Hospital Lab Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

A certified veterinary technician directly handles inpatient and outpatient care, working hand-in-hand with veterinarians. Technicians collect samples and run diagnostic tests; provide client education as needed; carry out treatment plans for patients from veterinarians; and oversee the care of hospitalized sick and surgical patients. Technicians also may see their own appointments for procedures such as suture removal, nail trim, vaccine administration when a doctor exam is not required, and bloodwork. Technicians play a key role in communicating with clients in person and by phone for follow-up care and patient monitoring.

Job Responsibilities

Technical Duties:

• Perform in-hospital lab testing and prepare specimens for outside labs 

• Provide nursing care for hospitalized patients 

• Discharge hospitalized patients 

• Perform client callbacks as needed

• Maintain proper care and medication administration of hospitalized patients 

• Maintain good medical records in cooperation with veterinarians

Laboratory:

• Import outside lab reports daily. 

• Responsible for in-hospital lab testing, proper medical record documentation, and collecting and preparing samples for things such as intestinal parasite screens (zinc sulfate centrifuge screen, sodium nitrate fecal flotation, fecal cytologies, and direct fecal smears- see lab information binder for detailed info.), blood chemistries, complete blood counts, ear cytologies, urinalysis (free catch, catheterization in male dogs, and cystocentesis), heartworm tests and all in-house point of care tests (Felv/FIV/HW, Parvo, Giardia, Pancreatitis, Snap 4dx), cytologies, fungal cultures etc. 

• Knowledge of proper staining techniques using Diff-quik, New Methylene Blue, and gram stain

• Abaxis blood machine operation and maintenance

• Report diagnostic testing results to veterinarians 

• Maintain quality controls and record keeping on in-house lab equipment 

• Complete proper sample preparation and paperwork for outside diagnostic lab tests. Mail samples using appropriate mailing service as needed. 

• Contact client with lab results as needed. 

• Enter reminders and recheck information into computer as needed 

• Oversee maintenance of blood test machines and microscope cleaning. 

Treatment and Care:

• All patients admitted into hospital should have weight and temperature recorded in medical record. 

• Educate clients on prevention and wellness topics 

• Collect samples as needed (see notes under laboratory) 

• Educate clients about medication instructions and administration 

• Prepare estimates 

• Perform treatments noted in medical records (hospitalized patients, surgeries, dental patients) 

• Assist veterinarians with daily treatments 

• Monitor intensive care patients by providing nursing care and using appropriate medical record document for patient status. Notify overseeing DVM as needed of patient status. 

• Use and maintain IV pumps 

• Ability to administer oral, ophthalmic, otic, and topical medications when indicated by veterinarian. 

• Ability to administer subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous injections when indicated by veterinarian. 

• IV catheter placement and removal as needed. As well as ability to calculate proper IV fluid daily doses, use fluid pump properly, and use proper monitoring techniques during infusion. 

• Knowledge and ability to administer subcutaneous fluids, express anal glands, wound care (clip, clean, flush and medicate including abscesses), clean and flush ears and eyes, schirmer tear testing, fluorescein dye testing, intraocular pressures, glucometer use, bandage application, and blood pressure. 

• Being aware of infectious disease hospitalization standards and isolation care. 

• Emergency situation treatment knowledge- CPR, pulmonary resuscitation, hemorrhage and seizure control. 

Surgery and Anesthesia:

• Anesthetic induction- IV, IM, and gas 

• Prepare surgery suite for surgery 

• Prepare instruments; know type of surgical instruments required for specific surgeries- set up cautery and dental units as needed. 

• Assist veterinarians with patient restraint if needed. 

• IV catheter placement and induction/intubation 

• Surgical preparation of patient including: IV catheter placement, proper prepping and clipping techniques, and application of artificial tears ophthalmic ointment to both eyes 

• Administer IV fluids to all patients who are intubated during anesthetic procedure. 

• Monitor anesthesia closely with monitoring equipment such as pulse oximeter, blood pressure, ekg, and frequent observation of respiration rate, heart rate, and mucous membrane color. Document patient status in anesthetic log.