Veterinary Technician - Level 3

• Abide by WCAH's core values and mission statement
• Provide compassionate care to patients and clients
• Dependable and arrives at the shift in a timely manner, and is committed to upholding the core values and mission of the hospital
• Leads by example and is respectfully able to delegate tasks
• Is routinely involved in anesthesia monitoring and surgery setup
• Conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks
• Accurately maintain electronic medical records in accordance with hospital policy
• Prepare and maintain the exam rooms and treatment areas
• Perform physical assessments; record observations legibly in files or computers
• Can proficiently restrain pets even when large, difficult or fractious
• Understands all common vaccinations and vaccination protocols and can explain them to clients.
• Knows all common preventative medicines and can explain their use to clients
• Has advanced knowledge of common medical conditions and their treatments
• Understands usage, knows the dosage, and common side-effects for commonly used prescription drugs, and can readily explain them to the clients
• Perform advanced medical math/dose calculations
• Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, and does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty
• Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees and provides mentorship/training and oversight to assistants, technicians and veterinarians
• Gives SQ, IM, and IV injections (with or without IV port)
• Proficiently perform venous puncture and catheterization in the most difficult patients
• Perform ultrasound-guided cystocentesis and urinary catheterization for urine collection
• Can handle client’s medical questions with confidence and direct them to veterinarians when appropriate
• Can prepare complex estimates for procedures and discuss financial commitments with clients supporting hospital financial policies
• Can explain necessary follow-up and homecare instructions
• Maintain an appropriate inventory of all medical supplies and pharmaceuticals as determined by the inventory control system
• Assist the veterinarian in medical, surgical, and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery; administer anesthesia; monitor patients during surgery and recovery; administer fluids
• Assist in complicated surgeries, knows proper gowning, gloving, and sterile technique
• Able to recognize abnormal Pulse Ox, respiratory rate, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature
• Proper bandage application
• Properly care for all surgical materials; keep the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery
• Can recognize and respond to emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, opening airways, and external cardiac massage (CPR)
• Perform ophthalmologic tests including tonometry, tear test, and fluorescein stain
• Is responsible for maintenance of laboratory equipment and troubleshooting
• Can proficiently position for and perform image capture of radiographs for advanced/orthopedic studies and can administer and oversee sedation for this
• Can perform electrocardiograms (ECG)
• Can place IV catheters and properly care for them
• Understands the use and care of IV pumps including troubleshooting them
• Oversight of critical hospitalized patients ensuring medications and treatments are performed on schedule and alerting the veterinarian to changes in patient status
• Knows common disease states and can alert veterinarians when symptoms change or when concerns arise with hospitalized patients
• Prepare a patient and the machine for an ultrasound procedure
• Admit patients following hospital policy and doctors' written orders
• Can discharge patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are well-groomed and in a medically appropriate state

Reports to: Practice Owner, Attending Veterinarian, or Technician Manager

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Vocational school training is desirable but not required
• Previous On-The-Job training/experience required

• Minimum four years experience as a veterinary technician or assistant

• Minimum of 18 years old
• Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to work with them even when they are stressed, ill, or in pain
• Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis
• Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature
• Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of hospital team members including mentorship and training of other staff
• Has excellent client communication skills
• Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs).  Walks or stands for extended periods of time; frequently works in a bent position
• Working conditions:  May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises, and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.

$19.50/hour -  $22.00/hour

• Benefits are outlined in the employee manual and are separate from the hourly wage