Veterinary Technician I - Surgery

The 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. In addition, the hospital creates a positive learning experience for Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University students and student technicians.

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

The Surgery Department is looking for a veterinary technician who is passionate about their career and will enjoy being part of fast-paced, progressive team. This technician will primarily support our outstanding outpatient surgery service and will assist with all aspects of outpatient surgery from appointments, outpatient procedures, patient treatments and discharge.

The position offers opportunities to work directly with owners and the pets they love in a diverse and inclusive environment. Under the direct guidance of a senior veterinary technician or veterinarian the Outpatient Surgery Vet Technician I is responsible for providing high quality nursing care and performing basic technical skills and procedures on a variety of patients.

As part of our highly competitive benefits package, we offer a liberal continuing education allowance and tuition reimbursement program to all technicians employed in Foster Hospital for Small Animals in order to promote personal and professional growth. The minimum rate of pay for this position is $22 per hour based off a 35 hour budgeted work week. Compensation above this rate will vary based on education, experience, and credentials.

Generous shift differentials are offered for any scheduled hours worked outside of normal business hours, which are Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. A substantial holiday premium pay is applied to any University designated holiday. The University observes a minimum of thirteen holidays throughout the calendar year.

As a Vet Tech I, you will be responsible for:

Patient Care

• Assist clinicians, and students with restraint, care and treatment of patients.
  
• Coordinate patient flow within and between services to expedite each patient's visit.
  
• Phlebotomy, IV catheter placement, urine collection
  
• Coordinate, administer and monitor sedation for outpatient procedures
  
• Administer injections, oral and topical medicine.
  
• Assist with medical record documentation
  
• Prepare estimates, daily treatment plan and anesthesia requests as directed.
  
• Assist with providing basic animal husbandry and hygiene.
  
• Assist with outpatient imaging and procedures (shock wave treatments, bandage changes)
  
• Perform patient admissions and discharges
  
• Obtain weights and TPRs on all appointment patients

Leadership

• Ensure efficiency of the outpatient surgery team consisting of faculty, residents, interns, students and staff to consistently project the highest level of patient care, customer service, and professionalism.
  
• Collaboratively organize daily operations of the surgery service: patient and client flow from check-in to discharge.
  
• Create and ensure compliance of Surgery Department SOPs and Hospital policy with students, clinicians, and client services and other outpatient clinical services.
  
• Strategize with Surgery Section Leaders and Management to problem solve
  
• Establish and nurture an environment that is collaborative and focused on creating a positive and caring culture for our students, residents, faculty and staff.
  

Client and Referring Veterinarian (RDVM) Support

• Serve as a reference point for clients and RDVMs' for updates, questions and follow up
  
• Facilitate the flow of clients and patients between reception, exam rooms, radiology, and surgical procedure rooms.
  
• Facilitate discharges and admissions.
  
• Schedule recheck appointments, surgery admissions, imaging, and discharges.
  

Training and Development

• Educate, train and mentor surgery service students, interns and residents on daily operations.
  
• Educate and guide students and house officers in the use of Electronic Medical Records/SS
  
• Evaluate student performance
  
• Cross-train technicians and VAs as needed
  

Maintenance

• Maintain cleanliness of exam and outpatient procedure rooms.
  
• Clean and sterilize instruments as needed after use.
  
• Maintain an adequate inventory of exam room supplies including equipment and medications.
  

Miscellaneous - Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor including:

• Provide coverage for other shifts and sections of the Hospital as needed.
  
• Participate in Departmental and Hospital-wide initiatives as required.
  
• Complete at least 6 hours of RACE approved CE annually.
  

This position is considered essential and is required to report to work during campus closings.

The schedule for this position requires flexibility to ensure that adequate patient care is provided without interruption.

Basic Requirements:

• High school diploma (or equivalent), and 2 years of experience as a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician, or similar technical experience.
• High emotional intelligence and team player
• Engaged learner; Highly motivated to improve your knowledge base and skill set.
• Understanding of medical terminology, veterinary pharmacology, and common specialty surgical procedures
• Willingness to coach and train students
• Ability to effectively work as a member of a diverse team
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities for several patients within a busy clinical setting.
• Ability to effectively work as a member of a diverse team of clinical and administrative professionals.
• Basic computer skills including the ability to learn the electronic medical record system.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.

Required technical skills include:

• Safely restrain all species treated in the hospital using fear free techniques
• Assess the attitude and responsiveness of patients being treated
• Obtain vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and capillary refill time
• Phlebotomy and catheter placement
• Ability to administer oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous medications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Veterinary Technology or other animal biology related field plus two years related work experience.
• Certified Veterinary Technician eligible
• Experience in a specialty or academic hospital setting