Veterinary Nurse/Veterinary Technician - Community Practice (College of Veterinary Medicine)
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Full-time
Veterinary
Posted on April 11, 2024
Veterinary Nurse/Veterinary Technician, Community Practice
College of Veterinary Medicine
The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Nurse/Veterinary Technician. The primary purpose of this position is to provide nursing care within the Community Practice service of the Small Animal Clinical Sciences department. Day to day activities include client communication and education, instructing veterinary students and nurse interns, facilitating various medical and surgical procedures, and sedating and/or anesthetizing and monitoring patients. Depending on experience and qualifications of successful candidate, individual will be hired in as a Veterinary Nurse 1, Veterinary Nurse 2, Senior Veterinary Nurse 1, or Senior Veterinary Nurse 2.
Qualifications :
Typical Responsibilities:
- Performs and demonstrates basic nursing care under supervision of a clinician and/or higher-level veterinary nurse to include performing physical exams, obtaining vitals, performing calculations, administering medication, and observing and restraining patients.
- Performs treatments as directed by clinician to include sample collection and ordering, placing IV catheters, and preparing and maintaining IV fluid pump.
- Performs and instructs students on fear-free handling of feline techniques, hospital procedures and policies, and basic nursing care.
- Obtains patient history and records data.
- Uses basic knowledge and skill to advocate for human-animal bond and to consider analgesia, anxiety, or adverse behaviors while determining overall plan for the patient.
- Uses basic knowledge to initiate and perform CPR, recognize abnormalities in vital and/or vaccine reactions, and bring to the attention of the overseeing clinician.
- Uses basic nursing knowledge under the supervision of a veterinarian and/or higher veterinary nurse to provide client communication and education: triages call and provides information to owners such as proper vaccination protocol, preventive products, behavior, disease processes, diagnostics, treatments, and fees.
- Enters, approves, and corrects charges for client billing.
- Assists with maintaining inventory and dispensing vaccines, preventives, and products related to service.
- Assists with maintaining and troubleshooting equipment used within area.
- Uses basic level nursing knowledge to coordinate day to day activities and/or appointments. Ensures they are timely and efficient and adds or reschedules depending on emergencies in accordance with clinicians and higher-level veterinary nurses.
- Organizes activities such as microchip clinics, topic/clinician rounds, and continuing education.
- Contacts and interacts with company representatives regarding new products, continuing education opportunities, and/or lunch presentations.
- Provides anesthesia support during spay/neuter lab to include:
- checking calculations of all drugs used for surgical procedure
- properly handling, storing, and logging controlled drugs
- assembling and troubleshooting anesthesia machine and equipment
- directing students throughout all phases of lab (behavior tips, low stress restraint, catheter placement, induction of anesthesia)
- recognizes abnormalities during anesthesia and takes steps to correct values and evaluate their effects
- ensures proper sterile technique is observed during surgical procedure
- gathers all supplies necessary for ovariohysterectomy and castration surgery
- Supports ICU/ECC service for on-call coverage and holiday shifts.
- 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 of an AVMA-accredited program in Veterinary Technology will be considered as long as degree is obtained prior to filling the position.
- Additional relevant experience preferred.
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