Registered Veterinary Technician - 4 Paws 24Hr Hospital

Overview:

The role of the Registered Veterinary Technician at 4 Paws 24h Veterinary Hospital is one that demands great versatility. Your primary objectives are excellent client and patient care at all times. Your time will be divided equally between hospital upkeep, caring for pets, assisting the Veterinarians, other Technicians, and the Client Care Team, with administrative duties and educating clients on best practices for animal health. It is our commitment and pleasure to work with our clients to ensure we provide the best advice and care at all time.

Reporting Structure:

On any given shift you may be required to report to the Technical Team Lead, Client Care Team Lead, attending Veterinarian, or Site Coordinator.

Animal Care:

• Obtains a complete patient history, performs patient TPR's, triages patients upon arrival in emergency situations and alerts tech or vet to status;
• Prepares patient cage cards, the white board, and indicates all special requests, needs, and/or supplies brought by owner in appropriate locations;
• Prepares, assists with or administers oral and topical medications and non-narcotic prescriptions;
• Provides patient restraint for a variety of procedures (treatments, surgery, diagnostics);
• Prepares lab requisitions and samples for in house and external testing/shipping;
• Runs basic blood work on in house machines such as Procyte, Catalyst, etc., and maintains QC for lab equipment including blood analyzers and microscope;
• Performs snap tests and set-up of fecal floats;
• Administers basic grooming such as nail trims and ear cleanings;
• Sets up and properly cares for patient monitoring and treatment devices such as pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitor, IV pumps etc.;
• Sets up, assists with x-rays and patient preparation for surgery;
• Charts findings during dental prophylaxis;
• Understands usage of and safe dose ranges for routinely prescribed anesthetics and medications and common side effects;
• Monitors patient recovery from anesthesia, maintains all relevant patient logs and enters treatments and comments in patient record;
• Upholds all patient care and safety policies in effect;
• Assists the Technicians and Veterinarians as requested;
• Closely monitors all hospitalized pets and immediately alerts Lead Technicians or Veterinarians to any change in status;
• Clean pets and their bedding as needed (vomitus, diarrhea, etc.);
• Considers patient and co-worker safety at all times;
• Assists other hospital staff as requested;
• Is always an advocate for the pet.

Client Care:

• Has a sound knowledge base of all commonly performed tests and procedures, prescription diets, and OTC products;
• Greets clients and their pets by name and discusses any basic preventive medicine topics with clients such as parasite prevention, dental health home care, nutrition, and grooming;
• Discharges hospitalized patients who have undergone routine procedures and surgeries;
• Discusses Veterinarian's instructions re: homecare, medication, etc.;
• Ensures clients have all necessary literature, direction to outside resources, and that all questions have been answered to their satisfaction;
• Assists with traffic flow in the reception area and is always respectful of client and patient needs.

Hospital Cleaning:

• Understands the principles of cleaning and disinfection and knows the appropriate products and contact time required;
• Clean pets and their bedding as needed;
• Vacuum, dust, mop, etc. to ensure all areas of the hospital are kept clean, free of clutter, hazards, and odours with particular attention paid to the consultation rooms, treatment area, surgical and radiology suites, and isolation room;
• Maintains cleaning supplies and other supplies needed in aforementioned areas;
• Cleans, sterilizes, and prepares surgical packs, gowns, etc.;
• Follows all daily and weekly checklists and safety protocols for cleaning and care of the hospital and its equipment;
• Ensures all patient environments are kept clean as needed (litter boxes emptied, water and food dishes cleaned);
• Ensures proper disposal of biohazardous materials.

General Duties:

• Effectively communicates with all team members;
• Has a good grasp on how to access/utilize commonly used tools for communication such as the computer, email, fax, etc.;
• Is involved in receiving and stocking food and supply orders;
• Follows all protocols put in place for a safe, environmentally friendly workplace;
• Understands the principles of proper medical record-keeping and upholds the necessary standard;
• Deals tactfully and respectfully with all difficult situations that arise;
• Maintains patient/client confidentiality at all times;
• Attends all team building and training sessions;
• Contributes positively to the hospital environment;
• Shows respect, empathy, and kindness to all clients, patients, and co-workers;

Requirements:

• 1+ years of experience as a veterinary technician or equivalent role is required.
• Completion of a two- or three-year animal health/veterinary technology college program is required.
• Successful registration with The Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association (NSVMA)
• Successful completion of the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE) is required.
• Excellent communication skills are a must, including knowledge of basic veterinary terminology for accurate medical record maintenance and effective co-worker-based communication. 
• Knowledge of/ability to learn commonly used computer programs and veterinary software is needed.
• Ability to perform basic math calculations.
• Sound knowledge base of all commonly performed tests and procedures, prescription diets, and OTC products.
• Enthusiasm, self-motivation, and empathy are necessary to excel at this job.
• People-oriented, able to prioritize and work calmly under pressure. 
• A good understanding of animal behavior and proper restraint technique is paramount.
• Adaptability and flexibility are key traits to possess in this role.
• Must be able to work with unpleasant sights, noises, and odors.
• Comfortable with risk of exposure to contagious diseases and injuries due to animal handling.
• Must be able to lift to 50 lbs., bend frequently, and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work mornings, days, evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts as required.

Must have the ability to remain calm and focus in emergency situations.

Benefits:

• Eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or salary increases in accordance with company policy.
• Medical insurance;
• Dental insurance;
• Vision care;
• Group RRSP Program;
• $2/hour shift premium for weekend daytime (7am-midnight), Overnight shifts $4/hour (midnight-7am);
• Employee Assistance Program;
• Purchase discount program for pets;
• Continuing Education (CE) program;

Salary: $25.00 CAD / hour