Vet Tech 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 Veterinary Technician in Internal Medicine Special Procedures works as part of an integrated clinical care team to provide high quality nursing care to inpatient and outpatient internal medicine patients. The service offers diagnostic and interventional procedures for patients in an integrated, team-based environment. We are seeking a person with solid technical competency including experience in advanced diagnostic equipment and anesthesia, excellent communication skills, multi-tasking capability, and desire to learn. Cross-training will be provided in anesthesia if needed. In addition, the Veterinary Technician supervises and instructs veterinary students on each rotation. This position provides the opportunity for advanced training in specialty medicine as well as regular working hours.

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 $25 per hour based off a 35-hour work week. Compensation above this rate will vary based on education, experience, and credentials.

Nursing Support - Provide the highest quality of patient care:

• Acquire history and pertinent information on patients scheduled for procedures.
  
• IV catheter placement, intubation, patient monitoring for procedures
  
• Set up and prepare for special procedures using all diagnostic scopes and equipment.
  
• Collaborate with anesthesia team to organize patient scheduling and assist them as needed.
  
• Direct special procedures while teaching clinicians, students, and technicians.
  
• Collect and prepare specimens for cytology, microbiology, and pathology.
  
• Assist other internal medicine technicians with patient care responsibilities as needed.

Service Support -

• Effectively work with clinical and administrative professionals
  
• Coordinate and schedule procedures coordinating with other department schedules. Departments include Anesthesia, all areas of Diagnostic Imaging, Surgery and all Specialty Departments
  
• Research new diagnostic and corrective procedures and equipment as well as interpret and communicate the benefits and/or acquisition to faculty and administration.
  
• Assist with and direct all special procedures while teaching clinicians, students, and technicians
  
• Creating and updating all SOPs associated with this area
  
• Instructing doctors, students, and technicians how to set up, use and clean all instruments and equipment in the special procedures area.
  
• Submit and update costs and appropriate charges for all procedures and stock
  
• Provide technical support to clients by participating in client communication, technician appointments, admits and discharges as needed.
  
• Reach a level of comfort with the electronic and computer equipment utilized in special procedures including familiarity with setting up cameras and video equipment, storing digital images, downloading procedures to electronic medical records
  
• Gain complete knowledge of all scopes (acquisition, cleaning, maintenance and send out for repair)

Maintenance - Maintain a safe and clean work environment:

• Research vendors for equipment and instructional programs for equipment use
• Work with and maintain a variety of highly advanced diagnostic equipment
• Generate and complete daily sterilization and scope logs
• Keep maintenance and service contracts as needed for equipment.
• Work with clinical assets manager as needed to acquire new equipment.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

The schedule for this position is Thursday - Saturday 6pm - 6am

To be consistent with our Vet Tech Career Ladder, Veterinary Technicians at Foster Hospital for Small Animals at this level can expect to receive a minimum starting rate of $28/hr in this specialty department. Additionally, shift differentials are offered, depending on the day and scheduled shift, with an increased range from $2.00-$4.00/ hour.

Basic Requirements:

• Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology or a high school diploma (or the equivalent) with at least three years of related experience.
• Credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Technician
• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and familiarity with veterinary pharmacology.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities for several patients within a busy clinical setting.
• Technical abilities such as patient restraint, venipuncture, fluid administration, medication administration, monitoring and treating patients.
• Ability to effectively work as a member of a diverse team of clinical and administrative professionals.
• Pride in maintaining assigned areas in a hospital environment.
• Basic computer skills including the ability to learn the electronic medical record system.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Veterinary Technology preferred.
• Two or more years of clinical experience preferred.
• Credentialed as a Veterinary Technician Specialist (Internal Medicine)
• Experience with advanced diagnostic equipment
• Experience with small animal anesthesia
• Exotic animal handling skills desirable. Exotic animals include birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, rodents, special small mammals (such as chinchillas or hedgehogs), reptiles, and amphibians