Veterinary Technician (General) - Small Animal Surgery

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL • Urbana, IL

43d • $23 - $23

About The Position

The Veterinary Technician (General) will be responsible for providing standard paramedical technical support and nursing care in a courteous and professional manner for the Small Animal Surgery service at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. In addition, this position may be asked to assist in other areas of the hospital based on operational need. Due to the teaching nature of the hospital, this position may also supervise and instruct professional students and veterinary technician students in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and procedures.

Requirements

• Successful completion or current enrollment in the final semester of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
• Illinois Veterinary Technician Certification must be maintained throughout employment.
• Familiar with federal regulations and university and hospital polices regarding the use and handling of controlled substances.
• Skill in the operation of surgical, laboratory and diagnostic equipment.
• Able to adapt to new technologies, procedures and equipment.
• Demonstrate adherence to strict protocols.
• Able to instruct veterinary medical/technician students in patient care protocol and procedures and in the use of equipment or instrumentation.
• Able to recognize abnormalities in vital signs of patients, assess charges observed, and take necessary action in the absence of a veterinarian.
• Able to operate on the clinical floor and anticipate needs and directions of staff and students regarding patients and methods of care.
• Able to observe, record, compile and assimilate data.
• Able to explain terminology used in veterinary medicine.
• Knowledge related to the care and handling of anesthetic waste gases will be taught.
• Able to multi-task, pay close attention to details and work calmly and professionally under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Learn to prepare patients for surgery ◦ Assist with restraint and transport of patient into surgery ◦ Position patient on surgical table according to standard operating procedures or specific veterinarian instruction (Learn all surgical positions and associated terminologies) ◦ Prepare patient for surgery (e.g., scrub surgical site for aseptic surgery, insert IV catheter, etc.) ◦ Clip patient according to standard procedure or specific clinician instructions regarding surgery site ◦ Administer medications, fluids, etc. under the direction of the veterinarian
• Learn to prepare surgical suite, instruments and equipment for aseptic surgery ◦ Open and handle sterile surgical instruments onto an aseptic field according to aseptic technique. ◦ Operate, clean and perform routine maintenance on surgical equipment according to aseptic technique ◦ Sterilize and wrap surgical instruments using different sterilization techniques, such as gas, autoclave, and plasma
• Learn to provide standard paramedical technical and nursing assistance during surgical procedures ◦ Provide surgeon with surgical instruments by name and function ◦ Respond to requests by clinicians for paramedical technical assistance ◦ Learn to utilize and monitor highly specialized surgical instruments and equipment ◦ Provide intro-operative radiographic procedures as necessary
• Learn to provide post-surgery duties ◦ Assist with transport of patient from surgical suite ◦ Monitor patient, record vitals and recognize, report and learn appropriate response to emergency conditions ◦ Apply bandages and administer medications and fluids as by veterinarian ◦ Dispose of sharps properly and collect opened instruments for sterilization ◦ Clean surgical suite and equipment according to aseptic technique ◦ Assist veterinary staff and students assigned to the section with their treatments of surgical patients
• Other service duties ◦ Prepare tissue and other specimen for submission for analysis ◦ Assist with maintaining surgical and drug supplies ◦ Enter procedures and charges into the Health Information System ◦ Assist with maintaining surgical log
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees