Vet Tech I - Emergency Critical Care

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 with regard to small animal ECC medicine and supports the training of specialized ECC technicians.

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

The Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician I works as part of an integrated clinical care team to provide high quality nursing care to inpatient, outpatient, critically ill and emergent patients. In addition, the Veterinary Technician supervises and instructs veterinary students on each rotation. 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.

Under the direct guidance of a senior veterinary technician or veterinarian the Veterinary Technician I, ECC 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.

Essential functions as a Vet Tech I in this role 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 patient care.
  
• Assist clinicians with procedures.
  
• Collaborate with administrative and clinical care team members throughout the hospital to coordinate and prioritize patient care.
  
• Complete diagnostic testing as ordered by clinicians including bench-top lab tests.
  
• Provide technical assistance for clinical, academic and research.
  

Maintenance - Clinical maintenance includes:

• Maintain adequate inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
  
• Clean and maintain clinical areas including nurses' stations, wards, induction, intensive care unit, emergency room and operating rooms.
  

Teaching - Teaching responsibilities include:

• Instruct veterinary students and student technicians in all technical aspects of patient care.
  Research - Provide technical assistance in academic and clinical research including treating research/laboratory animals
  

Miscellaneous - Other duties as assigned by supervisor and assistant supervisor.

• 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.
  
  

The anticipated schedule for this position is: Wednesday, Thursday, SAturday 6:30 AM- 7 PM

Basic Requirements:

• High school diploma (or equivalent), and 2 years of experience as a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician, or similar technical experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and familiarity with veterinary pharmacology.
• 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
• Assess the attitude and responsiveness of patients being treated
• Obtain vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and capillary refill time
• Phlebotomy and catheter placement
• Dosage calculations for oral and injectable medications
• Fluid therapy monitoring
• Ability to administer oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous medications

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Associate's Degree from an AVMA accredited institution
• Certified Veterinary Technician eligible
• Experience in a specialty or academic hospital setting
• Exotic animal handling skills desirable.