Veterinary Operating Room Surgical Technician Supervisor

Summary

This position assists the Veterinary OR Surgical Technician Manager in overseeing the operating room services and directing in the daily functions by providing direction and assistance to technicians, other personnel services, volunteers, and support staff, interns, residents and third and fourth year veterinary students. Guides staff in making appropriate decisions and implementing policies and procedures; coordinates with anesthesia and surgeons to ensure the daily schedule runs smoothly. This position is a working supervisor and performs routine and surgical nursing care functions on animal patients such as surgical preparation, aseptic technique, and pre-surgical treatments. Also, orientates students to the OR, inputs charges into system daily and completes surgical records.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description. These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Assists in providing clinical support to the surgery faculty veterinarians under the direction of the Veterinary OR Surgical Technician Manager in the delivery and instruction of primary care services for small animals.
• Assembles surgical supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedures. Prepares surgical instrument table. Handles and restrains patient, obtain and prepare clinical pathology samples, facilitate scheduling of radiographic procedures, scheduling of surgical cases, etc.
• Assists the surgical team in surgical procedures which may include passing instruments, sponges, and sutures. Ability to perform proficiently the nursing skills for this level.
• Maintains prep room and OR suites
• Assists students in learning various techniques, protocols, and procedures such as sterile technique, bandaging, bladder expression, proper instrumentation, surgical procedures, drapes in the appropriate manner and biopsy preparation.
• Cleans, prepares, wraps, labels, and sterilizes surgical packs, equipment and fluids. Operates and maintains gas, steam and chemical sterilizers, gas aerator, ultrasonic cleaner, instrument washers, heat sealers, and other mechanical, electronic, and surgical equipment.
• Exhibits excellent customer relation and communication skills in interacting with clinicians, staff, students, and other customers.

Education and Experience

Associate’s degree and two years of relevant experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and four years of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Licensure and Certification

N/A

Supervision

This position does include supervisory responsibility. Provides general instruction and review to veterinary students and other technicians and assistants. May provide periodic instructions and review of student workers, volunteers, and OPS technicians.

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