Veterinary Assistant, Emergency & Critical Care - College Of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Assistant, Emergency & Critical Care

The University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, invites applications for the position of Veterinary Assistant. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a Veterinary Assistant with the small animal emergency/Critical Care service.  Assists veterinary nurses, clinicians, and students with patient care of hospitalized critically ill/injured, post-operative and infectious small animal patients. Attends to patient needs such as feeding appropriate diets, walking and husbandry. Restrains patients for procedures using appropriate restraint techniques. Stocks supplies for efficient function of the unit. Keeps ICU and Emergency Triage rooms clean and organized using appropriate techniques for adequate infection control. May provide information to the clients waiting to be seen or during the treatment/hospitalization phase of the visit. Assists with patient flow. Ensures administrative duties of the ECC service are accomplished. Required to be on-call on a rotating basis and work some holidays.  Depending on qualifications of the successful candidate, position will begin as a Veterinary Assistant 1 or 2 or Senior Veterinary Assistant 1 or 2.  More responsibilities will be expected of those hired in at a more advanced level.

Typical Responsibilities:

• Assists veterinary nurses, clinicians, and students with basic nursing care needs of hospitalized patients
• Assesses patients for cleanliness and need for care and assists with bathing
• Feeds patients appropriate diets and offers water
• Walks patients outside on a scheduled basis
• Stocks cabinets and drawers with drugs and supplies
• Restrains patients for medical procedures utilizing proper restraint techniques
• Maintains cleanliness and appropriate disinfection of cages, floors, and other surfaces for adequate infection control
• Makes saline and heparinized saline syringes for ICU and ER use
• Ensures patient records are complete and all required forms have been completed            
• Facilitates discharge of patients by ensuring discharge instructions are complete and the final bill has been processed with Client Services

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant experience working with small animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, and rodents