Description

REGISTERED VETERINARY TECHNICIAN (RVT)

Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies

In the state of Colorado, the title of Veterinary Technician is title-protected by law. Only an individual holding a current, valid, and in good standing Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license issued by the Colorado State Board of Veterinary Medicine may be referred to as a Veterinary Technician. This job description applies exclusively to licensed RVTs.

The Registered Veterinary Technician works together with veterinarians and the entire VSR team to ensure quality patient care and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by performing advanced technical work. The RVT assists in numerous procedures including but not limited to physical examinations and vitals, surgery, medication administration, fluid therapy, chemotherapy administration, diagnostic imaging, transfusion medicine, patient nursing care, humane euthanasia, client education, client care, and financial discussions. RVTs may also conduct independent technician appointments for procedures such as suture removal, nail trims, uncomplicated bandage changes, vaccine administration when a doctor exam is not required, recheck/follow-up labwork, and patient admissions and discharges.

This position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases and their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other preventative health care recommendations — including in-depth knowledge of technical skillsets relevant to the assigned specialty department and general knowledge of all other VSR departments. This is an overview of the position; the job responsibilities listed may not encompass everything entailed in the day-to-day role.

The RVT works under the direct guidance and supervision of the Hospital Director for all non-clinical matters. For clinical questions or concerns, the RVT should seek out a Lead Technician, or the Technician Supervisor.  The attending doctor and ER Lead Veterinarian can also be contacted for any medical concerns.  The RVT reports directly to the Hospital Director for all HR matters. This is a 100% floor-time role in the assigned department. Cross-training in other departments is expected, and assignments may vary based on hospital need. Holiday coverage is expected of all team members.  Weekend coverage is expected of the ER team.

Technical and Administrative Duties

1.       Follow all hospital procedures, policies, and the VSR employee manual and culture book.

2.       Follow inventory and controlled drug procedures; comply with DEA and VSR protocols regarding controlled drug access and recording.

3.       Understand and properly use all hospital workflow items and technology.

4.       Follow OSHA, VSR safety policies, and standard safety protocols within the veterinary field; wear radiology badge when taking radiographs.

5.       Actively participate in your training program; bring training materials to work for sign-off and review.

6.       Obtain and record accurate patient histories, vital signs, and weights.

7.       Perform in-hospital lab testing and prepare specimens for reference labs; properly package, store, and charge for send-out testing.

8.       Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.

9.       Administer fluids and blood products as prescribed; use and maintain IV fluid pumps, syringe pumps, buretrols, and other fluid delivery methods.

10.   Complete accurate medical math in day-to-day shift work.

11.   Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian after training is completed.

12.   Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals.

13.   Prepare patients, instruments, and equipment for surgery; clean, maintain, and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials.

14.   Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes, and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.

15.   Participate in hospital-wide cleaning duties including daily, weekly, and monthly checklists as well as patient laundry.

16.   Assist with CPR and ensure the crash cart is fully stocked.

17.   Communicate with and educate owners in a compassionate, tactful, and professional manner; create and review estimates and care plans with clients.

18.   Take radiographs with proper labeling and technique; use proper OSHA and safety protocols.

19.   Maintain knowledge of common ER and specialty department illnesses as well as preventative care and husbandry to answer client questions.

20.   Assist with marketing by ensuring clients have an excellent experience with the VSR team.

21.   Educate clients and review medications at discharge; ensure all discharge medications are accurate and reconciled.

22.   Ensure that a discharged patient is clean, dry, with catheters and bandages removed (or owner notified to remove at home).

23.   Perform client callbacks and patient follow-up; maintain legally defensible medical records in cooperation with veterinarians.

24.   Assist in diagnostic, medical, and surgical procedures using advanced diagnostic equipment including electrocardiographic, radiographic, and ultrasonographic equipment.

25.   Ensure all patient diagnostics, procedures, medications, and treatments are reflected on the treatment sheet and charged accurately.

26.   Report and communicate diagnostic testing results to veterinarians on duty.

27.   Fill prescriptions per veterinarian instructions; double-check for accuracy and obtain a second signature on each prescription leaving the hospital.

28.   Ensure all consents and estimates are signed by the client and deposits collected as appropriate.

29.   Update medical records as needed; keep thorough notes in medical record software for each patient.

30.   Create and communicate estimates and treatment plans confidently and thoroughly to clients; collect additional deposits as required.

31.   Maintain cleanliness of exam rooms, surgery suites, treatment areas, and all surfaces.

32.   Maintain RVT license in good standing in the state of Colorado; keep up on CE and licensing requirements.

33.   Assist CSRs as needed; attend staff and department meetings.

34.   Positively support team members and maintain an approachable attitude on every shift.

Inventory Duties

35.   Notify the appropriate team member of low inventory items per VSR workflow.

36.   Follow DEA and VSR protocols regarding controlled drug access, administration, and recording.

37.   Assist with inventory physical counts as directed by the Inventory Manager.

38.   Properly unpack deliveries, reconcile against packing slips, and restock supplies.

Emergency Department

39.   Be punctual and ready for your shift; be on time for hospital rounds.

40.   Follow all protocols designated by VSR and this job description.

41.   Follow proper protocol and safety for patients under sedation or anesthesia.

42.   Be comfortable with and continue to grow procedures, skillsets, history-taking, medication reconciliation, and client care in the emergency setting.

43.   Have room awareness and offer help to colleagues as noticed.

44.   Work through training levels to grow skillsets; always ask questions.

45.   Assist other departments during downtime including surgery and oncology.

46.   Holiday coverage is expected of all team members.

47.   Follow all surgical protocols for the OR and surgery equipment once trained.

48.   Admit patients scheduled for anesthetic procedures; double-check all consents are signed and that the correct procedure, side, and limb are documented.

49.   Confirm CPR status with owner/client.

50.   Keep surgical materials stocked; prepare gown and surgical packs.

51.   Check oxygen lines and waste gas scavenger system; turn off scavenger system after procedures are completed.

52.   Properly clean scopes, endoscopy units, and the endoscopy room after use.

53.   Prepare surgery suite and instruments needed for each procedure; know the surgical instruments required for specific surgeries.

54.   Double-check the anesthesia machine; perform pressure check and verify pop-off valve.

55.   Perform induction/intubation and all pre-anesthetic procedures including patient prep.

56.   Properly and safely use surgical ventilators (training required) and CT machine (training required).

57.   Monitor patients post-operatively.

58.   Clean surgery suite and instruments following hospital sterilization protocols.

59.   Keep accurate anesthesia and surgical medical records in designated hospital software; include photos as appropriate.

60.   Properly label, package, ship, and charge for specimens submitted to a lab or for disposal.

61.   Accurately calculate and record all medications, injections, CRIs, and blocks as administered.

62.   Ensure medications are reconciled and discharges are discussed thoroughly with clients.

63.   Ensure all surgery patients go home well-groomed and in appropriate medical condition.

64.   Take photos of wounds and healing progress on return visits; upload into the medical record.

65.   Surgery Department RVTs have a required monthly on-call minimum.

66.   Ensure all proper estimates and consent forms are signed by the client.

67.   Ensure medications are reconciled and discharges are discussed thoroughly with clients.

68.   Double-check the treatment sheet and charges for accuracy prior to discharge.

69.   Be familiar with critical care disease processes and pathologies including but not limited to shock, trauma, dyspnea, DIC, MODS, sepsis, and SIRS.

70.   Be comfortable with central lines, tubes, advanced diagnostics, and Level 3 and Level 4 hospitalized patients.

71.   Participate in and successfully complete and maintain RECOVER CPR certification.

72.   Properly and safely use the CT machine (training required).

73.   Communicate with and educate owners with patience and compassion; ensure the client's full agenda is addressed.

74.   De-escalate concerns and conflict with staff and/or owners; report issues to the Lead Technician or Technician Supervisor.

75.   Be approachable and willing to teach and answer questions for colleagues.

76.   Ability to manage a combination of hospitalized patients, appointments, and incoming triages concurrently.

77.   Assist other departments during downtime including ER triages.

Holiday and Weekend Coverage

Holiday and weekend coverage are expected of all team members; specific scheduling will be coordinated by your direct supervisor.

On Call Coverage

Participate in the clinical on-call schedule as outlined by hospital policy is strongly encouraged.

High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology or equivalent program required for RVT licensure. Active and in good standing RVT license in the state of Colorado required.

78.   Willingness to participate at VSR with a good attitude, a growth mindset, and a willingness to fail and learn.

79.   Excellent technical and medical skillsets and a willingness to grow them.

80.   Ability to work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction and ask for help when needed.

81.   Ability to remain calm under various types of pressure without allowing emotions to overwhelm attitude or performance.

82.   Ability to read and interpret documents including federal and state regulations, operating instructions, procedure manuals, and hospital policies.

83.   Ability to write thorough reports, medical records, and correspondences.

84.   Knowledge of the use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment including sterilization techniques.

85.   Client and personal service: understanding of client needs, quality service standards, and client satisfaction; ability to provide patience, care, and empathy when supporting clients.

86.   Active listening, critical thinking, complex problem solving, time management, judgment, and decision-making skills.

87.   Ability to multitask and track multiple patients under your care.

88.   Strong verbal communication skills; ability to convey information effectively; employ patience and empathy appropriately; be courteous, compassionate, and professional with both staff and clients.

89.   Strong computer skills to be efficient at workflow and hospital technology.

90.   Commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics.

91.   Competency with medical math.

92.   Knowledge of hospital policies and procedures as outlined in the employee manual.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills. Verbal and nonverbal communication is vital to educate clients and achieve exceptional patient care. Interpersonal skillsets including active listening, conflict resolution, constructive criticism, empathy, and mediation are used daily. VSR team members express ideas effectively and deliver information appropriately and in a timely manner.

Integrity. VSR team members must act with integrity and uphold high standards of ethical conduct. Behave in an honest and ethical manner; adhere to ethical principles; follow rules and procedures; resist peer pressure to engage in unethical or negative behavior. Develop and demonstrate ethical and moral reasoning in all patient care and team interactions.

Decision Making. The ability to make good decisions, solve problems, and decide on important matters is vital to excellent patient care. Use sound judgment based on information gathered and analyzed. If you are ever unsure what to do in a situation, always ask a senior team member, doctor, or manager.

The Registered Veterinary Technician reports directly to the Technician Supervisor.  The Hospital Director or Administrator must be notified for all HR and administrative matters. Lead Technician, Lead ER Veterinarian or the attending veterinarian can all assist with clinical or client matters during their shift.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, stand, walk, 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. The employee must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee occasionally may need to handle dogs weighing up to and over 150 pounds and use strength or agility in capturing or restraining stronger, more active animals. Assistance will be provided by animal handlers when working with larger animals.

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; and possible exposure to contagious diseases. The RVT may be required to work uncommon hours and is subject to recall in emergency or on-call situations. Follow all federal and state animal health laws and regulations including OSHA and DEA.