Veterinary Technician: Anesthesia & Critical Care Unit

Looking to grow your clinical skills in a collaborative, innovative veterinary teaching hospital? Join UW Veterinary Care (UWVC) and work alongside board-certified Anesthesiologists and Critical Care specialists while providing exceptional patient care. This position supports anesthetic procedures and critical care as part of UWVC's daily operations. We welcome both new and experienced Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVTs) and provide comprehensive on-site training to ensure your success. As Wisconsin's only veterinary teaching hospital, UWVC offers the unique opportunity to care for patients while helping educate the next generation of veterinarians.

About the role

This position can be full or part-time, between 90% (36 hours) - 100% (40 hours). The anticipated schedule is primarily 8-10 hour shifts Monday through Friday in Anesthesia. Incumbent will also be required to work a rotating shift in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) every third week. On-call and holiday hours are required as needed by UWVC.

Responsibilities

• Accurately calculates drug dosages, drug dilutions, CRI's and intravenous fluid rates
• Assists or initiates preparation/workup of patient undergoing anesthesia by assessing patient and chart for clinical history
• Completes a written anesthetic plan and reviews with supervising clinician
• Completes charge sheets and enters all charges into patient's account
• Ensures all controlled substances are properly logged onto patient's record; wastes all controlled substances no longer needed by patient to meet pharmacy guidelines
• Instructs fourth year veterinary students, assists students with catheters, intubation and patient care pre-op, post-op
• Knows the location of the CPR crash cart and is trained in CPR techniques and drugs
• Maintains accurate and complete anesthesia medical record
• Maintains, cleans and troubleshoots all equipment; notifies clinicians/supervisor of equipment failure or needed repairs
• Operates and interprets all physiologic patient monitors including EKG, direct and indirect blood pressure, pulse oximeter, capnograph, gas analyzer, temperature and blood gas analyzer
• Performs needed blood tests for PCV/TP, AZO, blood glucose and blood gases
• Performs patient pain assessment with the aid of approved clinical pain scoring chart
• Places venous and arterial catheters, performs intubations, local blocks, epidurals and special procedures
• Restrains and anesthetizes various species: dogs, cats, horses, cattle, birds and exotics, etc.
• Performs treatments and patient care in critical unit (CCU)
• Stocks and maintains adequate supplies of consumables in induction and storage areas of anesthesia section
• Monitors animal health status and records, notifies veterinarian when status changes, and ensures care plans are completed and recorded in the medical record (5%)
• Serves as a point of contact for animal owners and stakeholders providing information and answering questions (5%)
• Documents and disseminates results to the appropriate entities (5%)
• Completes routine laboratory tests and collects specimen according to established medical orders and care plans (5%)
• Maintains organization of and updates records related to medical procedures and billing (5%)
• Prepares, completes, and documents basic technical animal care procedures, assessments, and medication administration according to established care plans and medical necessity (55%)
• Assists with the execution of more complex animal care procedures and affiliated activities (15%)
• Tracks supply inventory levels and places replenishment orders (5%)

Requirements

• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. independently
• Physical and manual dexterity to perform specialized technical tasks
• Proven success with independent decision-making skills
• Ability to clearly and concisely communicate in high-stakes environments

Qualifications

This position is posted at Vet Tech levels 1, 2, and 3. Level and pay are determined by qualifications based on type of prior veterinary tech experience.

• Level 1: Entry level, new CVT grad or some CVT working experience with no specialization.
• Level 2: Generally over 2 years of veterinary tech experience; may substitute years of experience for specialization.
• Level 3: Veterinary Tech Specialist (VTS), or highly qualified and specialized in a specific area; may have prior experience from another university hospital.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) is required. High School Diploma is required.

Pay

The starting hourly rate for the position is $23.00 (negotiable based on experience and qualifications). Night and weekend differentials are as follows:

• $6.00/hour for Monday–Friday shifts after 6:00 pm
• $4.80/hour for daytime shifts on Saturday and Sunday
• $7.80/hour for Saturday and Sunday shifts after 6:00 pm

This position is eligible for a hiring bonus of 3% of base pay (prorated to FTE), paid over the first year of employment.

Benefits

UW Veterinary Care offers:

• Competitive wages (including night and weekend differentials)
• Outstanding employee benefits (details)
• Ample paid time off (details)
• Financial support for continuing education and pursuing specialty certification
• Referral bonuses
• Annual shoe allowance
• Yearly provision of hospital-branded clothing