Certified Veterinary Technician

Job Title: Certified Veterinary Technician (Surgery & Hospitalization Focus)
Department: Room Side
Reports To: Department Supervisor, then Practice Manager

Position Overview:

A Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) with a focus on surgery and in-house hospitalization plays a critical role in providing advanced medical care to animals. This position involves assisting veterinarians with complex surgical procedures, managing anesthesia, monitoring hospitalized patients, and delivering high-quality post-operative care. The CVT ensures animals’ well-being during their stay in the hospital and plays a key role in recovery and ongoing care.

Key Responsibilities:Surgical Assistance & Support:

• Prepare animals for surgery by performing pre-surgical exams, including vital sign checks and laboratory work (blood tests, urinalysis, etc.).
• Set up surgical suites by sterilizing instruments, prepping surgical areas, and ensuring all necessary equipment is functioning properly.
• Assist veterinarians during surgical procedures by passing instruments, controlling lighting, maintaining aseptic technique, and handling tissue or retractors as needed.
• Administer and monitor anesthesia, adjusting levels as needed to maintain animal comfort and safety during surgery.
• Monitor patient vitals during surgery (heart rate, respiration, oxygen levels) and maintain detailed anesthetic records.
• Perform post-surgical care such as bandaging, wound cleaning, and administering medications.

Anesthesia & Pain Management:

• Administer anesthetic agents, intubate animals, and monitor anesthesia levels during surgery, ensuring the animal remains stable.
• Perform post-operative pain assessments and administer analgesics as prescribed.
• Ensure animals are properly monitored during recovery from anesthesia, providing supportive care and immediate intervention if complications arise.

In-House Hospitalization & Critical Care:

• Manage the care of hospitalized animals by monitoring their vital signs, administering medications, and providing daily care (feeding, walking, etc.).
• Perform diagnostic procedures such as blood draws, catheter placements, and intravenous fluid administration. Conduct regular assessments of hospitalized patients, ensuring timely interventions when needed, and update veterinarians on patient progress.
• Provide specialized care to critically ill or post-operative patients, including maintaining IV fluids, nutritional support, and wound management.
• Handle emergency situations such as respiratory distress, cardiac arrest, or post-surgical complications, including CPR and resuscitative care.

Client Communication & Education:

• Communicate with pet owners about their animal’s surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing care plans.
• Provide clear post-operative instructions to pet owners regarding medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up care.
• Discuss the animal’s prognosis, recovery timeline, and any complications in a compassionate and professional manner.

Laboratory & Diagnostic Work:

• Collect blood, urine, and tissue samples for laboratory testing.
• Operate diagnostic equipment such as X-ray machines, ultrasound, and EKG to assist in diagnosing conditions.
• Perform and interpret basic laboratory tests, ensuring accurate results for veterinarians to assess patient health.

Facility & Equipment Management:

• Ensure surgical instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and maintained to prevent infections. Assist with inventory control of surgical supplies, medications, and other necessary equipment for surgery and hospitalization.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of surgical suites and recovery areas to ensure a sterile environment.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Certification: Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT), or Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) required.
• Education: Associate’s degree in Veterinary Technology from an accredited program required.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in veterinary surgery and anesthesia required.
• Experience in post-operative care, in-house patient hospitalization, and critical care preferred.

Skills:

• Proficiency in anesthesia monitoring, surgical assistance, and emergency response. Strong communication skills to interact with pet owners and the veterinary team. Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and restrain animals of various sizes.
• Comfort working with animals recovering from surgery, including those that may be stressed, anxious, or in pain.
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases, anesthesia, radiation, and other common hazards in the veterinary field.

Work Environment:

Certified Veterinary Technicians with surgical and in-house hospitalization expertise work in animal hospitals, emergency care facilities, and specialized surgical centers. Shifts often include nights, weekends, and holidays to provide 24-hour care for critical patients.

This role requires dedication to providing top-tier surgical support and patient care, ensuring animals receive the medical attention they need for a successful recovery.