Overview
Veterinary Technician Jobs in San Rafael, CA at Thrive Pet Healthcare
The purpose of this position is to ensure quality care for pets and promote greater efficiency by relieving technicians and veterinarians of technical and administrative work.
The Technician Assistant performs a variety of patient- and client-care duties and conducts patient assessments, oversees animals recovering from anesthesia, and performs procedures and treatments.
The Technician Assistant uses sound judgment when making decisions about patient care, responds quickly and calmly to emergencies, and maintains high standards of patient care. This person communicates clearly with the veterinarians, other hospital personnel, and clients to ensure that patients receive the care they need. Technician Assistants are friendly and flexible in the face of varying expectations from clients and coworkers. They multi-task, prioritize tasks well, and think creatively.
Technician Assistants strongly believe in the quality of care provided and communicate this sense of assurance to clients. The Technician Assistant provides for patient and client comfort by keeping the hospital clean and presentable and may provide training to other members of the healthcare team.
Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste, and contagious diseases.
Directly reports to Lead Technician Assistant. Periodically receives direction from the Practice Manager and veterinarians. Works alongside the Technicians, who determine the scope and type of support services to be furnished and the procedures used to accomplish them.
Primary Responsibilities
Patient Care
Provides compassionate patient care, keeping patients clean, dry, and comfortable.
Alerts the veterinarian(s) to changes in patients’ condition.
Recognizes patients with contagious disease and follows relevant procedures.
Provides safe and effective patient restraint.
Medicates patients.
Uses proper safety techniques and positioning for radiological procedures.
Recovers patients from anesthesia.
Assists veterinarians and technicians in surgery and dentistry.
Performs basic emergency care, CPR, and intensive care as needed.
Assists with and documents patient treatments.
Walks, cleans, and feeds patients.
Sets up and assists with procedures, such as IV catheterization and other common treatments.
Bathes patients as needed.
Assists with patient admits and releases as needed.
Ensures patients leave in better condition than when they arrived (e.g., clean and with IV catheter removed).
Maintains knowledge of drugs and their uses.
Calculates drug dosages and fills prescriptions accurately; asks for guidance if necessary.
Assists with lab tests as needed.
Completes medical records accurately and efficiently.
Performs procedures such as pedicures and fluid administration.
Equipment and Facility Maintenance
Cleans, cares for, and packs surgical equipment properly.
Keeps hospital clean and stocked.
Removes trash from hospital, and sweeps and mops floors daily.
Launders soiled blankets, towels, and other linens.
Utilizes in-house inventory control procedures to ensure items are stocked appropriately.
Personal Conduct
Adheres to all hospital policies, standards, and procedures, including but not limited to uniforms, grooming, smoking, and personal calls, as stated in the hospital procedures manual.
Serves as a representative of the hospital, displaying courtesy, tact, consideration, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and other staff members.
Demonstrates initiative in everyday duties by seeking other work during down times, assisting other employees, and filling in for other employees as needed.
Adheres to the posted work schedule. Arrives for work promptly and begins work at the start time. Follows hospital policies for reporting lateness or absences.
Utilizes the time clock to clock in and out at the beginning and end of each day and during breaks.
Organizes work area and exercises time-management skills to maximize personal efficiency.
Prioritizes tasks and handles multiple tasks in a calm, organized manner.
Additional Duties
Attends departmental and staff meetings.
Answers phone when the Client Care Specialist (receptionist) is unable to answer by third ring.
Performs other duties as required.
Requirements
Education equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.
At least one year of recent experience in veterinary practice or medical environment, with increasing responsibilities.
Demonstrated ability to accurately manage and record detailed information in medical records and other data-management systems.
Ability to properly restrain patients.
Knowledge of spelling and meaning of commonly used veterinary medical terminology and procedures.
Ability to complete assigned tasks in the time allotted without direct supervision.
Demonstrated ability to show empathy toward clients and treat animals with respect and compassion.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
A commitment to outstanding client service.
Ability to lift objects weighing 40 pounds without assistance and objects weighing more than 40 pounds with assistance.
Ability to stay on task and work energetically for entire shift, sometimes exceeding 10 hours per day.
Compensation negotiable based on credentials and experience with a hourly pay rate starting at $23 – $28 / hour. The actual rate offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Title: Veterinary Technician
Company: Thrive Pet Healthcare
Location: San Rafael, CA
