GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The VETERINARY TECHNICIAN 1 cleans, sterilizes, and assembles surgical packs and supplies and provides assistance in the clinical and operating area and the pharmacy of a veterinary teaching hospital.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the first level of a four-level series. This class is distinguished from the higher levels by: the lesser degree of veterinary technical knowledge and training, no surgical assistant skills or anesthesia procedures, no animal handling, and no instructional involvement with veterinary students.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Sterilization and Cleaning: Typical tasks: operates and monitors gas and steam (autoclave)
   sterilization equipment, commercial laundry washer and dryer, ultrasonic cleaners, and dishwasher to prepare surgical instruments, drapes, gowns, lab coats, scrub suits and surgical linens, supplies, and equipment for aseptic use; lubricates surgical instruments; inspects instruments for damage or wear, and initiates repairs or replacement as necessary; bottles and sterilizes surgical fluids (e.g., distilled water, intravenous mixtures, fluids for parenteral (other than intestinal) or intraoperative use).
2. Packaging and Storage: Typical tasks: organizes instruments into appropriate surgical packs; wraps and labels surgical packs with proper identification; wraps and labels gowns, lab coats, and surgical linens; maintains inventory of surgical equipment and linens; orders replacement surgical equipment and linens.
3. Biohazard Materials / Waste Management: Ensures compliance with OSHA regulation relating to worker safety and the proper handling of biohazard and pathological contaminated materials. Handles contaminated medical waste using appropriate sterilization and disinfectant techniques and prepare materials for disposal in accordance with all applicable OSHA State and Federal regulations.
4. Maintenance and Inventory: Typical tasks: Ensures clean and accessible workplace, maintains central service medical supplies inventories, records supplies used, and restocks supplies. Performs minor maintenance, maintains surgical instruments, and ensures that central service supplies are stocked, ready for distribution to various ancillary units.
5. Miscellaneous: Typical tasks: orients staff to the proper use of equipment and supplies as
   workload allows, assists pharmacy technician in issuing medication to hospital staff following written instructions; aids pharmacy technician with inventory, receives shipments of medical equipment and supplies.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have daily contact with other veterinary technicians and veterinary faculty/clinicians to identify surgical instruments and supplies needed for the variety of surgeries scheduled and to provide autoclave services. Employees in this class have occasional contact with veterinary clinicians to receive direction and instructions and may have occasional contact with the public, veterinarians, and veterinary students when assisting in the pharmacy area.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class work independently in making decisions on a daily basis regarding necessary actions to be taken regarding biohazard safety and contaminated materials handling. Receives general supervision from an administrative supervisor who reviews the work for timely completion and conformance to established veterinary hospital procedure and policies. Higher-level veterinarian technicians provide technical information. Work is reviewed through observation and informal discussions with veterinary clinicians and technicians who work with employees in this class. Work assignments are often routine and the result of the job description. Additional instruction may come verbally from faculty and technicians using the employee services. Employees in this class refer to State and agency rules, regulations, and procedural manuals on sterile techniques, instrument care, and maintenance as guidelines in completion of work.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions in this class are primarily found in a veterinary teaching hospital and/or veterinary clinic setting. They require the willingness to work in the environment associated with the position's location and purpose, which include working around large animals. In addition, they require the willingness to maintain a proper attitude toward the purpose of animals used in teaching and research.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

One year of experience providing assistance in a medical facility providing central services support, or pharmacy support which demonstrates the knowledge of:

• OSHA State and Federal regulations;
• Sterilization procedures and equipment operations;
• Designations and common use of surgical instruments and equipment;
• Medical terms used in surgery or a hospital setting;
• Basic mathematics (add, subtract, multiply, divide)

Revised 7/9/02