Veterinary Technician II - Inpatient Medicine

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University provides 24-hour care for pets 365 days of the year. Since 1985, we have offered high quality medical care, consultation, referral, and emergency veterinary services for the care of dogs, cats, and exotic pets. The hospital also serves as the primary clinical training environment for veterinary students, interns, and residents.

This position qualifies for a $2,000 sign on bonus following successful completion of 6 months of employment for newly hired employees.

The Inpatient Medicine Veterinary Technician II performs complex and diverse clinical duties in veterinary patient nursing care in addition to performing more complex technical procedures. The Inpatient Medicine Technician II contributes to the teaching and instruction of veterinary and technician students performing basic technical skills and veterinary nursing care. The Inpatient Medicine Veterinary Technician is considered an essential employee within the hospital and the schedule may include providing University and calendar holiday coverage on a rotating basis.

The Veterinary Technician II performs complex and diverse clinical duties in veterinary patient nursing care and performs more complex technical procedures. A liberal continuing education allowance and tuition reimbursement is provided to all technicians employed in Foster Hospital for Small Animals to promote personal and professional growth. The minimum rate of pay for this position is $28 per hour based off a 35-hour work week. Compensation above this rate will vary based on education, experience, and credentials.

Essential Functions as a Vet Tech II will be:

Patient Care - Provide high quality patient care including the following:

• Monitor, manage and implement treatment plans as ordered by clinicians to insure prompt delivery of high-quality care to inpatient, acute care, exotic and isolation cases.
• Collaborate with administrative and clinical care team members throughout the hospital to coordinate and prioritize patient care in a high-volume environment.
• Identify and communicate changes in patient condition to members of the patient care team.
• Complete diagnostic testing as ordered by clinicians including bench-top lab tests. 75%

Teaching - Teaching responsibilities include:
Instruct veterinary students and student technicians in all technical aspects of patient care.

• Assist in training, orienting, and mentoring new Veterinary Technicians and Animal Care Attendants in all aspects of the department.

Maintenance - Clinical maintenance includes:

• Maintain adequate inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
• Handle control substances according to written SOPs as required.
• Clean and maintain clinical areas including treatment and patient housing areas
• Facilitate the maintenance of clinical equipment by identifying malfunctioning equipment and scheduling service.
• Research - Provide technical assistance in academic and clinical research including treating research/laboratory animals

Miscellaneous - Other duties as assigned by supervisor and assistant supervisor including:

• Provide coverage for other sections of the hospital as needed.
• Participate in service and hospital wide initiatives as required.
• Complete at least 6 hours of RACE approved CE annually.
• Effectively communicate with clients to provide education, explain treatment plans, and review discharge instructions including medication administration.

The Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician is considered an essential employee within the hospital and the schedule may include providing University and calendar holiday coverage on a rotating basis.

The schedule for this position is an overnight shift Thursday - Saturday 1:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Basic Requirements:

• Mastery of basic technical skills associated with your related service, including mandatory skills below.
• High School diploma or equivalent and 3 years of experience as a veterinary technician in a fast-paced hospital
  OR
• Associate OR bachelor's degree from an AVMA-accredited institution providing training in veterinary technology, veterinary nursing, or veterinary science, and one year experience at a university hospital or large scale hospital.
  OR
• Certified Veterinary Technician in good standing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently when completing basic tasks and procedural skills, and the ability to conduct more advanced tasks under supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team of clinical and administrative professionals.
• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and veterinary pharmacology.
  Demonstrated ability to provide excellent service to both internal and external customers.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and ability to learn electronic medical record systems and other software systems used.
  Minimum required technical skills:
  * Safely restrain cats and dogs
  * Assess the attitude and responsiveness of dogs and cats
  * Obtain vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and capillary refill time.
  * Be able to identify animals in pain or distress
  * IV catheterization
  * Phlebotomy (cephalic, saphenous, jugular)
  * Dosage calculations for medications, fluid therapy, and continuous rate infusions.
  * Set up of fluid therapy systems and fluid therapy monitoring
  * Monitoring and identifying physiological parameters in patients under sedation and general anesthesia.
  * Familiarity with sedatives and tranquilizers.
  * Ability to use point of care machines.
  * Describe steps required and be able to assist in CPR.
  * Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor's or associate degree from an AVMA accredited institution
• Certified Veterinary Technician
• Experience in a specialty or academic hospital setting
• Fear free certified
• Exotic animal handling skills. Exotic animals include birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, rodents, special small mammals (such as chinchillas or hedgehogs), reptiles, and amphibians.