Senior Registered Veterinary Technologist

POSITION:                 Senior Registered Veterinary Technologist -SRVT

STATUS:                    Permanent; Full-time

SHIFT:                        40 hours per week

LOCATION:                Penticton, BC

CLASSIFICATION:    Exempt           

WAGE:                       Hourly                                                 

CLOSING DATE:       Open Until Filled

About the Position:

Reporting to the Practice Manager, this position assists the doctors to the fullest possible extent, helping to deliver quality care to patients and aiding in achieving greater efficiencies in patient care delivery.  This includes conducting examinations within scope, performing laboratory duties and treatments, drug dosages and dispensing, and assisting with surgeries.  This position also provides direct communication to clients.  Finally, where required, the RVT will also be responsible for maintenance of instruments and equipment, medical record-keeping, housekeeping, administrative, inventory, and other duties as required to ensure efficient operations and high quality of care.

As a Senior RVT, this position performs the following duties with complete proficiency. Additionally, this position may be asked to train, mentor, and provide additional guidance to RVTs with less than 5 years of experience, RVT students, or veterinary students.

Some specific duties:

Direct animal care duties include:

• Triage patient care and treatments and coordinate with other staff members, including reviewing the upcoming schedule and planning/preparation for upcoming procedures.
• Assist the veterinarian in all tasks required for patient care such as administering intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular and oral medications, and perform required treatments.
• Calculating drug doses, use, potential side effects, proper administration, and ensuring control/recording of controlled drugs.
• Performing treatments such as wound treatments, bandage/splint changes, and ear cleanings as required by the doctor.
• Collecting specimens and performing routine laboratory work in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment.
• Performing and/or assisting the doctor in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of diagnostic equipment including but not limited to electrocardiography, radiography, and ultrasonography equipment.
• Hospitalizing patients under the supervision of the doctor including placement of an intravenous catheter, intravenous fluid administration, medication administration, monitoring vital signs, inputs and outputs.
• Performing sedation, general anesthesia, and patient monitoring including safety, emergency drugs, administration and wen to intervene, intubation, extubation and recovery, and drug administration, indications, and contraindications.
• Performing dental treatments including scaling, polishing, performing an antibacterial rinse and dental radiographs.
• Performing corneal stain tests, Shirmer Tear Tests, and eye pressure testing when instructed by doctors.
• Monitoring time requirements and ensuring medical records are kept up to date.
• Tattooing and microchipping, as required.
• Performing tasks such as anal gland expression, grooming, and nail trims.
• Managing weight-loss programs under the direction of the doctor.
• Assisting doctors in exam rooms as required.
• Assisting with humane euthanasia as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Client communication duties include:

• Educating clients on care and treatment.
• Updating clients on patients in hospital and performing discharges.
• Creating discharge/home care instructions.
• Performing callbacks/emails as needed for progress reports.
• Answering client questions that do not require a doctor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Housekeeping and administrative duties include:

• Cleaning and maintaining all equipment including anesthetic, laboratory, and x-ray machines.
• Ensuring that all fees associated with a patient are placed on the patient visit list, in collaboration with the Veterinary Assistant.
• Cleaning and organizing patient and general areas.
• Stocking supplies as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications you need to have:

• Successful completion of a veterinary technologist program accredited by the Canadian Veterinary Medicine Association (CVMA) and registration with the BC Veterinary Technologists Association (BCVTA); or recognition by BC governing bodies of an equivalency to an RVT designation.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience as an RVT or equivalent and demonstrated proficiency in all areas of RVT practice.

• Experience in delivering high quality customer service to a variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to multi-task and complete tasks/projects within defined timelines.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills along with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Able to fulfill physical demands of the job which may include standing for long periods of time, walking, sitting, and lifting heavy objects and patients.
• Understanding of the risks associated with working with animals and an ability to follow safety requirements and other precautions such as fear free handling techniques.
• Willingness and no identified barriers to exposure to supplies commonly used in a hospital setting such as anesthetic gases, chemicals, drugs including controlled substances, and x-ray radiation within Canadian safety standards.
• Experience in using common veterinary practice software. Experience with Cornerstone would be considered an asset.
• Philosophical harmony with BC SPCA policies, programs and protocols.