Oncology Veterinary Technician

Job Description:

The ideal candidate will have VTS or RVT/LVT goal or have obtained their licensing and have experience in Oncology or Internal Medicine.

Required for this position:

The ability to follow directions with and without supervision; the ability to lift objects or pets of at least 30 pounds; the ability to control large, anxious, or angry pets; the ability to recognize certain behaviors in animals; the ability to learn and understand medical terminology and procedures; the ability to admit or ask questions when a task is unclear; the ability to show leadership towards other techs, assistants, and volunteers; ability to adapt to the needs and styles of other technicians and doctors; the ability to work with computers and other office equipment; the ability to spell, alphabetize, and perform basic mathematics; and the ability to provide exceptional customer service.

Persons to report to: Specialty Hospital Manager, Medical Director, Oncology Doctors, Staff Doctors

Task Descriptions: As a veterinary technician, your job entails several important aspects of our hospital à animal care and treatment, customer service, and hospital cleanliness.

Animal Care and Treatment Responsibilities - restraint; blood draws; placement of IV catheters (peripheral and central lines in multiple areas); ability to use butterfly catheters to administer chemotherapy over 5-20 minutes; understand the importance of sterility when placing an intravenous catheter, as well as when re/connecting intravenous lines; auscultate heart and lungs and determine abnormalities; recognize potential health care issues; perform Doppler blood pressures correctly and determine abnormal readings; document all findings in the medical record including weight and temperature on all appointments; clearly communicate findings to the doctor; perform diagnostic radiographs; set up for or perform multiple procedures including but not limited to fine needle aspirates, skin biopsies, bone marrow aspirates and biopsies, pericardiocentesis, thoracocentesis, abdominocentesis, subcutaneous, intravenous, and intramuscular injections; the ability to gather and prepare tissue samples for culture, cytology and histopathologic diagnosis; a working knowledge of the mechanism of action of commonly used chemotherapy agents; a working knowledge of commonly used and recognized chemotherapy protocols; the ability to calculate drug dosages correctly, a working knowledge of the safe handling of chemotherapy agents from mixing, to delivery and disposal, a working knowledge of the side effects of chemotherapy agents and the ability to identify and ameliorate them; ability to read cytologies and blood smears; working knowledge of basic cell biology; mathematics (including % solutions, mEq in solution, manual drip rates); changing O2 tanks; assistance of doctor during surgical procedures; maintaining inventory; maintaining chemotherapy drug inventory; knowledge of fluids and rates; knowledge of drugs, dosages and their usages; always maintaining a high standard of patient care; and assisting the other technicians and doctors in any way asked to do so.

Customer Service Responsibilities - Efficiently organize the Oncologist's schedules and procedures to best utilize time; schedule appointments; communication with referring veterinarians regarding referrals; call back and follow up phone calls; demonstrate excellent relations with clients and patients; build rapport with clients and pets; exceed the client's expectations of service; keep clients informed of waiting times; participate in client communication and education, explaining administration of medications, follow up care, diet recommendations, discharge instructions, and general animal care; taking and passing messages on to appropriate staff member; prepping client and examination rooms for doctor; obtaining appropriate patient history; appropriate record keeping; knowledge of computer system; checking in daily drop off patients and ensuring all paperwork is filled out (cage cards and treatment sheets); discharging in-hospital, out-patient, and procedural patients; assisting in client-present euthanasia; assisting clients with multiple pets or large purchases; maintaining compassion, sympathy and professionalism during high-stress situations. Able to enter in all charges on outpatients.

Hospital Cleanliness Responsibilities - vacuuming; mopping; changing garbage; dusting; following daily, weekly, and monthly task lists; cleaning and maintaining all sinks; laundry; kennel cleaning of your discharged patients; proper dilutions for cleaning solutions; maintaining cleaning supplies; cleaning windows and doors; replenishing supplies (including paper towels, garbage bags, air fresheners); knowledge of patient isolation protocols; and overall maintenance (both inside and outside the hospital) of the sights, smells and sounds of the hospital.

At VCA we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and want to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, stay and do their best work.