Family Pet Health Center Job Description LICENSED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this position is to serve Family Pet Health Center by assisting the doctors to the fullest possible extent, to improve the quality of care given to the patients, to serve the client in assisting in meeting the need of both client and patient, and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work. The Veterinary Technician job duties include assisting in various procedures; providing care for animals including physical examinations, prescribed treatments, sedation and anesthesia, dental procedures, surgical assistance, immunizations, euthanasia; as well as client education; marketing; and inventory maintenance. The position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases; their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention; knowledge of surgical and anesthesia practices; and knowledge of other basic preventative health care recommendations. This is an overview of the position and the associated job responsibilities; but does not encompass the entire position. The Veterinary Technician is under the direct guidance and supervision of the office manager and veterinarians.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide friendly, quality care to the patients and clients of Family Pet Health Center Computer skills: able to use Windows based computer systems, word processing, email,

web search and other necessary skills needed to effectively use the practice management software program.

Daily communications with technicians, receptionists and doctors to review the day and determine what everyone needs to have a successful day.

Follow established procedures in order to assist veterinarians with examinations and facilitate the flow of clients through the out-patient appointment periods.

Review medical records and notes made by the admitting receptionist in order to discern the nature of the visit and any tests or procedures that may be needed.

Greet clients and escort them and their pets into an exam room. Demonstrate warmth, courtesy and professionalism in all interactions with clients.

Exercise compassion and care in all interactions with patients. Obtain and record patient histories. Discuss the reason for the visit. Document chief

reason for visit on patient record. Document any symptoms or problems being

experienced. Review previous history and touch base regarding pertinent previous conditions. Anticipate and record any anticipated procedures that may need to be done (vaccination or tests that are due). Underline vaccines and tests that are due to be performed in the reminder section of the patient’s record. Initial histories taken and diagnostics performed.

Obtain client signatures on estimates, anesthetic/surgical consent forms, euthanasia consent forms, OFA request forms and health certificates.

Fill out requests for outside laboratory tests, health certificates, and patient record books.

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 dental cleaning, senior wellness, neutering and boarding.

Educate clients regarding preventative medicine and vaccination requirements. Recommend laboratory procedures, such as pre-anesthetic profiles, geriatric screening, fecal exams, urinalysis, heartworm checks, FeLV testing, etc. Give clients handouts and educational materials to take home to further their understanding of veterinary issues.

Place patient on the exam table and assist as veterinarian prefers. Take temperature, pulse, and respiration of all ill patients. Document in record. Prepare room for doctor. Gather necessary equipment (otoscope, ophthalmoscope, nail

trimmers, etc.) and vaccines and place in exam room or on half door. Obtain any laboratory samples that may be needed. Start known laboratory testing

(fecal, heartworm test) while waiting for veterinarian. Under veterinarian direction; 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. Sample collection includes: blood, urine, feces, milk, and skin scrapings.

Document laboratory tests and results on the computer in the patient medical record. Initial record.

Perform routine procedures such as suture removals, anal gland expressions, and nail trims. Document procedures on the computer in the patient medical record. Initial record.

Notify veterinarian when patients are ready to be seen. Advise the veterinarian of the information already known such as the nature of the visit,

preventative procedures due, tests to be run. Keep doctors appraised of potential problems, concerns, discussions with clients

Restrain animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during examinations and procedures. Know how to properly handle difficult or contentious animals. Be available to restrain potentially fractious animals or multiple patients.

Stay in touch with the client/patient encounter through completion of encounter; even when not in room though entire encounter.

Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of high-tech diagnostic equipment including radiographic, ultrasonic, and laser equipment.

Take and process radiographs. Record radiographic technique in log book. Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as prescribed by

veterinarians. Perform oral, topical and parenteral medicating (including IM, IV, SQ, ID, and IP).

Assist veterinarian through euthanasia procedures. Provide proper restraint of patient and offer compassion to the client. Assist in removal of body. Make paw-print remembrances as requested. Coordinate crematory services.

Ensure all procedures rendered during the visit are documented in the medical record; either on paper check-in sheets in red pen or on computer in patient history.

Invoice all services, pharmaceuticals and products provided to client on the computer. Highlight such in yellow on the paper check-in sheets as each is entered into computer. Close invoice when complete and initial invoice.

Assist veterinarian by double checking fees that may have variable charges. Alert doctor to missing or extra charges.

Create accurate personalized estimates for patient procedures, surgeries and dental procedures in the computerized patient file. Go over estimate with client and obtained signed copy for client record.

Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use.

Explain and demonstrate how to administer prescribed medication. Explain potential adverse reactions.

Make sure all client questions have been answered. Complete patient encounter and refer to receptionist for payment.

Assist with morning kennel procedures by rotating, feeding and cleaning animals and cages.

Observe animal appearance of hospitalized patients for general physical condition, feeding/elimination activity from overnight, obvious signs off illness, disease and discontent.

Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill patients. Assist veterinary assistants in walking and routine care of hospitalized dogs. Perform or assist with grooming duties as needed.

Review surgery schedule and set up for surgeries. Prepare surgery room, patients, instruments and equipment for surgery.

Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition. Perform all required maintenance on these machines.

Maintain inventory on all suture and surgical supplies. Place needed items on order list. Prepare anesthetic according to patient’s weight and needs under the direction of the

veterinarian. Prepare anesthetic machine and gather endotracheal tubes according to patient size. Prepare patients, instruments and equipment for surgery. Make sure individual

instruments required have been properly sterilized/disinfected via autoclave or cold sterilization.

Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian. Place and maintain indwelling catheters.

Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian. Handle anesthesia so to minimize leakage of gases/anesthetic agent into environment.

Prepare surgical sites by clipping and cleaning with an aseptic scrub alternating between chlorhexidine scrub and isopropyl alcohol. Apply final prep of betadine solution.

Assist doctor with surgery. Aseptically open gloves, pack, drapes and other supplies. Monitor anesthesia. Document additional or non-typical supplies used. Provide gloved assistance when requested.

Perform routine dental prophylaxis. Perform post-surgical clean-up of patient. Trim nails. Administer and document post-

op meds prescribed by veterinarian. Check file to see if anything else is needed while pet is in hospital.

Monitor patient throughout recovery. Perform post-surgical clean-up of surgery, invoice patient account for surgery, and

document anesthesia in controlled drug and surgery logs. Prepare discharge instruction sheet for client.

Prepare for next surgery until all are completed. Bandage wounds under the direction of the veterinarian. Assist in cleaning, maintenance and sterilization of instruments, equipment and

materials as needed. Discharge surgical and dental patients. Go over post-operative care. Explain and

demonstrate how to administer medication. Explain potential adverse reactions. Explain fees if necessary. Return patient to client.

Communicate with clients under direction of the veterinarian regarding the medical status of hospitalized patients. Provide accurate information to clients concerning fees, hospital policies and procedures.

Perform callbacks on surgery/dental patients and other patients requiring follow-up consultation. Notify veterinarian of patient status changes.

Package samples for outside laboratory analysis. Fill out request form, acquire veterinarian signatures/information, package, mail to appropriate lab, document shipment in lab log book.

Help maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies. Accurately dispense prescription medications as directed by the veterinarian. Prepare

prescription labels and appropriately package medications. Initial prescription label after count and have a second person double-check count and type of medication and initial label. Document prescription in patient’s medical record.

Follow DEA guidelines in documentation of controlled drug inventory. Help follow and direct regulatory compliance with 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 veterinarian/ce owner of any regulatory issues.

Serve primary role in monitoring internal and external environment for cleanliness, eye-appeal and safety. Assist other team members in cleaning and maintenance projects in the clinic, yard, and parking lot; as the need arises.

Assist other team members in keeping the public areas of the practice cleaned and well maintained. Clean and straighten exam rooms, treatment and lab areas. Restock exam rooms, laboratory and treatment area with supplies as needed. Assist in taking out the trash, laundry, cleaning floors, bathrooms, break room and kennels if needed.

Clean and maintain all medical equipment as required. Work well with all the team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital,

the doctors, and the practice philosophy. Supervise and mentor veterinary assistants and kennel assistants. Perform other duties as assigned. Cover other positions as necessary.

CONTROLS OVER WORK

The Veterinary Technician works under the direct supervision of the office manager and attending veterinarian; who will indicate general assignments, limitations and priorities. Recurring assignments are performed independently. Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor. Completed work may be 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 proper methods of restraint. Knowledge and skills in handling individual animal temperaments. Knowledge of the use, care and storage of veterinary instruments, materials and

equipment. Knowledge of routine anesthetic and surgical procedures and principles. Knowledge of the sterilization techniques to sterilize 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 need assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.

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.

Critical thinking – Understanding logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met byan 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.

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 zoonotic or contagious diseases.

Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED required. Graduate of a AVMA accredited Veterinary Technician program. A valid and current license issued by the State of Michigan. An equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid driver’s license is required.

Employee Signature Date