Description
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for daily care of all surgical patients, assisting doctors and veterinary assistants with pre-, peri- and post-operative care of patients, general cleaning, and training others to utilize our patient care protocols
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Works closely with Clinic Veterinarians, Clinic Veterinary Assistants, and other clinic staff
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Handle and track controlled substances for large volumes of surgical patients
2. Efficiently pre-medicate, induce, and intubate all patients as necessary
3. Able to monitor anesthesia, with a clear idea of abnormal conditions
4. Ensure prompt and accurate paperwork procedures are followed each day
5. Communicate effectively and professionally with the public, trainees, and all HSNC staff members
6. Represent the ASPCA and HELP Spay Neuter Clinic professionally and courteously at all times
7. Follow all written and verbally communicated departmental standard operating procedures
8. Communicate with clients and assist with rechecks as needed
9. Knowledge and ability to intake and release patients, including delivering post-operative instructions in a competent and friendly manner
10. Train veterinary assistants, new staff members, and trainees to utilize our patient care protocols
11. Able to respond appropriately during an emergency, able to take directions from a veterinarian and direct others during the event, and maintain competency during CPR procedures
12. Able to glove in sterilely and assist a doctor with surgery when appropriate
13. Handle medical calls
14. Effectively “team lead,” displaying a positive attitude and acting as a motivating force for all staff members
15. Able to efficiently run a clinic team and maintain surgical flow
16. Able to perform all job functions of a Veterinary Assistant
17. All other duties, as assigned by the veterinarian or Cindy Leopard.
Requirements
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
1. RVT or enrolled in an approved veterinary medical technology program
2. Must speak fluent English
3. Client Education
Must be able to learn basic veterinary medical concepts, including but not limited to vaccine protocols and anesthetic risks
Must also be able to communicate basic veterinary concepts to owners and be able to repeat information relayed by a veterinarian
Will be asked to take medical histories for surgical rechecks
Will be asked to communicate with the public daily in a professional manner
4. Animal Handling
Will be asked to handle (on average) 40-60 dogs and cats per day
Must be able to learn characteristics of animal behavior (for example: be able to identify aggressive or fearful behavior)
Must be able to use appropriate safety equipment for fractious or feral animals (will train) – the use of safety equipment is mandatory
Must possess excellent reflexes
Should be able to identify own limitations and be willing to ask for help
Must become proficient at animal restraint for various procedures
5. Physical Requirements
Must be able to work standing or sitting for 8 or more hours
Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds repeatedly throughout the day independently, and up to 150 pounds with help
Must be able to bend and kneel repeatedly
Must be able to see fine detail in a variety of situations
Must have good hearing, including the ability to distinguish changes in pitch
Must have a reasonable degree of agility to move through tightly cramped areas in various situations
Must have acceptable sense of touch and smell
Must have a good range of motion in joints, especially wrist, knees, elbows
Must have a good range of motion in your back for twisting etc.
Must be able to work in potentially extreme environmental temperatures
Must have an acceptable sense of balance
Must be able to work and reach on hands and knees
Must be able to use a ladder and/or step stool
Must possess excellent hand-eye coordination
May be asked to move large oxygen tanks
Must possess an acceptable degree of dexterity in hands and fingers
Must have good vision, including peripheral vision, fine detail, distance, depth perception, and the ability to focus
4. Emotional/Mental Requirements
Must be able to work under stressful conditions and work efficiently and effectively under those conditions
Must be able to respond quickly to a variety of medical situations (with training)
Must be able to cope with death due to surgical complications or euthanasia
Ability to rapidly and accurately process information
Ability to delegate tasks
Ability to recognize a need for assistance and ask for help
Ability to work independently and as part of the team
Ability to make decisions
Ability to cope with frustrating situations and remain calm
5. Potential and Prolonged Exposures
Prolonged exposure to various aqueous solutions, including but not limited to, dish soap, chlorhexidine, and spectra soap
Prolonged exposure to isopropanol, hydrogen peroxide
Potential exposure to formalin solution
Potential/prolonged exposure to isoflurane gas
Prolonged exposure to quaternary ammonium cleaners and bleach
Prolonged exposure to pressurized steam
Potential exposure to sharps, including needles and surgical blades
PREFERRED
Current registered veterinary technician with a license to practice in Georgia. Two or more years of experience in a veterinary clinic, veterinary hospital, and/or animal shelter or control facility. The candidate should be a highly motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a professional attitude.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The offices and operations of a high-volume spay/neuter clinic can be high-stress and very busy at times. This position is scheduled for 4 days/week, usually Monday through Thursday, plus every vaccine clinic. However, the schedule can change and may sometimes require weekend or evening hours to complete the job. Can include working some holidays or overtime, depending on clinic needs. Candidate must be flexible with schedule changes and short-notice overtime requests.
