Veterinary Anesthesia Technician / Assistant (Surgery)

PetVet Care Centers • Santa Cruz, CA

136d • $28 - $32

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to assist the RVT Tech 1's in the surgery department to ensure that all clients and patients are cared for with efficiency, compassion, and care. The primary focus of the Tech 2 will be client communication, schedule efficiency, and assisting with patient surgery and recovery.

Requirements

• Knowledge of basic veterinary practices, procedures and terminology with willingness to pursue further education leading to Registered Veterinary Technician status.
• Ability to appropriately handle animals up to 70 lbs., and perform routine veterinary medical procedures.
• Education equivalent to two years of college or technical school.
• At least one year of recent experience in veterinary practice or medical environment with increasing responsibilities.
• Internal applicants must have a meets expectation or better in their current position and approval of current supervisor prior to applying for position.
• Excellent client communication skills.
• Organizational and time management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Education equivalent to two years college (pre-veterinary curriculum) or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT).
• Three years of recent experience in veterinary practice with increasing responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Review surgery schedule in Cornerstone the day before and discuss flow of patient load with Tech 1.
• Determine the order of patients and how dismissals and appointments will be scheduled.
• Update surgery board with surgery coordinator; ensure surgery coordinator knows the order of patient surgery; alert surgery coordinator of any client communication that needs to happen before, during, or after surgery.
• Immediately upon arrival, round with ICU technician on any surgery patients in ICU with the goal of updating DVM when they arrive for the day.
• Determine any dismissals for the day; review dismissal instructions with DVM to ensure no changes are needed.
• Ensure medications are made up and ready to go; ensure appropriate dismissal appointment is scheduled in Cornerstone and matches surgery dismissal board.
• Set up surgery suite for first surgery before induction; ensure all necessary instrumentation is present and set up.
• Assist Tech 1 with patient prep; must be able to place IV catheters, perform peripheral venipuncture; give SQ and IM injections of pain meds/pre-meds.
• Assist doctor with surgical procedures (Scrub nurse); ability to monitor Grade 1 and 2 patients safely during anesthesia.
• While Tech 1 recovers patient in ICU, assist 2nd Tech 1 with 2nd patient prep.
• Enter all charges for surgery to Cornerstone from the surgical flow sheet and tracking form; write/finish homecare instructions according to DVM instructions.
• Before appointments begin, thoroughly clean and stock both surgery exam rooms.
• Begin Cornerstone reports for every patient being seen each day.
• Check in patients and clients for rechecks/consults; take a brief history in the exam room and relay to DVM.
• Assist doctors with consultations; educate and answer client questions regarding surgery and aftercare of patients.
• Use travel sheet to enter all exam charges.
• Schedule next recheck appointment with client before they leave the hospital if possible.
• Clean room and make ready for next appointment.
• Clean and sterilize all instruments, gloves, drapes and equipment used.
• Keep log of all surgeries done.
• Take surgery department inventory on a bi-weekly basis and provide list to inventory manager.
• Review sterilization dates on bone instruments and orthopedic implants and inventory/re-sterilize as needed.
• Maintain all anesthetic machines, autoclave, and any other equipment used in surgery.
• Thoroughly clean surgery room and area weekly.

Benefits

• Pay Range $28 — $32 USD
• Culture of Care for pets and team members.
• Opportunities for career growth and connection to purpose.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Associate degree