PCW Veterinary Technician I/II (CARE)

Veterinary Technician I\/II (CARE)<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

The University of Florida Small Animal Hospital is seeking self-motivated and compassionate veterinary technicians to become part of our Progressive Care Ward team. The PCW acts as the stable patient care hub for the entire small animal hospital, ensuring each new day offers an exciting and varied array of patient cases. Our cutting edge facility offers you the opportunity to learn advanced patient care techniques in a supportive learning atmosphere. The PCW is the perfect gateway for new and experienced technicians to become better acquainted with the hospital\u2019s culture and practices. Our technicians work in a fast-paced, teaching-driven environment alongside other experienced veterinary technicians, volunteers, students, and clinicians. Applicants must be a motivated, well-organized, and caring individuals who are knowledgeable and skillful in the nursing care of general and critically ill animal patients.<\/p>

A person in this position must possess excellent communication skills and be proactive in determining the needs of the hospital. A successful applicant should enjoy learning new things and can quickly adapt to a changing environment. They need to possess a good base knowledge of veterinary medicine and express a positive attitude in their daily work. The individual must be able to communicate effectively, demonstrate critical thinking and professionalism.<\/p>

Nursing Care and Clinics<\/strong><\/p>

A key role for this position is to provide excellent nursing care for the hospitalized patients in the small animal hospital progressive care ward. The expectation is that the individual will communicate effectively with services to determine the needs and priorities for the patients under their care. They will bring in the area a positive \u201ccan do\u201d attitude.
As a veterinary technician, providing high quality nursing care is essential for the care of our patients and the success of the service. The person is expected to have excellent basic nursing skills and know when to ask for help or seek guidance. We want staff to promote patient safety and quality care by ensuring each patient is treated as if it was their own cherished pet. Patients should be handled with care with the goal to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress during their visit.
Encourage a positive work environment by being coolheaded\/even-keeled during any situation and maintain a positive attitude. Foster a welcoming environment by addressing people in a warm and cordial manner. Seek out information in regards to patient care versus having information relayed to you. Ensure hospital cleanliness is kept up. The overall aesthetics of the area is a direct reflection on the high quality care we provide so it is important the areas are kept in pristine condition while creating a safe and accident free environment.
Examples of this include but not limited to the following:<\/p>

\u2022 Assist in providing clinical support to the faculty in the delivery and instruction of primary care services for small animals.
\u2022 Demonstrate caring behavior with all patients
\u2022 Proper restraint of patients without injury to patient, self, or others.
\u2022 Able to observe and recognize changes in patient status.
\u2022 Properly perform medical treatments on hospitalized patients, assist with clinical procedures and direct patient care.
\u2022 Ability to perform proficiently the nursing skills for this level
\u2022 Able to perform venipuncture and place IV catheters
\u2022 Ability to perform proficiently the following skills: TPR, CRT, bladder expression, complete physical exam, administer medications,
\u2022 Accurately perform drug calculations, including Continuous rate infusions, and fluid calculations
\u2022 Receive and recover post-anesthetic patients being admitted to the PCW
\u2022 Proficiently collect and record patient vitals via TPRs during the recovery period
\u2022 Provide supportive care throughout the recovery period
\u2022 Communicate clear and concise recovering patient rounds to technicians, students, and clinicians
\u2022 Assist ICU with caseload and basic room maintenance when possible.
\u2022 Visually inspect all patients before discharges
\u2022 Gather all personal belongings for discharge<\/p>

Billing\/medical records<\/strong><\/p>

This position is integral to ensure that patient records are complete and proper communication has occurred with the entire Patient Care team. In order to provide the best patient Care, documentation of patient\u2019s treatment sheets should be accurate and thoroughly depict changes in status or patient events. Part of the medical record includes that all changes are entered in a timely fashion and accurately reflect what happened to the patient.<\/p>

Communication needs to be clear and concise. This is especially important when doing patient hand offs or calling clinicians to give patient updates. Our expectation is that staff will be thorough when relaying information. They are the patient\u2019s advocate and in so must communicate any concerns that have not been addressed to their superior on the shift.<\/p>

Examples of this include but not limited to the following :
\u2022 Complete medical documentation to include treatment sheets, observation sheets, communication sheets, clinicians\u2019 orders, and the medical record
\u2022 Ensure that all charges (including but not limited to radiology, pharmacy, PCW, floor services, etc.) are recorded in an accurate and timely manner in the Hospital Information System
\u2022 Make sure that all paper work is complete (i.e. discharge instructions, op reports, scripts, etc.)
\u2022 Phone Calls
o All calls (internal and external) need to be handled in a professional and welcoming manner
o Ability to triage calls to determine urgency and send to appropriate person.
o Document calls in a clear and concise manner within medical record
o Follow up on lab reports and ensure services are informed of results in a timely fashion<\/p>

Mentoring\/Teaching<\/strong><\/p>

Create a safe and welcoming learning environment that promotes further education and development of staff and students by fostering positivity, respect and trust. Communicate in a warm and friendly manner to all parties of the patient care team and ask frequently; \u201chow can I help?\u201d Promote teamwork within the service and with lateral services to meet the needs of our patients and effectively support team members. Strive to build cohesive relationships among staff, students, and clients by creating a culture of dialogue and inviting thoughts and ideas to discuss. Assist students and other technicians in learning various anesthetic techniques, protocols, and procedures.
Examples of this include but not limited to the following:
\u2022 Assist students in learning various techniques, protocols, and procedures
\u2022 Attend and assist in shift change case rounds
\u2022 Assist with student orientation; handout necessary assignments and familiarize the students to the PCW; familiarize students with forms and procedures
\u2022 Recognize students that may be struggling with either technical skills or concepts and try to assist and encourage them while also informing the faculty so they can assist
\u2022 Assist new technicians and assistants with understanding workflows and developing their nursing process to enable each individual discover the most effective and efficient way to accomplish patient care, student teaching and clinician support.<\/p>

Hospital Cleanliness<\/strong><\/p>

Responsible for uncompromising levels of cleanliness throughout the area while creating a safe and accident free environment. Many cases are post-surgical so post-op infections are a concern. Also, the overall aesthetics of the area is a direct reflection on the high quality care we provide so it is important the areas are kept in pristine condition.
Examples of work include but are not limited to the following:
\u2022 Responsible for cleaning and upkeep of rooms
\u2022 Wipe down common areas on a regular basis throughout the shift
\u2022 Empty trash cans and laundry daily
\u2022 Practice appropriate infection control by managing biohazardous patient care items and lab specimens appropriately
\u2022 Maintain and keep all work and break areas cleaned and organized.
\u2022 Maintain equipment within room and report broken or malfunctioning equipment to the appropriate manager
\u2022 Check drugs and supplies for expiration date and stock supplies when needed.
\u2022 Submit work orders as needed to the appropriate hospital personnel and notify the manager of the submission
\u2022 Ensure cages and runs including drains, grates, and doors are cleaned every day and as needed.
\u2022 Sweep and mop floors
\u2022 Disinfect and clean equipment
\u2022 Take out recyclables
\u2022 Assist with processing laundry, as needed<\/p>

Continuing Education<\/strong><\/p>

It is important the individual continue to increase and develop their knowledge and skills. As an AAHA accredited practice, it is necessary to ensure staff have obtained the required hours of CE. To be successful the individual should take an active role in continuing their education in the field of veterinary technology.<\/p>

The following is required for the position:
\u2022 Obtain at least 10 CE credits yearly pertaining to emergency medicine and critical care
\u2022 Attend at least 9\/12 ECC meetings
\u2022 Attend majority of PCW staff meetings
\u2022 Must obtain a minimum of 10 hours documented CE in the field of Veterinary Medicine each year
\u2022 Attend in-service training sessions directed by the manager
\u2022 Complete required training such as compliance, FERPA, HIPPA, etc as directed by administration
\u2022 Complete one patient Quality and Safety rounds report each year and present at staff meeting<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

$16.50 - $20 per hour, pay based on certification and experience.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Veterinary Technician I: High school diploma or equivalent and two years of veterinary experience or one year of veterinary experience and currently enrolled in a veterinary technician program or a graduate of a veterinary technician program.<\/p>

Veterinary Technician II: Credentialed veterinary technician and four years of veterinary experience.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Credentialed veterinary technician (CVT\/LVT\/RVT) preferred<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

This position is eligible for veteran\u2019s preference. If you are claiming veteran\u2019s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page<\/a> for more specific information.<\/p>

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.<\/p>

This is a CARE position offering limited benefits, including health insurance and paid time off. <\/p>

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.<\/p>

This position has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply.<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

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