Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant - Copeland Veterinary Hospital

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional patient care to a diverse range of animals, ensuring both routine and critical medical needs are addressed with skill and compassion. This includes performing thorough physical exams, assessing health conditions, and developing tailored care plans for each patient. Provide care to both healthy pets and those requiring emergency treatment, with a focus on delivering patient comfort and alleviating stress throughout their visits.

• Demonstrate proficiency in medical calculations, including accurate dosage calculations for medications and fluid therapy. Ensure precise administration of medications, injectable treatments, and intravenous fluids in accordance with veterinary protocols, promoting patient safety and effective treatment outcomes. Your understanding of veterinary pharmacology will be crucial in providing optimal care for patients.

• Perform venipuncture (blood draws) and place intravenous catheters with efficiency and precision. Collect samples for diagnostic testing, ensuring minimized patient discomfort and accurate sample collection. Assist with diagnostic procedures such as blood work and fluid therapy, ensuring that patients receive the right treatment in a timely manner.

• Induce, intubate, and monitor anesthesia during surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout. Use advanced equipment to measure and adjust anesthetic depth, and keep meticulous records of anesthesia protocols. Provide post-operative care, including monitoring for any signs of complications, ensuring a smooth and comfortable recovery process. Assist in pre-surgical assessments and help manage patients through the entirety of the surgical process.

• Utilize advanced monitoring equipment to track vital signs such as heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels during surgical and emergency procedures. Respond promptly to any changes in patient condition, collaborating with the medical team to provide timely interventions and ensure patient stability throughout treatment.

• Assist in performing a variety of in-house diagnostic tests including hematology, urinalysis, cytology, and parasite screening. Handle laboratory samples with care, ensuring proper collection, preparation, and submission. Analyze and interpret test results, communicating findings to the veterinarian to aid in diagnosis and treatment plans. Ensure that results are delivered in a timely manner, contributing to quick and accurate treatment decisions.

• Establish and maintain positive, supportive relationships with clients by effectively communicating about patient progress, aftercare instructions, and follow-up needs. Educate clients on topics such as preventive care, nutrition, and home care, empowering them to take an active role in their pet’s well-being. Answer questions with professionalism and empathy, addressing client concerns and building trust. Maintain open lines of communication regarding treatment updates, progress reports, and any necessary changes to care plans.

• Ensure accurate and detailed documentation of patient medical histories, treatment plans, and progress notes in our electronic medical record system (EMR). Maintain precise and up-to-date records for every patient, ensuring the integrity of information used for follow-up care, client communication, and regulatory compliance. Follow clinic protocols for maintaining confidentiality and data security.

• Work cohesively with a team of veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and support staff to provide the highest quality care for our patients. Your role as a team player is crucial in ensuring that tasks are performed efficiently and with high attention to detail. Share insights, support colleagues during emergencies, and contribute to the overall patient careexperience, ensuring that each patient receives the best possible care at every stage of their visit.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise to be Successful

• Minimum of 2-3 years of veterinary technician experience in a clinical setting, ideally with exposure to general practice or emergency/critical care environments. Experience in handling high-acuity cases, trauma care, and urgent medical interventions is highly valued.

• Certification as a Veterinary Technician (LVT, RVT, or CVT) is preferred, but not required. We welcome candidates who are actively working toward certification or have equivalent hands-on experience in veterinary clinical practice.
  
  
• In-depth knowledge of veterinary procedures such as anesthesia administration, venipuncture, IV catheter placement, surgical assistance, and patient monitoring. You should be comfortable in performing tasks with precision and efficiency in both routine and emergency situations.
  
  
• Experience with critical care and emergency situations is a major plus. Your ability to assess and stabilize patients in acute distress or trauma situations, while remaining calm under pressure, will contribute significantly to patient outcomes.
  
  
• Strong competency in general medical mathematics including calculating medication dosages, fluid therapy, and anesthesia protocols, ensuring accurate and safe delivery of care. Your attention to detail in this area is critical to patient safety and effective treatment.
  
  
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex medical terminology and treatment plansin a way that is approachable and understandable to clients. You will be the voice of reassurance for pet owners, clearly communicating diagnostic findings, treatment options, and post-care instructions.
  
  
• A team-player mentality is essential in this role. You will be working collaboratively with a diverse team of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support staff to ensure comprehensive patient care. Your ability to work seamlessly within a team environment will help achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.
  
  
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced, dynamic environment are key. Whether managing multiple patients at once, preparing surgical instruments, or keeping track of patient progress, your organizational capabilities will ensure smooth operations and high-quality care.
  
  
• A compassionate and empathetic nature, with a focus on the well-being of both patients and their families. You should have a genuine passion for animal welfare, with the ability to remain calm, compassionate, and reassuring, especially during difficult or emotionally charged situations.
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience, reflecting your skills, expertise, and dedication to animal care. We offer a compensation package designed to reward your hard work and commitment to excellence.
  
  
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, dental, and vision coverage, ensuring you have access to the medical care you need to stay healthy and happy.
  
  
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, promoting a healthy work-life balance so you can recharge and spend time with your loved ones without the stress of financial concerns.
  
  
• Access to continuing education opportunities to further develop your skills and knowledge in veterinary medicine. Stay ahead of industry trends, attend seminars, earn certifications, and expand your expertise in a supportive environment.
  
  
• A collaborative, supportive work environment where teamwork is a cornerstone of our practice. We value open communication, respect, and mutual support among staff, fostering an atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to grow both personally and professionally.
  
  
• Work in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced veterinary equipment and the latest in medical technology. You will have access to cutting-edge tools to enhance patient care and improve clinical outcomes.
  
  
• Opportunities for career advancement in a well-established and growing practice. We believe in promoting from within and offer pathways for professional growth, leadership roles, and the chance to expand your responsibilities in a dynamic and thriving environment.