Veterinary Specialty Surgery Nurse Winter Haven, Florida

About the Position

WHO WE ARE

Veterinary Healthcare Associates is a veterinarian-owned small animal practice that encourages a self-directed and entrepreneurial work environment. For over 30 years, VHA has proudly served the Central Florida community by delivering outstanding patient care and unmatched client service. Our practice offers a diverse and challenging caseload and the tools and equipment to manage them. We are a fast-growing, progressive, AAHA accredited hospital. With 16 doctors we offer emergency, specialty referral, regenerative and primary care services. Our mission is Helping People and Pets Become Healthy, Happy, and Healed

Our values in action:

Compassion - Integrity - Communication - Excellence - Teamwork - Empowerment

The Ideal Candidate

The specialty surgery technician provides excellent, consistent, informed, compassionate care for all specialty/referral surgery patients and clients. The purpose of this position is to assist the boarded surgeon with all referral consultations, surgical patients, client and referring veterinarian communications, and prepare, assist and monitor all specialty/referral surgical patients and procedures. This is an overview of the position and is not limited to the duties listed.

MAJOR DUTIES
  • Review consultation and surgery schedule and set up surgeries in coordination with patients’ needs and the schedules of the veterinarians.
  • Gather all necessary instruments and equipment needed.
  • Obtain or review preliminary blood results as early as possible in the morning and review all surgical patients’ medical records. Prepare anesthetic protocol according to pet’s weight and needs. Have anesthetic machine, operating room, and all other supplies and instruments ready.
  • Assist doctor with surgery procedures as needed.
  • Clean up animals following surgery, give injection of medications if deemed necessary, trim nails, microchip or any other procedures as outlined in the surgical consent form. Check medical record to see if anything else is needed while pet is in the hospital.
  • Help prepare treatment sheet for admit into ICU.
  • Clean and sterilize all instruments, drapes and equipment used, so that they will be ready the next time they are needed.
  • Log all procedures, estimates given to owners, and final cost.
  • Receive and review records and radiographs from referring veterinarians
  • Ensure medical records are completed, rDVM letters are sent, and rDVM’s are updated within 24 hours of office visit.
  • As needed, take radiographs or perform CT scans on surgical patients. Export images out to Board Certified Radiologist as directed by veterinarian and enter all charges appropriately.
  • Update clients pre, and post-operatively, and ensure release instructions are thorough and complete.
  • Ensure all surgical patients are returning for recheck visits
  • Review sterilization dates on instruments and re-sterilize as needed.
  • Maintain all anesthetic machines, autoclave and any other equipment used in surgery.
  • Maintain inventory on all suture or surgery supplies and place on want list, if needed.
  • Maintain cleaning schedule for surgery and checklist for general maintenance as needed. Thoroughly clean surgery room and area weekly.
  • Maintain Surgery Manual for staff training and reference.
  • Assist with hospital’s OSHA safety program as needed, and alert management of any safety concerns. Helps ensure that all staff adheres to safety policies in the surgical suite.
  • Complete daily, weekly, and monthly checklists.

Skills and Knowledge:

High school diploma or equivalent.

CVT 1 yr full time experience OR

2 yr experience as a full time nurse

Can perform all duties expected of Doctor’s Technician, as well as extensive knowledge and training with anesthesia protocols, and hemostasis.

Knowledge of spelling and the meaning of commonly used veterinary terminology in order to accurately enter specific information into surgery logs.


The Perks

A few of the benefits that we offer to our full-time team members include:

Traditional Benefits:

  • Health and Wellness Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision)
  • 401K Retirement Savings
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) for full-time team members

Non-Traditional Benefits:

HEALTHY

  • VHA FIT
    • Fitness Center (VHA 2.0)
    • Mediation Pod (VHA 2.0)
    • Team centered wellness events
    • Full access to Mindvalley.com
  • VHA Nutritional Food Pantry
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Company-paid team member life insurance and long-term disability benefits

HAPPY

  • Flexible workweek scheduling
  • Paid access to online FVMA CVA course and exam
  • CVT Scholarship Program – offered twice a year to eligible team members with current CVA designation
  • Full access to AtDove and 4ACT for continued education and training
  • Continuing Education stipend for re-certification and professional development (based on certification and licensure)
  • Yearly Uniform Allowance
  • Team Social Events
  • VHA sponsored training and development courses
  • Monthly Performance Bonus based on overall practice production
  • Bonus.ly Team Member Reward and Recognition program
  • Shift Differential for overnight/weekend shifts

HEALED

  • Additional Birthday PTO for full-time team members
  • Additional Time and Attendance Earned PTO for full-time team members
  • Career advancement opportunities, we like to promote from the inside
  • Amazing VHA Pet Benefit Team Member Discount
  • Inspirational vision and values-driven culture of “Helping People and their Pets become Healthy, Happy, and Healed!”
  • Beautiful, state of the art facility with access to the tools you need

Join our tribe and help us change the world.