Registered Veterinary Technologist, RVT

Department: Anesthesia

Location: Calgary, AB

Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre is welcoming a full-time RVT to join our Anesthesia team.

This position provides an opportunity to work with an anesthesiologist, top board-certified specialists, and the ability to learn about cutting-edge veterinary medicine.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, team-oriented, motivated individual who will be inspired to work with a highly varied, exciting and unique caseload. Our experienced technicians are prepared to support you as you train and adapt to specialty practice.

You will have the opportunity to be involved in specialist-level procedures using state-of-the-art equipment and to develop your skills in veterinary anesthesia.

Schedule:  Anaesthesia technicians typically work four weekdays per week and are on the after-hours on-call service.

Our success lies in our willingness to help each other achieve great patient outcomes; however, with specialty medicine comes the unpredictability of working in a setting where the day’s schedule can change at a moment’s notice.

Qualifications:

• Registered veterinary technologist in Alberta

• Preference given for a minimum tof wo years of experience as an RVT, ideally in an emergency or referral setting however not a limiting factor with the role.

• Experience in providing general anesthesia in dogs and cats (varying ages and breeds) for surgical procedures, minor procedures or endoscopic procedures.

• Experience using common monitoring equipment and the strengths and limitations of each type of monitoring (e.g. pulse oximetry, electrocardiography, capnography, blood pressure monitoring).

• Experience working with commonly used sedation, induction, inhalant and injectable anesthetic and analgesic medications, including indications and contra-indications of each.

• Proficient in calculations (drugs, constant rate infusions, unit conversions, etc.)

• Thorough working knowledge of aseptic technique as it relates to patient preparation and preparation of the operating theatre

• Exceptional time-management skills, critical thinking and efficiency in a fast-paced environment

• Consistently safe and effective patient handling skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Commitment to continuing education in anesthesia and analgesia, preferably with prior examples.

• Appreciation of own strengths and limitations, willingness to accept direction and feedback from more experienced RVTs and veterinarians.

Responsibilities

• Work in a busy, fast-paced, specialty hospital environment, planning, organizing and managing the daily flow of services.

• Collaborate and communicate effectively with veterinary specialists, interns, RVTs and technician assistants to provide the very best in anesthetic care for patients.

• Assist surgery technicians with patient handling, patient preparation and recovery.

• Participate in a rotating after-hours on-call schedule to provide general anesthesia to patients requiring urgent or emergency procedures during nights and weekends.

• Prepare the anesthetic equipment and operating theatres for surgery.

• Perform pre-anesthetic patient evaluations and determine ASA score for each patient. Assist in obtaining pre-operative diagnostics, e.g. radiographs, bloodwork, CT scan.

• Provide analgesia, sedation, general anesthesia and local/regional nerve blocks to patients undergoing surgical, endoscopic, imaging or biopsy procedures.

• Monitor patients under sedation or general anesthesia and make adjustments to protocols as necessary to ensure patient comfort and safety.

• Under the direction of specialist veterinarians, develop and implement post-operative care and analgesia plans and implement these within the intensive care unit. Supervise anesthetic recovery and transfer case notes to ICU RVTs.

• Assist in preparing laboratory samples to be shipped for testing to external laboratories.

• Maintain meticulous records of anesthetic monitoring, anesthetic and controlled drugs.

• Supervise and teach technician assistants and technician practicum students.

What VCA Canada Offers

Join our team and you will make a huge difference in the lives of pets and their families! With an extensive network of hospitals across Canada, each location offers a diverse experience, a local community feel, and a caring