Under the direction of veterinarians, the LVT performs advanced technical nursing duties including anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery for patients receiving daily radiation treatments. The LVT operates and assists with the linear accelerator (LINAC) and associated imaging, anesthetic and monitoring equipment after appropriate training, performs patient positioning and immobilization, administers medications, collects laboratory samples, monitors hospitalized patients, and provides compassionate communication and education to clients.
As workflow allows, the LVT also assists the Medical Oncology Service with chemotherapy appointments, treatments, and patient care to provide seamless oncology support, and other duties as assigned which may include assisting in other units.
The LVT participates in the clinical teaching of veterinary students and veterinary technician trainees. Success in this role requires advanced anesthesia proficiency, technical expertise with radiation therapy equipment, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to patient safety, teamwork, and exceptional patient care.
Duties/Responsibilities
Provide advanced nursing care for oncology patients receiving radiation therapy. Perform physical assessments, venipuncture, catheter placement, laboratory sample collection, medication administration, and patient preparation. Position and immobilize patients for radiation treatments, assist with CT simulation and treatment planning procedures, operate and assist with the linear accelerator (LINAC) and associated imaging systems after appropriate training, and maintain compliance with radiation safety and quality assurance protocols. Independently perform anesthesia induction, maintenance, monitoring, and recovery for patients undergoing radiation therapy and diagnostic procedures. Calculate anesthetic drug dosages, monitor physiologic parameters, recognize and respond to anesthetic complications, perform advanced patient monitoring, assist with emergency and resuscitative procedures, and ensure safe recovery of patients following treatment. (80%)
Assist the Medical Oncology Service with chemotherapy treatments, patient monitoring, appointments, and nursing care as staffing and workflow permit. Provide client education regarding treatment plans, home care, and discharge instructions. Maintain accurate medical records, enter charges, process laboratory and imaging requests, maintain a clean and stocked work space, communicate effectively with the oncology team, trouble shoot/maintain equipment, participate in the clinical instruction of veterinary students and veterinary technician trainees, and other duties as assigned. (20%)
