Duties & Responsibilities

• Learn to prepare patient for surgery ◦ Assist with restraint and transport of patient into surgery ◦ Position patient on surgical table according to standard operating procedures or specific veterinarian instruction (Learn all surgical positions and associated terminologies) ◦ Prepare patient for surgery (e.g., scrub surgical site for aseptic surgery, insert IV catheter, etc.) ◦ Clip patient according to standard procedure or specific clinician instructions regarding surgery site ◦ Administer medications, fluids, etc. under the direction of the veterinarian
• Learn to prepare surgical suite, instruments and equipment for aseptic surgery
  ◦ Open and handle sterile surgical instruments onto an aseptic field according to aseptic technique.
  ◦ Operate, clean and perform routine maintenance on surgical equipment according to aseptic technique
  ◦ Sterilize and wrap surgical instruments using different sterilization techniques, such as gas, autoclave, and plasma
• Learn to provide standard paramedical technical and nursing assistance during surgical procedures
  ◦ Provide surgeon with surgical instruments by name and function
  ◦ Respond to requests by clinicians for paramedical technical assistance
  ◦ Learn to utilize and monitor highly specialized surgical instruments and equipment
  ◦ Provide intro-operative radiographic procedures as necessary
• Learn to provide post-surgery duties
  ◦ Assist with transport of patient from surgical suite
  ◦ Monitor patient, record vitals and recognize, report and learn appropriate response to emergency conditions
  ◦ Apply bandages and administer medications and fluids as by veterinarian
  ◦ Dispose of sharps properly and collect opened instruments for sterilization
  ◦ Clean surgical suite and equipment according to aseptic technique
  ◦ Assist veterinary staff and students assigned to the section with their treatments of surgical patients
• Other service duties
  ◦ Prepare tissue and other specimen for submission for analysis
  ◦ Assist with maintaining surgical and drug supplies
  ◦ Enter procedures and charges into the Health Information System
  ◦ Assist with maintaining surgical log
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Physical Demands

Minimum Qualifications

1. Successful completion or current enrollment in the final semester of a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Note: Illinois Veterinary Technician Certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire and maintained throughout employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Illinois Veterinary Technician Certification must be maintained throughout employment.
• Familiar with federal regulations and university and hospital polices regarding the use and handling of controlled substances.
• Skill in the operation of surgical, laboratory and diagnostic equipment.
• Able to adapt to new technologies, procedures and equipment.
• Demonstrate adherence to strict protocols.
• Able to instruct veterinary medical/technician students in patient care protocol and procedures and in the use of equipment or instrumentation.
• Able to recognize abnormalities in vital signs of patients, assess charges observed, and take necessary action in the absence of a veterinarian.
• Able to operate on the clinical floor and anticipate needs and directions of staff and students regarding patients and methods of care.
• Able to observe, record, compile and assimilate data.
• Able to explain terminology used in veterinary medicine.
• Knowledge related to the care and handling of anesthetic waste gases will be taught.
• Able to multi-task, pay close attention to details and work calmly and professionally under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Courteous and polite.