Veterinary Technician I - ER Receiving Technician

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 ER Receiving Technician I works as part of an integrated team including clinicians and students to provide high quality and efficient treatment to all patients presenting to the ER service. In addition, the Veterinary Technician assists in instructing veterinary students on the ER rotation. The ER Receiving 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.

Essential Functions as a Veterinary Technician I will be:

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

• Triage patients presenting to the ER service.
• Pair with an ER receiving technician and Veterinary Student to create, organize and execute treatment and care for patients presenting through the Emergency Service.
• Perform phlebotomy, IV catheter placement and both fluid and medication administration to a variety of patients and species.
• Execute and follow up on administrative tasks using the hospital's EMR And electronic communication systems to ensure prompt patient care.
• Collaborate with other clinical care team members throughout the hospital to coordinate and prioritize patient care.
• Complete all diagnostic testing as ordered by clinicians including but not limited to radiographs and 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.

• 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 starting rate for this position will be a minimum of $25.50/hr

The anticipated schedule for this role will be Wednesday - Saturday 1pm- 10:15pm

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 include:

• 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.