Description
Veterinary Technician, Small Animal Clinical Sciences

Regular Full-time, Pay Range MR05

The College of Veterinary Medicine is seeking a Veterinary Technician to provide nursing care to hospitalized critically ill/injured, post-operative, and infectious small animal patients in the Emergency & Critical Care and Intensive Care Unit services by making patient assessments, performing triage, and preparing patients for exams or treatments.  Triages patients upon arrival and prioritizes those in most critical need. Continuously evaluates patient status and collaborates with clinicians and other team members to communicate changes in patient status to ensure appropriate treatment is provided. Communicates with clients regarding patient's condition and counsels on the need for care. Teaches clinical application of technical procedures, drug administration, and critical thinking skills to veterinary students. Maintains and cleans equipment and supplies.  Successful candidate will be hired at one of three levels depending on experience and qualifications.

Typical Responsibilities

Provides nursing care by assessing patients, performing triage, and preparing patients for exams or treatments. Obtains vital parameters on critically ill or injured patients. Performs medical procedures such as venipuncture, IV catheter placement, blood pressure, ECG, pulse oximetry, nasal oxygen administration, naso-gastric/naso-esophageal feeding tubes, ultrasound guided cystocentesis, and bladder expression. Recognizes infectious patients and utilizes appropriate techniques to prevent nosocomial infections. Manages and provides placement of advanced vascular access devices such as central jugular catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters, and arterial catheters. Obtains basic diagnostic radiographs as necessary. Obtains biologic samples, performs basic laboratory tests, and analyzes results. Records patients' medical histories, symptoms, and observations. Calculates drug dosages and administers medications to patients. Helps to establish a plan of care and confers with owner. Regularly communicates with supervising Clinician.  Operates medical equipment.  Collaborates with others to ensure quality patient care is received.  Enters charges on patient accounts.  

Supports teaching efforts by instructing students, interns, and residents on the job in the application of proper nursing care, drug administration, and technical procedures. Mentors veterinary technician interns.

Maintains and cleans ICU and emergency department and equipment. Manages supplies, equipment, and inventory. Organizes products, maintains equipment, and orders supplies. 

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree from an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program in Veterinary Technology. Must hold an active Veterinary Technician license and must obtain a Tennessee license within one year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

At least 6 months of experience in a teaching hospital or 1 year in private practice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed:

Advanced knowledge of veterinary nursing.  Effective communication skills, including the ability to show compassion.  Excellent judgment and decision-making skills.  Good time management skills. Ability to express patience and deal with high levels of stress.  Ability to pay close attention to detail.  Ability to lift, assist, and transport patients.

Job: Other Tech/Para-Professional
Primary Location: US-Tennessee-Knoxville
Organization: Small Animal Clinical Sciences
Schedule: Full-time
Job Posting: Feb 17, 2021, 6:30:11 AM