Position Overview
The purpose of this position is to assist the ophthalmology veterinarian with patient appointments, rechecks, diagnostics, and surgical procedures, including anesthesia monitoring. This position requires attention to detail, strong technical skills, and the ability to work in both clinical and surgical settings. Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste, anesthesia gases, and contagious diseases.
Reporting Structure
Directly reports to the Technician Supervisor and works alongside the ophthalmology veterinarian(s). Periodically receives direction from the Lead Technician, Specialty Technicians, Operations Manager, Practice Manager, and veterinarians. On days when the ophthalmology service is closed, may assist Emergency or other surgical services as directed.
Primary Responsibilities
Patient Care
- Assists the ophthalmology veterinarian during appointments and recheck examinations.
- Prepares patients for ophthalmic diagnostics and procedures.
- Induces, monitors, and recovers patients under anesthesia for surgical cases.
- Scrubs in and assists with ophthalmic surgical procedures as needed.
- Monitors patients closely during anesthesia and recovery and reports abnormalities to the veterinarian.
- Provides routine patient care, including cleaning, administering medications, and ensuring patient comfort.
- Assists in Emergency or other surgical procedures on days when the ophthalmology service is closed, as needed.
Medical Records
- Completes and maintains accurate medical records, anesthesia logs, and surgical documentation.
- Ensures all treatments, procedures, and charges are accurately recorded.
- Assists veterinarians with completing medical and surgical templates as required.
Diagnostics
- Assists with ophthalmic diagnostics as directed by the veterinarian.
- Assists veterinarians or other staff members with additional diagnostic procedures when needed.
Equipment and Facility Maintenance
- Prepares surgical suites and gathers all necessary instruments and equipment for procedures.
- Cleans, packages, and sterilizes surgical packs and instruments according to hospital
protocols. - Reviews sterilization dates and re-sterilizes equipment as needed.
- Maintains anesthesia machines, monitoring equipment, ventilators, and surgical supplies.
- Maintains inventory of ophthalmic and surgical supplies and requests replacements when necessary.
- Thoroughly cleans and maintains treatment, surgery, and work areas.
Personal Conduct
- Adheres to all hospital policies, standards, and procedures, including uniforms, grooming, attendance, and workplace conduct.
- Serves as a representative of the hospital by displaying courtesy, professionalism, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and team members.
- Demonstrates initiative by assisting other departments and team members during downtime.
- Adheres to posted work schedules and follows hospital policies for reporting lateness or absences.
- Organizes work area and manages time effectively to maximize efficiency.
- Maintains professionalism and composure while prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Additional Duties
- Attends departmental and staff meetings as required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Current RVT license.
- Minimum of one year of experience in veterinary practice or specialty setting preferred.
- Strong understanding of anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery.
- Preferred experience with mechanical ventilator use and familiarity with paralytic anesthetic agents.
- Ability to properly restrain patients safely and humanely.
- Knowledge of commonly used veterinary terminology and procedures.
- Ability to complete assigned tasks independently and within allotted time frames.
- Demonstrated compassion for patients and empathy toward clients.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Commitment to outstanding patient care and client service.
- Ability to lift objects weighing up to 40 pounds without assistance and heavier objects with assistance.
- Ability to remain on task and work efficiently for the duration of scheduled shifts, which may occasionally exceed standard hours.
If you’re interested in joining the COVE Pet Care team and meet the qualifications, we encourage you to complete THIS FORM and upload your resume. A member of our team will carefully review your information and reach out soon to discuss next steps.
