave all surgical materials after they are used. Keep the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery.
  • Help the doctors treat patients; assist in medical or surgical procedures such as irrigating wounds, medication, cleansing wounds, and bandaging. Perform the full range of “tableside” assistance to the practitioners. 
  • Perform clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm examinations, skin scrapings, urinalysis, fungal cultures, and draw blood for laboratory analysis.  Prepare samples for transport to reference laboratory and prepare laboratory requisition forms.  Perform other in-house tests such as parvovirus test and immunoglobulin transfer tests and feline hw/leuk/FIV tests.  Maintain file of lab test results that are performed in-house and ensure patient records have test results recorded in them.
  • Take and process all radiographs. Import radiographs into patient’s electronic medical record when provided from outside clinics/hospitals.
  • Monitor hospitalized patient sheets to stay aware of requested treatments by doctors.  
  • Perform in clinic procedures such as dewormings, record patient weights and temperatures, record observations on patient status such as nature and amount of vomitus, bowel movements, and urinations. These procedures may include, but will not be limited to performing ear flushes and plucks, enemas, and dental prophies for dogs and cats. Monitor vital signs on all patients. Aid in the restraint and treatment of all patients as needed.
  • Assist kennel personnel in keeping patients clean and dry at all times.  Esuring that all patients are clean, comfortable and well kept in the responsibility of the entire healthcare team, especially the technical departments.  
  • Admit and discharge patients (5-minute timelines) on the doctor's orders, being especially careful to ensure that the patients being discharged are well-groomed and in a medically appropriate state.  Compile discharge instructions and medications to go home in advance of discharge appointments.  Answer client questions one-on-one on various aspects of animal care up to, but not including, controversial items, and/or those best left to the veterinarians.  Pass on information/advice from the practitioners; explain dosage/purpose of medications; reinforce through discussion the proper care and procedures that should be followed at home.  Inform client when they should return for the patient’s medical progress examination, when applicable.
  • Conduct medical call backs the follow morning with clients concerning certain patients. If patient’s progress does not appear satisfactory, discuss with attending veterinarian to determine whether an additional visit should be recommended.  
  • Maintain an appropriate inventory of all clinic supplies. Inform the appropriate member of management (e.g. Lead Technician or Practice Manager) as needed about items that need to be ordered.  Unpack boxes of medical supplies, check expiration dates, rotate stock and store. Maintain proper log of any controlled substances used.  Make sure all products and literature are identified with labels. Keep abreast of over-the-counter products and their usage such as flea/tick control, skin products, vitamins, pheromone products, and pet foods.  Understand the hospital's recommendations and protocols regarding heartworm medications and flea and tick products.  
  • Assist the entire support team/receptionist when necessary and assume their duties during one’s absence if and when needed.
  • Properly maintain paper and electronic medical files.

Controls over Work

The practitioners provide continuing or individual assignments indicating generally what is to be done, limitations, quality and quantity expected, deadlines and priority of assignments. The practitioners provide additional, specific instructions for new, difficult or unusual assignments in animal health care, including suggested work methods or advice on source materials available. The Veterinary Technician uses initiative in carrying out recurring assignments independently without specific instructions, but refers deviations, problems, and unfamiliar situations not covered by instructions to the practitioner for decision or help. The practitioners ensure that the finished work and methods used are technically accurate and in compliance with instructions or established procedures. Review of the work increases with more difficult assignments, if the veterinary technician has not previously performed similar assignments. Administrative supervision may be provided by the Technician Team Leader and/or the Practice Manager.  

Physical Effort

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, stand, stoop, walk, sit, talk, and listen; may be required to walk or stand for long periods of time; will use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel; will reach with hands and arms. The employee is often required to lift and carry animals or materials weighing fifty pounds or more; handle dogs weighing up to 150 lbs. 

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. 

Skills and Knowledge

  • Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
  • Knowledge of proper medical record keeping.
  • 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.
  • Respectful and friendly to all clients, patients, and co-workers. 
  • Reliable, Timely, and Trustworthy