DescriptionPosition at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital Veterinary Technician/Veterinary Assistant Lead Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital Snohomish, WA More than a word, care is present in everything you do. At Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital, a Thrive Pet Healthcare partner, we take action to empower your best care for pets, their families, and yourself.
We are a community of 400 clinics forming an extraordinary network of unparalleled resources and people. Through outstanding learning and career options, comprehensive benefits, and abundant support, you'll be nurtured and appreciated for who you are and what you bring to the table. We come together in both the joys and heartaches of our profession to lift each other up through laughter and empathy.
And, we have plenty of fun along the way! Who we are: At Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital, we offer primary care and 24/7 emergency services for dogs, cats, horses, and some small ruminants. We are a large multi-departmental hospital with 20 Doctors and 85 Support Staff Members. Our integrative medicine department provides rehabilitation services for small animals and acupuncture and chiropractic for both large and small animals. We also serve as the primary specialty referral center for horses in the region with both board-certified internal medicine and surgery specialists. We are proud to be AAHA certified.
Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital has been serving Snohomish and surrounding areas since 1963, offering extensive resources to the veterinary community of the Pacific Northwest.
Job Purpose: Veterinary Technician / Assistant Lead possesses level 2 skills, duties, and knowledge base, plus additional clinical and communication expertise, with the focus of advancing your skills and knowledge base. The Lead serves as a part of the leadership team and builds on management proficiencies and skills. The Lead implements the scheduling of the nursing operations team and efficiently directs workflow, in addition to performing level 2 duties. The Lead collaborates with the veterinary medical healthcare team to deliver optimum patient care and excellent client experience.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Clinical Skills Proficient in safe, minimal-stress patient handling and restraint, including fear-free techniques.Expertise in patient care including:Patient assessment procedures, including history and physical examAdminister prescribed treatment and medications, including all modes of administration techniquesAdvanced placement and maintenance of peripheral IV catheters; management of IV fluid therapyObserve, assess, monitor, and report symptoms and condition of patientsProvide proficient and advanced nursing care including ensuring patient comfort, cleanliness, nutrition, and thermoregulation, including care of recumbent patientsAdvanced knowledge and skills for pain assessment and managementSet up for and assist with proceduresAdvanced knowledge of administration and monitor sedation and anesthetic proceduresAdvanced knowledge in diagnostic specimen collection and processing, operation, and troubleshooting of hospital lab equipmentAdvanced skill in venipunctureProficient navigation of PIMSAdvanced proficiency in pharmacy skills: medication dose calculation, fill and label prescriptionsReconstitute/dilute drugsControlled substance documentationAdvanced knowledge of all surgical procedures and recovery proceduresProficient in aseptic and sterile techniqueConsistently make useful recommendations relevant to patient needs and treatmentProvide leadership in emergency situationsAdvanced knowledge and skill with diagnostic imaging including:Safely obtain diagnostic radiographs using proper technique and positioning, including extremities, spine, special orthopedic, and contrast studiesProficient operation of ultrasound machine, identify structures and presence/absence of fluid; protect probeAdvanced operation of and care for endoscope and other diagnostic equipmentAdvance knowledge and skill in training and education of all team membersManagement: Ensure appropriate standards of patient care and client service are maintainedPrepare and manage the schedules for the veterinary medical support teamEnsure training and onboarding of veterinary medical support teamOversee KPIs and performance evaluation for veterinary medical support teamConduct GROW sessions with support teamEnsure efficient and effective workflow, coordinate with other hospital departmentsDevelop goals, objectives, and deadlines for the team and clearly communicate to the team and ensure others know their role in achieving themWork with leadership team to achieve budget targets and goalsMentor and engage veterinary medical team to ensure productivity and high morale, foster professional development and personal growthRepresent the veterinary medical support team on the leadership teamLead in a manner that promotes strong employee satisfaction and retentionResolve routine personnel issues and problems and provide guidance in resolving interpersonal conflictModel and mentor professionalism and accountabilityFoster a positive, collaborative working environment and build team rapportHandle client complaintsIdentify opportunities to improve revenue, client retention/satisfactionOversee Department cleanliness and organization; equipment maintenance/repair; medical inventory managementIdentify medical or employment issues to leadership as neededMedical Knowledge: Advanced knowledge in medical terminology and abbreviations, verbal and writtenAdvanced knowledge in anatomy and physiology of all major body systemsThorough knowledge of disease processes, typical signs and symptoms, diagnostics, and recommended treatmentThorough knowledge of preventative and medication, including indications, contraindications, interactions, MOAs, fluid therapy principles; knowledge of sedatives, anesthetic, and reversal agentsProficient clinical correlation of abnormal lab results with disease processesProficient and advanced critical thinking skillsAdvanced knowledge of animal behaviorAdvanced knowledge in medical math and calculationsCommunication Skills: Clear, effective, and timely communication of patient information and/or status with members of the healthcare teamCommunicate and coordinate with clients and other veterinary practice team to obtain relevant patient recordObserve patient/client privacy, including all social media networksAdvanced client communication and education:Explain procedures and recommendations including wellness and preventative care illness or emergency carePresent diagnostic and treatment plans/recommendations and clearly convey service valueObtain consent for diagnostics and treatment planExplain procedures to clients; overview DVM's recommendations, diagnosis, and prognosisPresent treatment plans and clearly convey service valueProvide follow-up communication with client on general patient progressModel and mentor exceptional team communication skills, leadershipMaintain healthy working relationships, through open communication, conflict competence and emotional intelligenceQualifications: 1-2 years experience working as a veterinary technician / assistantPossess Level 2 skills, duties, and knowledge basePreferred: prior experience as a lead / supervisor, in a management positionAvailability to work all shifts, including weekendsAbility to meet essential job function attributes including:Ability to routinely lift 40+ pounds; ³ 50 pounds with assistanceFrequent / extended standing, kneeling, bending, crouching, reaching - often in awkward positionsExposure to all types of hazard situations/chemicals, including chemotherapeutic agents, anesthetic and sterilant gases, radiant energy, infectious diseases, potentially irritant cleaning solutions, potentially aggressive animalsSatisfy state and national credentialing requirements as needed At Thrive Pet Healthcare, we celebrate and embrace the uniqueness and diversity of all of our team members, pet parents, and pets. We strive to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture where all team members belong and feel empowered.
Compensation negotiable based on credentials and experience with a salary range of $23 - $27 / hour. The actual salary offered will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
