We are searching for a friendly, reliable team member to join our close-knit group and to provide exceptional service in all aspects of client and patient care for the Feline Radioiodine Center at Laurelwood Animal Hospital with Dr. Decker. We are the largest provider, and at times the only provider, of radioiodine in Oregon.
We are filling a desperate need for our feline patients and the people who love them. We provide high-touch client education and primary veterinarian support with multiple contact points, run pre I-131 diagnostic appointments, admit patients to the hospital for therapy and monitor them carefully during their post-radioiodine isolation. We form wonderful bonds with our clients as they navigate the I-131 process. Our clients are thankful for our work, kind to and appreciative of us, and dedicated to their pet's wellbeing at the highest level. Our team members have found this work to be some of the most fulfilling of their careers and we hope our new team member feels the same about this amazing program. You will save lives and cure a terrible disease every day.
We are dedicated to making our workplace a "unicorn" in vet med - reliable hours, supportive management, kind and fun colleagues, beautiful facility, and appreciative clients. This is an opportunity to be involved in a supportive small group away from the stresses and challenges of general practice. The doctor and the technicians form a 3-person dream team who work together in a collaborative, supportive and positive environment to provide this life-saving procedure. The radioiodine program was formed with the highest medical standards but also with a dedication to have fun at work, to rejoice in the successes of our important work, and to be healthy in this wonderful but oftentimes challenging field. We will train you to work with the radioactive I-131 in the safest manner. We are dedicated to your health and will have procedural and health monitoring protocols in place to ensure that the work is done safely.
Job Responsibilities
- Client education regarding radioiodine therapy, safety for human family members, post-injection protocols. Your communication skills will be appreciated and utilized fully. You will be the "heart and soul" of the program.
- Highly involved in medical records, assisting the doctor by importing labwork and exam findings, lab value tracking entry. Strong, efficient computer skills are needed.
- Manage the very active email which is our primary mode of communication with our clients and colleagues.
- Intake of I-131 patients and monitoring of hospitalized patients in accordance with hospital policy. These patients are elderly, often with other disease processes. Our careful monitoring of them while here in the hospital is critical. You will be evaluating the patients daily and be empowered to administer pre-approved treatments. We round on the cases together daily to ensure that these wonderful cats are thriving while in our care.
- Gently handle patients during diagnostic appointments where you perform labwork, radiographs, blood pressure, nail trim, sanitary shave.
- Follow hospital policy dealing with radioactive therapy, storage, and disposal.
Skills and Basic Qualifications
- Certification as a Veterinary Technician preferred but not required.
- We are a high-touch referral practice, mostly through emails and EMR records. Due to our patients being radioactive and the necessary distancing required, over 1/2 of our work is computer-based. Must have proficiency or be highly trainable in practice management software and Microsoft Excel and Word.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Veterinary Technician. Five is preferred.
- Our new team member must share our dedication to a positive work environment.
- You will be one of only 3 people in the Portland area trained to work with radioactive iodine and to take care of our clients and patients. Demonstrated history of reliability and dependability is absolutely needed with a strong work ethic and commitment to consistent, on-time attendance.
- A positive attitude and emotional intelligence to work with our team members as well as with clients who may need reassurance about the procedure. Qualified candidates will have excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, and a desire to be a part of a strong team that supports each other.
- Must love cats! "Cat Whisperers" encouraged! We believe in gentle handling and use oral sedatives and a calm demeanor to work with our patients. We do not "wrangle" cats. We will ask you to be open to learning fear-free handling techniques if you are not already familiar with them.
- Models a professional and courteous manner with staff and clients.
- Commitment to ongoing educational development and growth.
- Must have active listening, critical thinking, complex problem solving, time management, judgment and decision making skills.
- Must have careful attention to detail and dedication to following safety procedures as outlined by the state and Dr. Decker who is also our radiation safety officer.
Pay: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- License reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Please rate your computer efficiency from 1 - 10 with Outlook, practice management software, Excel.
- We still maintain careful COVID protocols as one ill staff member can have a profound effect on this small highly trained team that works in close quarters and could affect our ability to treat patients. Masks are required while in the building unless isolated. Please confirm that this is acceptable. Thank you.
Experience:
- veterinary patient care (5 preferred): 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Veterinary Technician Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
