Registered Veterinary Technologist

POSITION:                 Registered Veterinary Technologist

STATUS:                    On-Call; Casual

SHIFT:                        Various shifts

LOCATION:                Vancouver, BC                                

CLASSIFICATION:     CUPE 1622

WAGE:                        Hourly                                                         

CLOSING DATE:       Open Until Filled

About the Position:

Working with doctors and the rest of the hospital care team, the Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) is responsible for using low stress and fear-free handling techniques to provide direct patient care for both in-patient and out-patient animals. This includes conducting health assessments 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.

Some specific duties:

Primary Key Responsibilities

• Direct animal care duties include:
• Reviewing the upcoming schedule and planning/preparing for procedures, including triaging patient care and treatments by coordinating with other staff members.
• Administering vaccines and intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular and oral medications.
• Calculating drug doses, use, potential side effects, proper administration, and ensuring control/recording of controlled drugs.
• Reviewing medications prepared by Veterinary Assistants.
• Filling/dispensing medications for surgical/hospitalized animals as required.
• 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 in-house laboratory work, including reading microscopic sediment for urinalysis, fecal floats, and ear/skin cytologies and interpreting results.
• Performing and/or assisting the doctor in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of diagnostic equipment including electrocardiographic, radiographic and ultrasonographic equipment.
• Maintaining radiology log and sending radiographs as instructed by doctors.
• 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 cleint 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.
• 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.
• Basic computer skills; experience in using common veterinary practice software would be considered an asset.
• Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission, and strategic directions of the BC SPCA.