Veterinary Nurse/Veterinary Technician, Surgical Oncology - College Of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Nurse/Veterinary Technician, Surgical Oncology
College of Veterinary Medicine 

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Nurse/Veterinary Technician, located within the Small Animal Clinical Sciences department. The primary purpose of this position to provide veterinary nursing care for surgical and oncology cases. The Surgical Oncology veterinary nurse is cross-trained with all veterinary nursing staff in the small animal surgery and oncology sections. This includes providing nursing care within the surgery and oncology sections by facilitating treatments, procedures, making patient assessments, triaging, collecting and submitting diagnostic samples, and recording patient data such as history, medications, symptoms, observations, and/or client communications. Position supports teaching efforts by instructing students, interns, and residents and serves as a resource for information and guidance to clients or referring veterinarians. 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.

Typical Responsibilities:

• Provides veterinary nursing care to surgery and oncology cases under the supervision of clinicians. Administers medications and treatments, evaluates vitals, orders and schedules diagnostics for patient, obtains samples, prepares surgical equipment for use, aseptically prepares patient for procedures, and sedates and monitors anesthesia for procedures when needed. Evaluates/monitors patients for swelling, pain, or anxiety pre- and post-operatively. Creates estimates, enters charges, and finalizes patient accounts in collaboration with the clinicians. Circulates in the operating room and provides assistance to the surgeons/residents when needed. Submits anesthesia, surgery, and radiology requests for patient procedures. Prioritizes surgical procedures based on availability of equipment and operating rooms. Ensures all radiology requests are submitted. Prepares surgical equipment and supplies for the following day. Ensures surgery consent form is signed, deposit is left, and owners have been called prior to surgery.
• Responds to inquiries from potential clients or referring veterinarians. Coordinates emergency cases with referral information and tentative estimates. Communicates with clients whose pets have been discharged to answer follow-up questions or to check on status of the patient. Schedules follow-up or recheck appointments as instructed by the clinicians. Provides client education and referral information for continued patient care or before appointment.
• Supports teaching efforts by instructing students, interns, and residents in proper nursing care, data entry and following hospital procedures and policies.
• Fulfills on-call and emergency duties on a rotating, as-needed basis with other veterinary surgery staff.

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:

• 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.