Veterinary Technician - Surgery

About the role

National Veterinary Associates (NVA) and Ethos Veterinary Health together operate approximately 1,400 premier general practice veterinary hospitals alongside equine hospitals and pet resorts, plus 145 world-class specialty and emergency hospitals. Both organizations are rooted in a culture of compassion and innovation, ensuring broad access to high-quality care and the advancement of cutting-edge medicine to extend and improve the lives of pets.

The Veterinary Technician is an invaluable member of the hospital team. Working directly with the Veterinarian, the Veterinary Technician supports medical staff to ensure quality patient care at all times. They also ensure the safety of clients, pets, and other staff, tend to the everyday needs of pets in the hospital, and contribute to maintaining a neat and clean hospital facility.

Responsibilities

• Provides compassionate care for pets
• Communicates professionally and effectively with clients, focusing on excellent client service
• Communicates professionally and effectively with all members of the team
• Works collaboratively with veterinarians and team to help maintain the flow of pets
• Assists the veterinarian during examinations, providing restraint as needed to work safely and effectively
• Safely assists in obtaining radiographic images
• Prepares and administers medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian
• Cleans and sterilizes instruments, equipment, and materials
• Provides the veterinarian with the correct equipment and instruments as needed
• Prepares patients for surgery, performing tasks such as shaving surgical areas and placing IV catheters
• Performs routine dental cleanings on patients under the direction of the veterinarian
• Administers anesthesia to patients under the direction of the veterinarian and monitors patient responses to anesthetics to ensure safe levels
• Cares for and monitors the condition of patients recovering from surgery
• Safely obtains radiographs of pets with knowledge of proper positioning and techniques
• Collects, prepares, and labels samples for laboratory testing, culture, or microscopic examination to assist in diagnosis and treatment
• Fills prescriptions, measuring medications and labeling containers
• Maintains clean examination rooms and treatment areas
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Licensed in the State of Tennessee
• At least 1 year of experience as a Veterinary Technician
• Commitment to ongoing educational development and growth
• Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds and walk dogs of up to 130 pounds
• Ability to multitask efficiently, and work well individually and within a team
• Ability to effectively handle and control aggressive animals
• Must be able to handle the physical and emotional aspects of work in a veterinary clinic environment, including euthanasia
• Active listening, critical thinking, complex problem solving, time management, judgment, and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Models a professional and courteous manner with all staff and clients

Physical and Environmental Factors

• Inside a veterinary practice that mainly sees dogs and cats
• May assist with bringing animals to the back for treatment or bringing them out to clients
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to bend and turn