Lead Internal Medicine Veterinary Techncian LVT

Lead Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician (Licensed Only) 

Quality medicine starts with happy team members.

We Love Pets and People. Bellevue Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital was established with one goal in mind: to be there for pets and their people. We know emergency visits aren't planned and navigating specialty care can be overwhelming. We are looking for dedicated team members to join our growing team and help us implement people-centric processes to create an environment where pets receive world class care and pet parents receive clarity and compassion at every step in the process.

At Bellevue Veterinary Emergency + Specialty, we work hard to deliver unparalleled care, experiences for our patients and clients. Providing fulfilling careers and enabling healthy work-life harmony aren't talking points for us, they're part of who we are. We listen to our staff to understand what matters most, and work to ensure everyone has the support they need to thrive.

We believe learning is a life-long commitment.

Building our team, we require leaders who take the initiative to grow—and we help them do just that. Our goal is to help people be the best version of themselves. Interested in learning a new skill? Pursuing another credential? We're on your side, providing resources and support to help you fulfill your goals.

Making a difference in the community and beyond.

Our commitment to pets extends beyond our hospital walls. Our organization regularly implements charity drives across the nation to help support local shelters, and our team members have the opportunity to give back to communities around the globe through our partnership with World Vets. Each year, we send a group of doctors and support staff abroad to help pets in need and support programs that nurture healthy relationships between people and animals. In 2021, Lakefield team members were able to be a part of opening the first and only veterinary clinic in the Galapagos.

Check out the video here: lakefieldvet.com/news/

The Lead IM LVT Reports To:

The lead veterinary technician will report to Hospital Administrator (primary), Medical Director, and Department Head(s).

Job Overview

Experienced licensed veterinary technician position responsible for performing a variety of routine and specialized technical procedures. Assists in generating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and oversees implementation of training protocols in respective areas of the hospital (emergency room, ICU, and/or specialty departments). Works cooperatively with all doctors, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, client service representatives and hospital administration, and is available for advanced troubleshooting of department issues under the direct and indirect supervision of the Hospital Administrator, Medical Director, Department Head, and Chief of Specialty when applicable. This is an onsite position. Any remote work needs to be approved by the Hospital Administrator. Schedule to be determined cooperatively with the Hospital Administrator.

Responsibilities and Duties

Technical Skills, Leadership, and Problem Solving:

• Perform accurate and appropriate triage, history taking, basic physical exams, basic and advanced nursing care, and discharges.
• Accurately enter information into medical records.
• Perform anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery for both basic and advanced anesthetic procedures.
• Accurately determine drug dosages and calculations.
• Perform and assist with routine and advanced radiology technical services including radiography, ultrasound, and CT.
• Provide estimates for services in conjunction with the attending doctor and trained staff.
• Oversee flow of service and organize staff and doctors to help make the day run smoothly.
• Provide appropriate patient and client care and ascertain that all staff are providing adequate patient and client care.
• Assist Hospital Administrator in developing shift assignments for the support personnel in each department.
• Oversee scheduling of staff and troubleshoot filling gaps in coverage via shift trades and obtaining additional coverage from outside veterinary technician relief services.
• Clearly communicate staffing shortages or callouts to team members.
• Implement SOPs and ensure compliance with following SOPs once implemented.
• Provide training to both seasoned and new staff.
• Appropriately onboard new staff members in the department using the onboarding checklist and provide them with both verbal and written instructions.
• Monitor and assist staff members in appropriate lab and pharmacy use. Ensure protocols are being followed in both areas.
• Facilitate team members obtaining their medical clerk licensure by training and working with department doctors.
• Serve as a point person to support staff with de-escalation in the event of an upset client.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues, shortages, unexpected needs within the respective departments.
• Investigate and help to resolve technical, instrument, and other variances leading to problems in conjunction with the Hospital Administrator and Department Head.
• Communicate effectively with clinicians, hospital leadership, and staff.
• Cooperate with hospital administration and follow policies, procedures, and SOPS that are put in place by the leadership team.
• Assist in cleaning, organizing, and proper disposal of biohazard waste.
• Assist department staff with daily, weekly, and monthly checklists
• Assist with department inventory management
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Hospital Administrator, Medical Director, or Department Head.
• Participate in on call schedule
• This position may require staying late to assist in emergency procedures or late discharges. This should be communicated daily by the attending DVM on duty with a plan for which team members are able to stay late that day.
• Eligible for overtime LVT shifts
• Check your email daily, at the minimum at the start and end of your shift.  
• Perform other duties or special projects as assigned.

Quality Assurance and Maintenance: 

• Assist with writing, reviewing, and updating all standard operating procedures (SOPs) in cooperation with the Department Head of the service and the hospital leadership team.
• Assist Hospital Administrator and Department Head in overseeing quality assurance and instrument maintenance procedures and maintain related records according to established policies/procedures.

Supervision and Support:

• Support in leadership skills will be provided by the Hospital Administrator.

• Attend regular meetings with the Department Head and service DVMs as well as team meetings.
• Serve as a resource along with the Department Head. Understand when escalation to the Hospital Administrator is necessary.
• Assist the Department Head and service doctors with instruction of technical skills, safety protocols, and basic procedures to interns and externs.
• Liaison between department and other hospital staff when needed.

Management of staff:

• Provide feedback to Hospital Administrator and Department Head in relation to department staff.
• Assist service DVMS in the training of staff and implement SOPs.
• Communicate effectively with staff, doctors, and hospital leadership.
• Encourage positive, solution-based conversations and discourage negative unproductive talk amongst team members.

Development:

• Maintain current knowledge and certification.
• Identify learning needs in self and initiate actions to address these education needs.
• Use resources available for learning.
• Depending upon certification agency, year of certification, and mandatory requirement, attend or complete continuing education activities in order to maintain certification.

Teamwork and Performance Improvement:

• Have the ability to take direction, follow verbal and written instructions, and understand that not all instructions are found in a SOP.
• Be flexible with changes to protocols and procedures as well as duty assignments.
• Demonstrate collaborative and respectful behavior.
• Collaborate with all team members to achieve goals.
• Contribute to a positive work environment.
• Exemplify core values of doing the right thing, respect, wow service, learning, and fun, and encourage all team members to do so.
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to change.
• Make appropriate decisions using sound judgement.
• Respect confidentiality of conversations and sensitive information shared within leadership team and meetings.
• Have the ability to respond appropriately in emergent situations that may arise in the hospital environment.
• Have the ability to multitask and perform multiple duties accurately and efficiently.
• Be punctual to shifts and use downtime appropriately.

Qualifications/Education:

• LVT (licensed veterinary technician), RVT (registered veterinary technician), or CVT (certified veterinary technician).
• VTS preferred
• Current licensure in Washington State.

Skills, Ability and Knowledge:

• Ability to handle and maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Knowledge of veterinary hospital practices and procedures
• Strong organizational and time management skills including managing multiple priorities
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Interact with a variety of clients and employees in a professional, caring, compassionate, and tactful manner
• Basic knowledge of the generic and brand names, common uses, and side effects of drugs utilized in a veterinary practice
• Basic knowledge of medical equipment and terminology
• Basic proficiency with a variety of computer programs including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Practice Management software (Cornerstone preferred)
• Basic written, verbal, and active listening communication skills with a customer oriented approach
• Basic analytical, critical thinking, judgement, and problem-solving skills
• Accurate drug dosage calculation abilities
• Understanding of physiology and pharmacology to give appropriate patient care
• Ability to provide both basic and advanced life support during a CPR event
• Ability to work in a changing environment
• Ability to communicate clearly and calmly in stressful situations
• Appropriate radiographic technique
• Understanding of safe anesthetic protocols
• Venipuncture and intravenous catheter placement
• Enteral and parenteral medication administration

COMPENSATION

$40-$42 per hour

*$1.50 per hour shift differential paid in addition to regular hourly pay for any hours worked between the hours of 7pm to 7am.

*Eligible for overtime hours

BENEFITS

• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching available to full-time and part-time team members
• Opportunity to earn quarterly bonuses
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with options for health savings account with company contributions
• Company paid life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Employee assistance program offering complimentary family, financial, substance abuse, and mental health counseling
• Professional development assistance
• Complimentary uniforms
• Generous employee pet healthcare discounts
• Opportunities for participating in international philanthropic projects through Lakefield's partnership with World Vets

SCHEDULE AVAILABILITY

Full-time 8am to 6 pm Tuesday-Friday

*May be asked to stay late on occasion to complete procedures or accomodate emergencies