Job Description
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 and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian.
- 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.
- 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.
- Maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies.
- Clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials.
- 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.
CONTROLS OVER WORK
The Veterinary Technician works under the direct supervision of the Office Manager 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 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.
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.
- 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 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.