Job no: 518424
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Agriculture/Life Science/Vet Medicine, Veteran's Preference Eligible
Department:28311001 - VM-ICU AND PCW SERVICES

Classification Title:

Veterinary Technician I (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 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. Incumbents must be motivated, well-organized, and caring individuals who are knowledgeable and skillful in the nursing care of general and critically ill animal patients.

A successful applicant should enjoy learning new things and can quickly adapt to a changing environment. They must possess a good base knowledge of veterinary medicine and express a positive attitude in their daily work. A person in this position must employ excellent communication skills and be proactive in determining the needs of the hospital. The individual must be able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form, and demonstrate critical thinking and professionalism.

This is a full-time benefited position and requires a post-offer health assessment and criminal background check

Nursing Care
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 focus of nursing care is to deliver high quality patient care by assisting the veterinarians and students in an efficient, timely, and professional manner. The expectation is that the individual will communicate effectively with the service to determine the needs and priorities for the day, displaying a positive and proactive attitude while also knowing when to ask for help or guidance when needed. Patients should be handled compassionately with the goal to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress during their visit.

Client Services
It is integral that patient records are complete and proper communication has occurred with the entire patient care team. In order to provide the best patient care, documentation of patient’s treatment records should be accurate and thoroughly depict changes in status or patient events. This also requires that all changes are entered in a timely fashion and accurately reflect what happened to the patient.

Communication must be clear and concise. This is especially important when performing patient hand offs or calling clinicians to provide updates. The expectation is staff will be thorough when relaying information. This position acts as an advocate for their patients, and thus must communicate any concerns that have not been addressed to their superior on the shift. Staff also ensure the patient is presentable to the owner upon discharge.

Teaching and Mentoring

The focus of teaching and mentoring is to provide an opportunity for others to learn by creating a safe and welcoming environment and building cohesive relationships amongst all individuals. Promoting further education and development is achieved by fostering teamwork, positivity, respect, and trust along with creating a culture of constructive dialogue by inviting thoughts and new ideas for discussion. Veterinary students, technician interns, shadowing technician students, assistants, and volunteers are all examples of individuals that can benefit from teaching and mentoring efforts. Delivery methods include oral, written, and digital platforms.
Hospital Cleanliness

The focus of hospital cleanliness is to provide an uncompromising level of cleanliness throughout the facilities while creating a safe and accident-free environment. This will ensure the ability to maintain a productive, organized service in preparation to attend to clients and patients as well as preventing infection and cross contamination. The overall aesthetics of the hospital is a direct reflection on the high-quality care we provide so it is important the areas are kept in pristine condition. Areas to maintain include designated department/service treatment rooms and exams rooms along with communal areas when needed.

Professional Development & Continuing Education

The focus of professional development & continuing education is to ensure an individual continues to increase and develop their knowledge and skills. To be successful an individual should take an active role in continuing their education, especially in the field of veterinary technology.

Advertised Salary:

$16.00 - $19.50 per hour

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of veterinary experience or one year of veterinary experience and currently enrolled in a veterinary technician program or a graduate of a veterinary technician program.

Preferred Qualifications:

Graduate from an accredited American Veterinary Medical Association program for veterinary technology 

OR 

Credentialed veterinary technician

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please provide Resume, Cover Letter, References and Proof of credentials (if applicable)

This is a CARE position offering limited benefits, including health insurance and paid time off.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This position is eligible for veteran’s preference. If you are claiming veteran’s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.

This position has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply.

Health Assessment Required:

Yes

Must be able to lift a minimum of fifty pounds, bend, kneel, pull, push, twist and stand for extended periods of time.

Advertised: 13 Dec 2021 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 04 Jan 2022 Eastern Standard Time