Wheaton Animal Hospital - Surgical… at Wheaton… · Kensington

Wheaton Animal Hospital, located in Kensington, Maryland just outside of Washington D.C. and Baltimore, has been providing quality, compassionate care for Maryland's pets since 1947. Treating dogs, cats, and exotic animals, our team is staffed by compassionate professionals focused on providing pet care in a relaxed environment. Our facility offers modern technology and a wide range of services, including wellness care, surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, and emergency care. With more than sixty years of experience, the Wheaton Animal Hospital team are tried and true specialists whose goal is the safekeeping of our small animal patients.

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Surgical Veterinary Technician

Position Summary:

The Veterinary Technician plays a vital role in assisting veterinarians and the medical support team to ensure the delivery of high-quality, compassionate care to pets and their families. This position is responsible for performing a variety of technical, clinical, and client education duties that enhance efficiency, promote a safe and collaborative hospital environment, and elevate the overall client experience. The Veterinary Technician also assists in maintaining consistent, excellent medical standards and operational flow.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality nursing care to hospitalized patients, including IV catheter placement, CRI management, medication administration, feeding tube placement, and ongoing monitoring.
• Prepare, monitor, and recover patients undergoing surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout all phases of care.
• Assist veterinarians during examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and surgical procedures, providing proper restraint, preparation, and patient monitoring.
• Perform laboratory diagnostics including urinalysis, hematology, fecals, and cytology; accurately document, interpret, and communicate results as appropriate.
• Operate and maintain diagnostic equipment, including radiology and ultrasound systems, in compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Prepare and administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as prescribed, maintaining strict compliance with DEA, OSHA, and hospital regulations.
• Maintain accurate daily controlled drug logs and ensure proper handling, storage, and documentation of controlled substances.
• Create, review, and enter treatment plans accurately in the medical record system.
• Support hospital operations through accurate medical recordkeeping, charge entry, and chart auditing.
• Provide compassionate, clear client education related to preventative care, treatment plans, medications, products, and nutritional recommendations.
• Maintain clean, organized, and well-stocked treatment and surgical areas, ensuring sterile conditions for medical and surgical procedures.
• Monitor inventory levels, rotate stock, and assist with ordering medical supplies as needed.
• Promote a positive and professional workplace culture through effective communication, teamwork, and collaboration across departments.
• Ensure all duties are performed in accordance with state practice acts, legal requirements, and hospital policies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned based on hospital needs.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 or more years of experience as a Surgical Veterinary Technician preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated proficiency in anesthesia monitoring, venipuncture, laboratory procedures, radiology, and dentistry.
• Basic computer literacy, including the ability to navigate practice management software and use Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Maintains professionalism, composure, and sound judgment in emotionally charged or high-stress situations.
• Capable of multitasking in a fast-paced setting while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Compassionate and committed to delivering exceptional patient care and client service.
• Able to work safely around cleaning chemicals, anesthetic gases, radiation, zoonotic diseases, and animal bodily fluids.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and safely handle animals up to 130 pounds.
• Comfortable sitting, standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Professional, neat appearance consistent with hospital standards.

Compensation and Benefits:

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. In addition, employees are eligible to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays and access to employee assistance program.

Hours:

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule and be available for scheduling during all hours the practice is open to support hospital operations.