Certified Veterinary Technician - Critical Care Nurse

Job Overview:The licensed veterinary technician, provides caring, compassionate and detail-oriented nursing care for hospitalized patients and outpatients. They are responsible for correctly and efficiently executing treatments, diagnostics, and medication administration at the appropriate times. They must maintain detailed and correct medical records in Infinity, while ensuring all charges are included in invoice. Updates and communicates with client in a timely and respective manner.Required Technical Skills:Draw blood, place peripheral IVC, central lines, PICC lines and intraosseous catheters in small animalsObtain sterile urine samples through urinary catheters or cystocentesis in dogs and catsMonitor and maintain PICC lines and triple-lumen central jugular catheters in dogs and catPlace, monitor and maintain temporary and indwelling urinary catheters in male and female cats and dogsTake radiographs using correct patient positioning and safety techniquesInduce, maintain, and recover stable and unstable patients from sedation and general anesthesiaPlace, monitor, and maintain nasogastric or naso-esophageal feeding tubes in cats and dogsMonitor and maintain esophageal feeding tubesPlacement of nasal cannulas for nasal oxygen deliveryAbility to use and monitor the Snyder oxygen cage for oxygen dependent patientsSet up, monitor, and maintain patients on high-flow oxygenSterile intubation of long-term intubated patientsInitiating and maintaining patients on a ventilator with adjustable FiO2Monitor and perform nursing care for patients with tracheostomy tubesPerform CPR using the RECOVER guidelinesAdministration of partial parenteral nutritionSetting up, administering and monitoring pRBC, whole blood, plasma, platelet and albumin transfusionsAbility to perform basic and advanced medical mathAdvanced knowledge of medications, potential medication interactions, and potential adverse effects of medicationProvide post-op care, including for orthopedic and neurosurgery patients.Monitor and maintain JP drains and Wound VacsMonitor and maintain Pleuro-VacObtain blood pressure and perform blood pressure interventionsAbility to prepare and analyze microscope samples of blood, urine and other fluidsWhelping newborn dogs and cats and caring for neonatal patientsRecognize and administer treatment for cardiac arrhythmiasAdministration of TreatmentsEnsuring all prescribed treatments are completed within the ordered time periodTaking/monitoring vital signs/blood pressures, etc. Recognizing when these vital signs are abnormal based on type of patient, age, and disease process, and reporting these to the doctorGiving medications/IV fluids in all routes of administration- oral meds/injectable meds- subcutaneous/intramuscular/intravenous. Consulting protocol book or prescribing doctor for instruction of administration of unfamiliar drugsEstablishing intravenous catheters along with IV fluids. Following IV catheter care protocols and fluid protocols to ensure patient safetyDrawing blood for laboratory tests and then performing in house Chemistry/CBC/Lytes/Snap Tests/Urinalysis and SediVue/Crossmatch/Blood typing/set up certain assays/tests/biopsy/Cultures/Cytology etc to be sent out to Idexx. Maintaining responsibility for in house tests and diluting appropriately when results are out of rangePracticing safe handling and maintenance of patient tubes including but not limited to chest tube, nasal oxygen, urinary catheters, abdominal drains. Following prescribed orders for timed drainage/technique/dosageTube feeding esophageal, naso-esophageal, nasogastric, and gastric tubes. Being able to reconstitute diets as prescribed and administer through the feeding tubesBe able to safely prepare blood transfusions as per protocol. Be able to calculate an appropriate starting rate and increase rate as indicated. Be able to monitor appropriately and recognize when vital signs are abnormal, as well as report to the doctorOther Patient CareCompassionately, calmly and gently approaching and handling patients. Practice Fear Free techniques whenever possibleApproaching and handling patients according to safety protocols and core valuesPracticing basic animal husbandry ensuring clean/dry bedding, clean litter boxes at all times. Ensuring all patients have water available unless specifically under order not to. Following prescribed diet orders, as well as recording amount offered, amount eaten, and adverse reactionsPracticing critical thinking and independent thinking. Be aware of what tasks are most critical to be performed and doing those first (pain medication, insulin, temperature checks on a patient on heat, etc). Be aware of what types of care is given to patients and question if this is not being ordered (such as pain medicine in a fracture, anti-nausea medications in a vomiting patient). Notice and alert the doctor if there are other concerns regarding a patient (has not urinated since admission, no appetite, painful, straining to defecate, etc.)Record KeepingEntry of the vital signs and medications given to each patient into the computer and writing them down onto each patients treatment sheet which holds all orders pertaining to that patient that is overseen by the doctor in charge of the caseMaking sure all charges are appropriately entered with specific amounts recordedGiving and Receiving Nursing Rounds on each patient in ICU plus other dog/cat wards in the hospitalEnsuring that eliminations are recorded on the treatment sheet and electronic record. Ensuring the doctor is informed if there is an abnormalityCare of the ICUCleaning of the ICU to meet infection control guidelines. Delegating cleaning tasks to assistants as necessary. This includes but is not limited to daily cleaning/disinfection of patient housing, surface cleaning/disinfection in ICU, mopping, sink cleaning/disinfectionAid in maintaining/properly using equipment within the hospital. Including but not limited to oxygen cage, anesthesia. machines, blood pressure/SP02 and resp. monitors, syringe/IV pumpsOrganizing the working areaEnsuring needed items are in stock and delegating restocking to assistants as necessaryProcedural SupportAid in the intubation/sedation/anesthetizing of patients as neededRestraining patients for procedures/exams for doctorsPerforming CPRAnswer phones if neededActively participate in hospitals day to day function by taking on additional responsibilities as neededGeneral Job Expectations:Upholds MVS attendance expectations of no more than 3 unscheduled occurrences in a rolling 12-week periodAlways be in position and prepared to work at the start of each scheduled shift.Be prepared to handle any pet or facility emergency that may arise. Follow contingency plans.Competently speak and write the English language.Continuously strive to gain more information, additional skills, and keep up with new developments in the field through reading journals, and attending continuing education.Follow OSHA standards, and other safety protocols and procedures put in place by MVS.Know and use standard medical and business abbreviations and terminology when speaking and writing.Know the range of services the practice provides and the species it treats.Maintain a professional appearance while at work, including clean and pressed uniforms or clothes.Participate in all staff meetingsPerform other duties as assignedStay current on policies, procedures and schedule by checking your personal e-mail, reading the weekly meeting minutes and WhentoWork dailyUnderstand and be able to recognize animal behaviors (ex. Fear, aggression), know how to change approach to animal based on behaviorAnesthesia and Surgical ProceduresComplete and understand anesthesia machine check-list, be able to trouble shootComplete understanding and ability to perform induction (IV, chamber, mask) and intubationConfidently perform anesthesia monitoring; knowledge of normal and abnormal parametersKnowledge of induction agents, analgesics, and CPR medicationsAnesthesia equipment maintenance and trouble-shootingKnowledge of basic surgical instrumentsUnderstanding of the sterile fieldAbility to clean, repack, and sterilize instrumentsBasic knowledge of autoclave verses ethoxideDemonstrate proper safety precautions when working with anesthetic chemicals and equipmentEfficiently and safely recover patient, obtaining necessary post-operative vitalsInsure all appropriate charges are entered into InfinityAttitude and BehaviorDemonstrate commitment, dedication, cooperation and positive behaviorHandle stress and pressure with poise and tactPromote a positive attitude among staff. Smile and maintain a friendly demeanor while on the job.Show respect and compassion for clients, team members, and animals (alive or deceased) at all timesApplies an engaged attitude that facilitates workflowProperly communicates and rounds team members, within and across services, effectively to facilitate patient careClient ServiceAnswer phone by the third ring if CSR is pre-occupied or unavailableAssist grieving clients and comfort them. Be familiar with the grieving process. Always be sensitive to the background chatter and conversations that could exacerbate the anxiety and grief clients are experiencingComplete phone training with member of management teamCordially greet clients and their pets, addressing each by nameDiscuss treatment and diagnostic costs to owners, ensure owners of patients to be hospitalized are provided with an accurate estimate with code status chosen and that proper deposits are collectedHandle challenging clients with a calm and reassuring demeanor; know when to bring in member of management teamMaintain communication with clients waiting in lobby, continuously update them of statusProvide counseling and compassion for clients; answer their questions unless it is clear attending doctor should do soPatient Care and ComfortAlways wash hands after handling patients to minimize the spread of infectious diseases and pathogensAppropriately and effectively triage every patient that enters MVSProvide clean bedding, water and litter pans for hospitalized pets according to individual patient needsUnderstand and be able to recognize normal and abnormal vital signs, follow through when abnormal signs are seenPharmaceuticalsBasic knowledge of all medications used in hospital; including routes of administration, side effects, dose, drug interactions, etcLearn and become comfortable with CRI calculationsPrepare medications and prescriptions for dispensing as directed by the veterinarian and be able to teach owners how to administerUse proper aseptic technique in drawing up medicationsVerify all dosages and conversions on treatment sheet are correctPhysical Plant MaintenanceLaunder soiled linens using established protocolsMaintain cages, runs, and/or hospital facilities, including exam rooms, treatment room, isolation area, ICU wards, employee lounge, bathrooms and doctors office in a neat, sanitary and stocked conditionMaintain constant vigilance regarding open doorways that could allow pets to escape from their cage or facilityMaintenance of all work areas including but not limited to sweeping, mopping, emptying garbage and recyclables, dusting, and cleaning counter tops, kennels, and wet sinksRecord KeepingEnsure all appropriate charges are entered into patient invoiceEnsure all treatments and diagnostics are in Infinity prior to the chart going up front for dischargeEnsure appropriate handling of controlled substances and proper maintenance of the controlled drug logEnsure proper documentation and labeling of deceased patient for cremation or home burialMaintain detailed, prompt and accurate medical record using Infinity treatment plans to ensure timely patient care and treatmentsTechnical Animal Knowledge and SkillsUse safe, reliable, and confident restraint, while showing compassion and care. Use provided restraint tools effectivelyUse proper technique to shave patients, which minimizes clipper burn and skin traumaKnow and be able to execute proper fecal and urine collection methodsUnderstand how to monitor, adjust and maintain IV infusion pumps, syringe pumps, programmable syringe pumpsUnderstand proper use of digital x-ray machineMinimize radiation hazards: use protective equipment and wear dosimetry badgeUse appropriate and correct positioning to obtain diagnostic quality radiographUnderstand adjustments needed toConsistently use Right and Left markersApply and monitor pressure bandages using proper techniqueExecute and understand proper technique for Venipuncture using patients cephalic, saphenous and jugular veinsKnow proper administration techniques for IV, IM, SQ and oral medicationsKnow proper aseptic technique for placement of cephalic, saphenous and jugular intravenous cathetersKnow proper aseptic technique for placing and maintaining urinary cathetersKnow proper techniques for obtain blood pressure, and recognize abnormal and normal rangesLearn and become familiar with central line placementSet-up and record diagnostic multi-lead ECG tracings, recognize normal and abnormal rhythms, learn to troubleshoot equipment complicationsUnderstand the life cycle and pathology of common and zoonotic diseases to prevent transmission throughout the hospital and in public areas. Follow and understand isolation proceduresJob FunctionsEmergency Inpatient Technician:Ability to provide in-hospital care based patient status. (ie: critical, medical board)Knowledge of medication contraindications and administration via all sites on patientAbility to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest in a patientTimely and confidently perform Cardio Pulmonary ResuscitationKnowledge of electronic treatment plans and able to complete in a timely manner.Ability to maintain and complete patient treatments and electronic treatment plansAbility to enter and complete medical recordsAbility to walk, sling, rotate and maneuver patientsAbility to monitor post-surgical patientsAbility to perform procedures such as: urinary catheterization, naso-gastric/esophageal tube and central linesOxygen Therapy: able to understand the function of oxygen chamber system and operation, along with troubleshooting.Fluid Therapy: Understanding fluid rates, boluses, concentrations and administrationAbility to enter charges onto invoiceEmergency Outpatient Technician:Ability to understand triage and able to triage patients appropriatelyAble to check patients in by acquiring a full descriptive history, along with patient vitalsAble to round doctors in full and concise mannerAbility to enter charges, based on the provider on staffAbility to complete outpatient diagnostics, ie: Radiographs, bloodwork, ultrasound, etcAbility to complete outpatient treatmentsAble to fill and dispense medications appropriately, by hospital standardsAble to discuss take home instructions and/or educate client on how to treat their petProvide assistance to inpatient technician with treatments and care on in-hospital patientsKnowledge of electronic treatment plans and able to document/complete in a timely mannerAbility to enter and complete medical records effective and efficiently working with various ER veterinarians and MVS specialistsLanguage Skills:Ability to legibly and thoroughly write medical records and correspondence. Ability to read and interpret documents such as laboratory reports, medical records from other doctors, hospital policy and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively before small groups of customers or employees of the hospital. Ability to graciously deal with client complaints. Ability to successfully communicate with diverse personality types.Computer Skills:Must be proficient with basic computer, fax and printer operations. Able to work with Microsoft Word, Excel, and the Internet. Experience with Infinity veterinary software helpful.Mathematical Skills:Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as drug dosing, oxygen levels, dilutions, percentages, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.Reasoning Ability:Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Must possess solution-focused problem solving skills.Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Amount of Time Spent on TaskTaskNoneLess than 1/31/3 to 2/3More than 2/3StandXWalkXSitXUse hands to finger, handle, or feelXClimb or balanceXStoop, kneel, crouch, or crawlXTalk or hearXTaste or smellXThe job requires the following lifting requirements and/or exerted force be performed on the job.Amount of Time Spent on Lifting AmountLifting AmountNoneLess than 1/31/3 to 2/3More than 2/3Up to 10 poundsXUp to 25 poundsXUp to 50 poundsXUp to 100 poundsXMore than 100 poundsXSpecific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust to focus.Work Environment:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions. As a hospital, there will be exposure to a variety of chemicals and cleaners. The noise level in the work environment is occasionally loud. Pet dander and exposure to a wide variety of animals is to be expectedEducational: Extensive and broad knowledge of animal science, medicine, husbandry, including basic knowledge of pharmacology and sufficient mathematical skills to ensure the administration of accurate drug and fluid dosages. High school diploma or equivalent is required. CVT Licensure or meets eligibility for licensing requirements. VTS and higher education is preferred but not required.Must be a licensed technician (CVT) and a Veterinarian Technician Specialist in Emergency and Critical Care5+ years experience in Emergency and Critical Care veterinary medicineFear Free CertifiedKeeps up to date with current medicine by completing continuing educationGood communication skills with coworkers and clientsCan work efficiently and multitaskAbility to uphold MVS Attendance expectations not to exceed 3 unscheduled absences within a 12-week rolling periodPromotes and supports a positive work environmentCan lift and restrain up to 40lbsPhysical: Must have the strength and stamina to lift approximately 50 pounds, walk dogs weighing up to 130 pounds and work on their feet all day.Ergonomic: An employee in this position must be capable of safely working in environment with potential exposure to hazardous materials, infectious and zoonotic diseases.Other: An employee in this position must have a sense of caring for animals; be willing and available to stay late or through breaks, when needed, to assist with emergency or critical-care patients is needed. Maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients and patients for whom the practice provides veterinary services. Ability to multi-task, prioritize and delegate while maintaining composure in stressful situations is expected.

Created: 2025-04-19