RVT

To perform client service procedures and provide the best patient care and client education while upholding Brown Veterinary Hospital standards. They are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their work spaces as well as keeping needed supplies stocked. Registered and Unlicensed Technicians should have proven customer service experience, strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to maintain a calm, courteous and professional demeanor under stressful circumstances. Additionally; they must execute tasks with great attention to detail and thoroughness. Since their responsibilities include exam room appointments, all technicians become familiar with the workflow and expectations for exam rooms. Should be willing to undertake other duties as assigned by the leads and practice manager.

General Information

Be familiar with the employee handbook, our Mission Statement and Core Values.
Know the range of services the practice provides and the species treated.
Always be in position and prepared to start your shift at the scheduled time.
Maintain accurate clock-in and clock-out times with ADP; submit correction forms quickly if needed.
Follow OSHA safety standards. Be able to find Safety Data Sheets quickly.
Maintain a professional appearance while at work, including clean and pressed uniforms or clothes. Change clothes daily as necessary to look professional and avoid carrying odors.
Show respect for clients, team members and patients (alive or deceased) at all times.
Maintain constant confidentiality regarding clients and patients for whom the practice provides veterinary services.
Participate in your performance appraisal and when needed in those of others when asked by the lead or practice manager
Be willing and available to stay late or through breaks, when needed, to assist with emergency or critical care patients
 

Education and Knowledge

Registered Technicians must maintain and have a current, valid license in the State of Indiana
Continuing education must meet or exceed state mandate
Ability to use standard office programs and equipment as well as specific veterinary software.
Complete inhouse training within 90 days.
Complete additional training as assigned in a timely manner.
Use standard medical and hospital abbreviations.
Use proper medical terminology when speaking and writing.
Be willing and able to teach other staff members technician duties.
Attend and participate in all staff meetings and annual trainings; be willing to present training to staff at meetings
Be reasonably familiar with breeds and coat colors for dogs and cats.
Be familiar with infectious and zoonotic diseases, including their prevention and steps to reduce or eliminate transmission.
Learn and know the policies regarding provisions of veterinary care, treatment of stray animals, deposits for the hospitalized patients, payments, credit, pet health insurance and finance fees.
If unsure of a hospital procedure know where to locate information within the Standard Operating Procedure Manual
 

Standard Duties
Hospitalized Patient Care Technician

Responsible for patients currently admitted to the hospital, pets being hospitalized for their exams, the second line for emergency patients, returning calls to clients with medical concerns, online pharmacy requests and end of day closing procedures
Hospitalization Exam Patients
Obtain and record vital signs
Start medical note based on the provided patient history and cursory exam
Work In tandem with attending veterinarian to perform diagnostics, complete notes and fill medication(s), if possible; administer first dose of oral medication(s)
If need administer subcutaneous fluids with minimal stress to the patient
Call owner with update unless the attending veterinarian needs to speak with the owner
Update white board when patient is ready to go home or follow admittance protocol if pet must stay for hospital care
Hospitalized Patients
Obtain and record daily vital signs; bring any changes quickly to the attention of the attending veterinarian
Start and maintain IV catheter, fluids and IV pump using aseptic technique
If pet has a closed urinary catheter system, properly maintain system and record output
Update owner twice daily unless the attending veterinarian needs to speak with the owner
Enter treatments into the white board then perform medical treatments and administer medications
Complete the daily hospitalization medical note and finalize at the end of the day
Prepare discharge medications and instructions
Update white board when patient is ready to go home
Follow protocol when a patient must be in the isolation ward to reduce contamination to the rest of the hospital
Emergency Patients
Obtain a thorough medical history if patient is stable, if patient is not stable assign a fellow technician to obtain this information to allow emergency care and stabilization to occur quickly
Obtain and record vital signs
Start medical note based on the obtained patient history and cursory exam
Work in tandem with attending veterinarian to perform diagnostics, complete note and fill medication(s)
Follow admittance protocol if pet must stay for hospital care
If pet is being referred to a university or 24hour care facility complete the referral paperwork
Follow protocol when a patient must be in the isolation ward to reduce contamination to the rest of the hospital
Surgical Patients
Verify reason for surgical procedure and review records; for growth removals complete growth chart with the owner while in an exam room
Obtain and record vital signs
Perform any preanesthetic lab work or other diagnostics
Calculate and prepare preanesthetic medications based on each individual patient and their risk
Calculate and administer discharge medications based on each individual patent and anticipated pain
Induce anesthesia, intubate and monitor patient throughout surgery and recovery; understanding the planes of anesthesia and how these are assessed with the individual patient
Prepare patient for surgery using aseptic techniques
Assist attending veterinarian during surgery with requested supplies while maintaining the sterile field
Assist attending veterinarian with surgical procedure when needed by the donning of sterile gown and gloves and maintain the sterile field
Prepare consent forms and estimates for scheduled surgical procedures
Perform complete dental prophylaxis and radiographs
Assist with oral surgery
Ensure medical billing, notes and discharge information is complete
Update white board when patient is ready to go home
Ensure all surgical equipment is being well maintained and troubleshoot any problems Laboratory and Diagnostics
Comfortably, with minimal stress to the patient obtain and/or perform the following:
Blood samples in a way which minimizes hemolysis for ideal sampling for both inhouse and Samples submitted to Idexx; ensure any paperwork for reference lab is complete
Perform inhouse blood work panels as directed by attending veterinarian
Blood samples used to evaluate clotting time
Blood typing for whole blood transfusion
Urine samples for urinalysis – Free catch, catheterization (male dogs) and cystocentesis
Fecal samples submitted to Idexx – manual or with fecal loop
Radiographs with an emphasis on correct technique and positioning to reduce exposure to both staff and patients
Ultrasound for simple diagnostics with the attending veterinarian
Cytology samples from ears, skin and growths
Culture samples for bacteria and fungus
Skin scraping
Corneal staining and assist with Tonopen ocular pressures
Perform ECG’s and obtain blood pressure
Perform monthly cleaning and quality control on inhouse diagnostic equipment; recording each event in the BVHE account
Trouble shoot any issues which may arise with inhouse diagnostic equipment; recording each event and outcome in the BVHE account
 

Working Environment

Exposure to various cleaning chemicals, radiation, animals, noises and various physical activities. We are an OSHA compliant practice
Employee morale is very important at Brown Veterinary Hospital. We require our employees to focus their energies on work instead of participating in fruitless gossip.
Follow the dress code as outlined in the employee handbook. We have an image we wish to project to the community; therefore, we have a policy in place which everyone is expected to follow. Personal hygiene is also an important aspect of the dress code. You must maintain your personal appearance to continue employment at our hospital.

Maintain an even, friendly demeanor while on the job. Perform job tasks efficiently without rushing.