Progressive Care Ward Veterinary Technician I/II (CARE)

Classification Title:

Progressive Care Ward Veterinary Technician I/II (CARE)

Job Description:

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’s 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.
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. Individual is considered essential personnel and part of the Emergency response team which may include reporting to work during Main Campus closures.
Available Shifts:
This area needs coverage 24 hours/7 days a week. We are currently seeking to fill open weekend overnight positions. Shifts are 3 days per week working 13-hour shifts. The individual's schedule may change, with a 2-week notice, to accommodate staffing and caseload needs. This position is required to cover assigned holidays throughout the year.”
Nursing Care and Clinics
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 “can do” 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 cool headed/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:
• Assist in providing clinical support to the faculty in the delivery and instruction of primary care services for small animals.
• Demonstrate caring behavior with all patients
• Proper restraint of patients without injury to patient, self, or others.
• Able to observe and recognize changes in patient status.
• Properly perform medical treatments on hospitalized patients, assist with clinical procedures and direct patient care.
• Ability to perform proficiently the nursing skills for this level
• Able to perform venipuncture and place IV catheters
• Ability to perform proficiently the following skills: TPR, CRT, bladder expression, complete physical exam, administer medications,
• Accurately perform drug calculations, including Continuous rate infusions, and fluid calculations
• Receive and recover post-anesthetic patients being admitted to the PCW
• Proficiently collect and record patient vitals via TPRs during the recovery period
• Provide supportive care throughout the recovery period
• Communicate clear and concise recovering patient rounds to technicians, students, and clinicians
• Assist ICU with caseload and basic room maintenance when possible.
• Visually inspect all patients before discharges
• Gather all personal belongings for discharge
Billing/medical records
This position is integral to ensure that patient records are complete and proper communication has occurred