Description

Veterinary Nurse/Veterinary Technician, Emergency & Critical Care 
College of Veterinary Medicine

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Nurse, located within the Emergency and Critical Care service of the Small Animal Clinical Sciences department.  The primary purpose of this position is to provide nursing care to hospitalized critically ill/injured, post-operative, and infectious small animal patients 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.

Depending on experience and qualifications of successful candidate, individual will be hired in as a Veterinary Nurse 1, Veterinary Nurse 2, or Senior Veterinary Nurse 1.

Qualifications

Typical Responsibilities:

Provides patient care in the after-hours emergency service and ICU by assessing patients, performing triage, and preparing patients for exams or treatments. Obtains vital parameters on critically ill or injured patients. Assists with performing medical procedures such as venipuncture, IV catheter placement, blood pressure, ECG, pulse oximetry, nasal oxygen administration, naso-gastric/naso-esophogeal feeding tubes, ultrasound guided cystocentesis, and bladder expression. Begins to recognize infectious patients and utilizes appropriate techniques to prevent nosocomial infections. Provides placement of advanced vascular access devices such as central jugular catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters, 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. Trains new employees.

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

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

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)- accredited program in Veterinary Technology with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree
• Must obtain a license to practice in Tennessee within first year of employment
• Future graduates will be considered as long as degree is obtained prior to start

Preferred Qualifications:

• Additional relevant experience preferred.

The Veterinary Medical Center is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. Occasional weekend, evening, and holiday work is required of this position.

Job: Other Tech/Para-Professional
Primary Location: US-Tennessee-knoxville
Organization: Small Animal Clinical Sciences
Schedule: Full-time
Job Posting: Aug 21, 2024, 7:04:53 PM