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Form of workThe University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, invites applications for the position of Veterinary Nurse/Veterinary Technician. The primary purpose of this position is to provide quality nursing care for patients in the Small Animal Anesthesia service. This position assesses patients, develops protocols for ASA levels 1-5, administers anesthetics, provides continuous monitoring through recovery, and maintains anesthesia equipment, supplies, area, and charges. Provides instruction as well as hands-on experience for clinical training to veterinary and veterinary Nurse students. This position participates in continuing education to improve knowledge and skill level. Depending on qualifications of successful candidate, the position will begin as a Veterinary Nurse 1, Veterinary Nurse 2, or a Senior Veterinary Nurse 1.
Typical Responsibilities:
Provides patient care throughout anesthesia preparation, induction, maintenance, and post-operative care:
- Assesses and monitors patient vitals, anesthetic depth, as well as pain score for all ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) level anesthetic procedures
- Develops and performs varied anesthetic protocols for most ASA level anesthetic procedures and difficulties
- Administers anesthetic and analgesic drugs in a safe and effective manner for most ASA levels and procedures
- Maintains patient safety and care until fully recovered or transferred to responsible service
- Assesses and provides proper analgesic or sedative treatment for both non-anesthesia and anesthesia patients with guidance
- Inputs client/service anesthesia charges
Instructs veterinary students, veterinary nurses, interns, and residents on the clinical application of quality patient care and safe applications of anesthesia and analgesia.
- Verifies anesthetic protocols, doses and procedures with individuals to ensure quality patient care and management
- Teaches, performs, and confirms proper administration and calculation of medical treatments including use of crystalloids, colloids, anesthetic drugs, and devices
- -Performs, teaches, and oversees proper application of advanced anesthetic techniques; advanced local blockades, advanced catheters, advanced monitoring techniques, and advanced pharmacology and physiology
- Develops, maintains and evaluates rotation items; quizzes, tests, orientation packets, handouts, skills lists, videos, etc.
Anesthetic equipment and supplies:
- Maintains knowledge of proper anesthetic equipment handling, cleaning, care and applications
- Troubleshoots equipment malfunctions and/or abnormalities
- Manages proper stocking, ordering, and handling of anesthetic supplies
Administration and communication:
Participate in the organization and coordination of daily schedule; anesthetic procedures, anesthetic personnel, anesthetic equipment use and preparation.
Covers anesthesia on-call on a rotating basis (1 week/tech rotated). Nurses cover Mondays as primary on-call then backup the remainder of the week. In addition, at least 3 days per year the Nurse is responsible for taking primary call to reduce the resident load for call (not including their Monday assigned primary call).
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 of an AVMA-accredited program in Veterinary Technology will be considered as long as degree is obtained prior to filling the position.
Preferred Qualifications:
Up to 3 years of relevant experience in a veterinary medical center or in a private/specialty veterinary practice.
