Office Management

The Veterinary Technician

AppointmentsRooms should be stocked

with daily use itemsCotton balls (dry and with

alcohol)Dry gauze & SwabsStethoscopeThermometersEar cleaning supplies,

mineral oil, salineNail trimmers, styptic

powderNeedles, syringes, blood

tubesglovesTreatsAnything else?

AppointmentsOnce reception checks

patient in you will need to….

Take a through historyWhy is the patient here? What procedures do they

need?Signs/Symptoms?Anything abnormal?Diet/Nutrition?

Weight & TPRsCollection lab samples

FecalsOHW or other blood workEar cytology samples

AppointmentsRunning/analyzing lab

workThink ahead & get ready

Vaccines, pre-meds, meds, equipment/supplies need for procedure

Assist DVM and Restrain patient

Create invoice for services rendered

Fill any prescriptions needed

Go over discharge instructions with client

Schedule any follow up appointments

The Drop OffTake through history

when patient is dropped off

Ask what the patient is being dropped off for?

What procedures to be completed while patient is in clinic?

Get a phone number where client can be reached if questions come up or if vet needs to speak with client

Baths & DipsPreferred to be dropped

off first thing in the morning so procedure can be completed and patient will be dry before being discharged

Check to see when last bath/dip was performed to make sure it is due/not overdue

If skin scraping is needed, complete before the bath/dip

Surgery PatientsShould be fasted the

night before and dropped of the night before or morning of surgery

Have owner sign anesthetic release

Verify services to be performed with clientSpay and declaw or just

spay?Get a phone number

where client can be reached

Lab Work-UpsBloodwork

Presurgical panelsCritical careComprehensiveThyroid

Blood smearsFecals UrinalysisCytology

EarImpression smears

Skin scrapes

Preparing for Surgery Towel/blanket on table for

surgery patient Monitoring equipment Oxygen/anesthetic Tubes, reservoir bag, mask ET tube (lidocaine if cat) with tie

gauze Syringe to inflate cuff on ET

tube Lube for eyes Square gauze to hold tongue Sterile sx pack, suture & blade

(or tissue glue) Put gown, hat, mask, sterile

gloves & scrub out for Surgeon Anything else you may need

Microchip Declaw supplies Vaccinations Nail trimmers

During SurgeryMonitor vitals of

patient oftenWatch oxygen and

anesthetic levels May need to switch out

or refill during long procedures

Have emergency drugs easily accessibleAtropine & epinephrine

May be required to scrub in and assist surgeon with actual surgery

Post Operative CareContinue to

monitor vitals of patient until awake from anesthetic

Check temperature periodically & keep the patient warm

May need to place E-collar if pet goes for sutures

Cleaning up after SurgerySharps/Bio

HazardousLab samples

BiopsyHistopathology

Wipe table/equipment down

Clean instrumentsWrap packs &

autoclave

DentalsSame anesthetic prep

for surgery.Hook up dental machineFill water reservoirHave dental equipment

on handUltrasonic ScalerSulcus probeExtractorsHand instruments for

removing tartar/plaquePolish

Mask, protective eyewear gloves for you!

Discharging the SX PatientCall owner after SxInvoice Sx and

Services renderedPrescriptionsDischarge

instructionsSchedule to go over

with clientSpeak to them in

their languageSpeak professionallyTake time to answer

questions

The Critical Care PatientPlace I.V. catheterAdministering

medicationsMonitor

SymptomsProgressTPRs, MM

Assisted feedingCleaning woundsBandage changes

EmergenciesKnow how to assess

the situationExcessive bleeding –

apply pressure/bandage

Difficulty breathing – give oxygen

Not breathing – ambu bag, place ET tube, CPR

Get DVM immediatelyAdminister

emergency drugs

House Calls & Mobile VetsSome small animal vets still doLarge animal vet definitely still doMake sure you have all the supplies that

you anticipate needing during the house call.

KennelWalking/exercising

dogsCleaning cagesBoardingAdministering

medicationsIndividual mealsKeeping things

organizedKennel boards

Other duties as assignedCleaning facilityPaintingBabysittingCleaning the Vet’s

housePicking pecansKilling hornets