Veterinary Nurse

If you’ve graduated from a Veterinary Nursing program and you have a desire to live abroad, Vancouver is the place for you

We are looking for Full-time Veterinary Nurses with a passion for animals to join us. Located on Canada’s West Coast, Vancouver is among Canada’s most vibrant and culturally diverse cities. Renowned for its spectacular setting nestled between towering mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the city consistently ranks in the top five most livable cities in the world.

Located 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Canada West Veterinary Specialists is a 24/7 Emergency and Referral veterinary hospital with a team of over 160 workers dedicated to providing exceptional care to every patient we see. We have been in operation for over twenty years and hold a variety of unique designations including being a Level 1 Certified Animal Emergency Facility and Canada’s first Veterinary trauma centre. We have 7 specialty departments, including Emergency and Critical Care, Neurology, Diagnostic Imaging, Surgery, Oncology, Internal Medicine, with added services of Rehabilitation therapy and an in-house lab.

**Work Location/Business Address**: 1988 Kootenay Street, Vancouver, BC, V5M 4Y3.

**Telephone**: 604-473-4882 | **Fax**:604-473-4898

**Schedule A - Job Description**

**Position**:Veterinary Nurse (Technician)

**Department**:Wards/ICU

**Reports to**:Technician Supervisor

**Job Type**: Full-time, Permanent

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This position is primarily responsible for patient care including following treatment plans, administration of drugs, monitoring for vital signs and over-all patient assessment. Client communication is an integral part of this role and both communication and hands-on patient care is under the direct supervision of the Specialist and or the Hospitalist on the case. This position is a part of group of Veterinary Technicians working on a rotating schedule to cover all hours of the hospital’s operation.

**COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS**
- Starting Wage**:$27.00/hr CDN** for new graduates
- Shift premiums for evening and overnight shifts
- We grow together with our monthly in-house Continuing Education presentations
- Subsidized extended health benefits
- 5 paid sick days per year
- Uniform allowance per year
- Wellness Spending account per year
- We provide employer paid Pet insurance that insures up to 2 pets
- Rewards and recognition program to recognize our staff’s hard work and contributions to our success
- We believe in your well-being and provide a company sponsored Employee Assistance Program (EAP) enabling access to caring professionals that can help access support related to fitness, physical health and mental well-being programs
- We have fun together with our hospital sponsored social events like; having Food Trucks visit us onsite, Halloween pumpkin carving contests, Annual Christmas Party, Pub Nights, etc.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Must develop a thorough understanding of all common drugs/medications used, procedures and protocols within the Wards and ICU, as well as the ability to use all equipment safely and effectively
- Directly monitor, carry out treatments and procedures, ensure patient comfort and document care for patients so that accurate medical records are maintained, and accurate invoicing can be done
- In addition to written records, ensures that pertinent information and observations relating to patient care is provided to the next shift during oral rounds.
- Carry out communication with, primary Doctor, Hospitalist regarding patient status updates, and alert of any changes or concerns. Also participating in communication with Clients.
- Calculates, dispenses, and administers medications at the direction of the Specialist on the case.
- Perform technical nursing skills such as: IV catheter placement, blood collection, urine collection (cystocentesis, catheterization), taking radiographs, etc.
- Ensures supply inventory is sufficient to meet the demands of work area, and that that the work area is kept clean and organized.
- Ensures that all equipment is properly maintained documented, and any concerns are reported.
- Responsible for coordinating breaks and delegating appropriate tasks to Patient Care Assistants on shift.
- Facilitate a positive work environment.
- Actively participate in and successfully complete company provided sedation training program, and all in house CE, as offered and/or scheduled.
- Performs other duties as required.

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES**
- Has a strong knowledge and understanding of normal vital parameters, and the ability to recognize changes and or abnormalities
- A strong knowledge of asepsis
- Strong mathematics skills (drug dose calculations, CRI’s, dilutions).
- Excellent communication skills, computer and phone skills
- A strong desire to learn and to excel within the profession
- Ability to stay calm to recognize and establish priorities and execute patient triage at all times
- Excellent organizationa