INTRODUCTION
The Senior Veterinary Technician assists the doctors to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients, and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work. The Senior Veterinary Technician job duties encompasses all the duties of the veterinary technician along with added responsibilities and flow of operations.
The Senior 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 control. 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 Senior Veterinary Technician is under the direct guidance and supervision of the veterinarians.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with training and supervising of the Junior Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants to ensure that the standard of patient care and client service is consistently practiced by members of the technician department.
- Actively direct/assist the junior veterinary technicians in their performance of a variety of technical and client education duties that facilitate the work of the practitioners, kennel assistants and the veterinary practice manager who directly or indirectly provide patient care.
- Make recommendations to the veterinarians and veterinary practice manager concerning personnel matters. Direct on-the-job training for new and existing team members. Resolve informal employee complaints by providing a general explanation of the nature and basis for hospital personnel policies and procedures. Maintain effective employee-management communication.
- Obtain and record patient histories
- Obtain and record patient vital signs
- 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
- Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians
- Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed by the veterinarian
- 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
- 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
- Take and process radiographs
- Communicate with and educate owners
- Maintain knowledge of preventative healthcare recommendations 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, biannual physical exams, and baseline screenings
- Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product to purchase/use
- Maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment, and supplies
- Record and maintain controlled substance log
- Receive and document the receipt of controlled substances
- Clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials
- Knowledge regarding related 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 veterinary hospital administrator of any regulatory issues
- Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy
- Technicians will rotate on a daily basis between appointments, surgery, float, and non-veterinary services.
- Perform other duties as assigned
CONTROLS OVER WORK
The Senior Veterinary Technician works under the direct supervision of the staff veterinarians who will indicate general assignments, limitations, and priorities. Recurring assignments are performed independently. Deviations or unfamiliar situations are referred to the supervisor or practice manager. Completed work is reviewed for technical accuracy and compliance with established procedures.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS
Skills and Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the procedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
- 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.
- 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 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 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.
- 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 contagious diseases.
Follow federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.
Essential Functions:
- Train, supervise, assist veterinary assistants in their performance of a variety of technical and client education duties
- Receive, handle and treat patients with skill, compassion and care including: monitoring during anesthesia, administering fluids, assisting in diagnosing, starting IV catheters, surgery and general and specialized nursing care
- Accurately perform laboratory tests
- Maintain laboratory and surgical equipment
- Accurately dispense and administer medications and vaccines
- Input data into computer software system
- Ability to observe animal appearance and activity for general physical condition, obvious signs of illness, disease and discontent
- Regular attendance and timeliness are an essential function to fulfill the requirements of this position
- Strong communication and client service skills. Considerable tact and diplomacy is required. Ability to work with clients and patients in a professional, friendly, hospitable manner
- Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy
- Perform general physical activities that require bending, standing, stooping, moving from room to room, 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
- Frequently lift, carry, and handle dogs weighing 50 lbs
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Experience:
- Veterinary experience: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person