Registered Veterinary Technician Jobs in Louisiana

Ready to put your degree and RVT certification to work in a fun, collaborative environment? White Oak Animal Hospital is looking for 1-2 Registered Veterinary Technicians to care for our patients and their people like family.

Attendance is KEY for this position. Reliability/dependability is a MUST.

SHIFTS:
7am to 5:30pm M-F (partial or full days, usually a 4day/10hr schedule w/ 1 day off during week)
7am to 12pm Rotating Saturday shifts
35-40 hours per week

Pay based on experience.

Education Requirement: Associates degree in veterinary technology AND Certification as a Veterinary Technician in the State of Louisiana

POSITION SUMMARY

The Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) works hand-in-hand with veterinarians to ensure quality patient care, and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work. The RVT assists in multiple procedures providing care for animals including physical examinations, dental procedures, surgeries, immunizations, euthanasia as well as client education.

RVTs may also see their own appointments for procedures such as suture removal, nail trim, vaccine administration when a doctor exam is not required, labwork, surgery admission and discharge, and boarding entrance exams. This position requires a working knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases; their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventative health care recommendations.

This is an overview of the position and the job responsibilities listed do not encompass the entire position. The RVT is under the direct guidance and supervision of the Lead RVT (if one is designated) and Veterinarians.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical: 70%

• Assist veterinarians with veterinary medicine and surgery in any appropriate capacity
• Obtain and record patient histories, vital signs, and weights
• Perform in-hospital lab testing and prepare specimens for reference labs
• Dispense and administer medications, vaccines, serums and treatments as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Administer fluids as prescribed by the veterinarian; use and maintain IV pumps.
• Administer and monitor anesthesia under the direction of a veterinarian.
• Provide specialized nursing care for injured or ill animals.
• Prepare patients, instruments and equipment for surgery; clean, maintain and sterilize instruments, equipment, and materials.
• Assure that monitoring and support equipment such as anesthetic machines, cardiac monitors, scopes and breathing apparatus are in good working condition.
• Communicate with and educate owners in a compassionate, tactful, professional manner
• Take radiographs – processes rads, demonstrates proper positioning techniques
• Maintain knowledge of preventative healthcare recommendations in order to answer client questions, provide education on vaccines, flea and heartworm products, and assist in marketing veterinary services from which their pet would benefit, such as a dental cleaning, senior wellness, spay and neuter procedures, and boarding.
• Educate clients on products and medications sold including dietary products and answer questions regarding product purchase/use.
• Perform client callbacks
• Assist kennel staff when needed
• Maintain legally defensible medical records in cooperation with veterinarians
• Maintain inventory of pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies
• Work well with all team members and ensure that your actions support the hospital, the doctors, and the practice philosophy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Technical - Lab:

• Collect specimens and perform routine laboratory procedures and tests in hematology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, and serology to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health problems
• Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures using a range of high-tech diagnostic equipment including radiographic and ultrasonographic equipment.
• Report diagnostic testing to veterinarians
• Maintain quality controls and record keeping on in-house lab equipment
• Complete proper sample preparation and paperwork for reference lab tests
• Fill prescriptions per veterinarians’ instructions; double-check for accuracy; have another employee sign (two signatures on each prescription that leaves our hospital)

Technical - Surgery

• Admit patients scheduled for anesthetic procedures
• Keep surgical materials stocked; prepare gown and surgical packs or oversee this process
• Check oxygen lines and waste gas scavenger system; turn off scavenger system after surgical procedures are completed
• Prepare surgery suite for surgery in collaboration with surgery assistant
• Prepare instruments; know type of surgical instruments required for specific surgeries
• Perform induction/intubation and all pre-anesthetic procedures, including patient prep
• Monitor patients post-operatively
• Clean surgery suite and instruments following hospital sterilization protocols
• Keep accurate anesthesia/surgical medical records
• Accurately calculate and record all medications and injections administered
• Recover patients and do not leave side until extubated/fully recovered.
• Ensure all surgery patients go home well-groomed and in an appropriate medical state

Technical - Dentistry

• Clean, scale, and polish teeth using dental equipment and hand instruments
• Record dental problems in record and report to veterinarian
• Assist veterinarians with performing oral extractions or other dental procedures
• Take before & after photos to be sent to client
• Take dental radiographs for each tooth on each patient

Technical - Medical Records

• Update medical records as needed
• Communicate with doctors and technicians through notations in medical records
• Record necessary (highlighted) information for hospitalized patients
• Create estimates/treatment plans and communicate them effectively and thoroughly, with confidence, to clients

Housekeeping Duties: 9%

• Maintain cleanliness of exam rooms, surgery suite, treatment area; all surfaces
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and longevity by vacuuming pet hair from wheels and equipment
• Discard syringes, vials, containers in appropriate containers

Administrative Duties: 20% Inventory

• Log controlled drugs
• Assist with inventory physical count
• Unpack deliveries, reconcile against packing slip, restock supplies
• Assist Receptionists when they need help
• Attend staff and department meetings

Professional Growth Duties: 1%

• Attend continuing education for technicians, minimum of 10 hours annually

REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND KNOWLEDGE

Education

• Associate’s degree in applied science veterinary technology
• Current Registered Veterinary Technician's License

Ability to:

• Work independently on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.
• Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Assist veterinarians in the practice of medicine and surgery
• Remain calm in the face of various types of pressure, not allowing emotions to overwhelm attitude and/or performance
• Practice strong client skills, especially verbal and written communication
• Foster positive work environment for colleagues
• Treat clients, coworkers, managers, visitors, and doctor-owners with respect.
• Practice teamwork, proper time management
• Wear proper work attire as stated in the employee manual.

Knowledge of:

• Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Pocedures used for receiving, treating, and scheduling patients, for ordering medical supplies, and requesting laboratory tests.
• Use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, and equipment.
• Sterilization techniques to sterilize various instruments and materials.
• Instruments, materials, and standardized procedures used in the full variety of treatments to make preparations and provide “tableside” assistance.
• Principles and processes for providing client and personal services. This includes client needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of client satisfaction.
• Hospital’s policies and procedures outlined the employee handbook, as well as those that are implied within reasonable expectation.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Continuing education credits
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Uniform allowance
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Baton Rouge, LA 70816 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Baton Rouge, LA 70816: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person