Surgical Technician, Veterinary Medical Centre

Surgical Technician, Veterinary Medical Centre

Primary

Purpose:

This position is designed to provide technical assistance in the Small and Large Animal Surgery Service.

Nature of Work: Reporting to Health Services Manager, the technician provides compassionate, quality patient care in the operating room (OR) consistent with the general philosophy and objectives of the VMC. Animal handling and manipulations are a constant part of the position. This position works in an animal facility with small (canine, feline, avian and some exotics) and large animals (bovine, equine, caprine, ovine, llamas, porcine) which exposes the employee to animal dander, waste, feed and unpredictability.

It requires a substantial amount of lifting, moving and cleaning of equipment/workspaces. Subject to some unpleasant odors, dress code, and traffic pattern restrictions.

Typical Duties: Provides patient care consistent with hospital policy and procedure; assists with instruction and demonstration of technical skills to undergraduate vet students and vet technology program students in labs and lectures; monitors clinicians, residents, interns and support staff with respect to OR aseptic technique; in consultation with the Nursing Care Manager, updates lab directions/instructions and manuals as necessary; and maintenance of equipment, facilities, and supplies.

The technician will be required to cover for the Surgery Nurse position and float to other areas of the hospital when the surgery service demands are down.

Qualifications

Education: Graduate of a recognized two-year veterinary technology program and registered or eligible for registration with the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association (SVMA) and the Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT).

Experience: A minimum three years of direct surgery experience with a thorough working knowledge of OR aseptic technique. Experience in both large and small animal surgery required ie. exotics, canine, feline, equine, bovine, caprine, ovine, porcine, and some exotics (Llamas, ostrich, deer and elk). Demonstrated experience with directing and evaluating the work of others.

While applicants who meet the qualifications of a CUPE 1975 Phase 5 listed above will be given priority, we may also consider applicants who are not fully qualified but show an interest in learning and developing their skills. Successful applicants who do not meet our full qualifications may be offered the position at a lower classification (CUPE 1975 Phase 4 or CUPE 1975 Phase
3) and therefore a lower pay rate. We will provide training, support, and an opportunity to move to the fully qualified level.

Skills: Proficient technical skills demonstrated in the various fields mentioned above, effective interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written); ability to adapt to and work in a dynamic work environment maintaining a professional and positive demeanor; demonstrated effective organizational and time management skills; ability to effectively work independently as well as part of a team; ability to evaluate the work of others;

ability to anticipate potential needs/problems and deal with them accordingly; ability to make sound decisions based on objective judgment within the framework of hospital policy; demonstrated effective organizational and time management skills; and ability to perform heavy physical labour with restraint/care of animals and equipment.

A CUPE 1975 Phase 4 RVT will be under the supervision of a senior RVT, possess the education qualifications listed above, have 2 – 3 years direct experience in a veterinary practice or other veterinary college, and be able to competently perform basic and introductory duties independently. The salary range is CAD $ - $ per hour.

A CUPE 1975 Phase 3 RVT will be under the direct supervision of a senior RVT, possess the education qualifications listed above, have less than 2 years direct experience in a veterinary practice or other veterinary college (new grads welcome!), and be able to perform basic skills and duties that were achieved as a result of graduating from a recognized Veterinary Technology Program.

The salary range is CAD $ - $ per hour.