Animal Emergency & Referral Associates

Job Description

Department: Veterinary Nursing Department

Job title: Veterinary Specialty Nurse- Anesthesia

Reports to: Nursing Manager: Suzanne Ratti & Nursing Supervisors: Chris Werner, Shannon Bradley, Jamie Serrano

Level/Grade: Level 2 and 3

Type of position:

x Full-time

o Part-time

o Intern

Hours: M-F 8a-6p

General Description:

The purpose of the position is to provide primary support to the Specialist with all diagnostics, treatments, and procedures, while ensuring the best quality of care possible for our patients. The Veterinary Nurse must pay attention to detail and maintain very high standards of cleanliness and care.  The Veterinary Nurse must be able to communicate well with the doctor and coworkers to ensure overall accuracy and satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

·                     To provide support to the Specialist with incoming consultations and procedures, including but not limited to:

·                     Practice “Fear Free” standards and protocols

·                     Understand the organization and operations of the department

·                     Ability to manage the daily OR schedule timely and efficiently  

·                     Responsible for reviewing patient history, lab work, and radiographs to identify concerns, determine ASA status,    

·                     ensure completion of necessary diagnostic, and outline anesthetic and surgical drug plan

·                     Calculate and prepare anesthetic, surgical, and emergency drugs, IVF, and CRIs

·                     Ensure the completion of anesthesia check lists

·                     Induce anesthesia, manage anesthetic plane, and maintain homeostasis

·                     Ability to be proactive in preventing anesthetic or homeostatic issues, and intervene appropriately when issues arise

·                     Have knowledge and understanding of each specific surgical case, set-up, and potential procedural complications

·                     Ability to prepare for, prevent, and handle any patient specific complication that may arise

·                     Review post-operative treatment plan and prepare treatment sheets to reflect the highest standard of care

·                     Outline the post-operative analgesic plan, including TGH medications

·                     Complete post-operative diagnostics and other orders

·                     Recover each patient smoothly with the ability to intervene if delirium, dysphoria, and/or pain is displayed

·                     Ability to properly asses pain, assign pain score, and treat pain if present

·                     Provide basic client education on nutrition, home care, zoonotic diseases, medication administration, post-operative  

             care, and all other hospital recommendations/protocols, as directed by the Specialist

·                     Re-stock and maintain cleanliness of specialty department area, exam rooms, and all other areas of hospital

·                     Train less experienced staff members on proper policies, procedures, technical skills, and medical information

·                     Cross-train to assist in other areas of the hospital as needed

Work Experience/Other Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years experience
• Ability to perform all key responsibilities of Technician Assistant
• Knowledge of safety procedures and acceptable sanitation/sterilization practices
• Comprehension of commonly used medical terminology and equipment
• Ability to calculate accurate dosages and injections
• Familiarity with CPR and rescue breathing
• Ability to take direction from a variety of people under various situations and accurately follow instructions
• Capability of anticipating needs of Doctors and Nurses and show initiative
• Ability to react quickly and appropriately during emergency situations, and remain calm under pressure
• Excellent communication/people skills
• Good grooming and hygiene

·         Must have team-oriented attitude and promote positive culture

• Considerable tact and diplomacy in dealing with clients affected by a variety of problems
• Ability to work with and without direct supervision
• Capability to kneel, bend, and to lift various sizes of animals onto treatment tables, without assistance at times (< 50 lbs)

Education Requirements

·            High school diploma or GED

·            Bachelors and/or Technician Certification preferred

NOTE: This job description is not to be all-inclusive.  Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated or assigned to meet the going needs of the organization.