Internal Medicine Veterinary Assistant

TUFTS VETERINARY EMERGENCY SERVICE•Walpole, MA

9d•$20 - $25

About The Position

Internal Medicine Veterinary Assistants are essential, hands-on contributors to the success of our specialty service. As integral members of the veterinary care team, they support exceptional patient care, attentive husbandry, and compassionate client service. In this role, you will help ensure seamless daily operations by assisting with patient flow, supporting diagnostics and procedures, and maintaining clear, accurate medical documentation. This position requires strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, medically complex environment. Internal Medicine Veterinary Assistants directly support our veterinary technicians and veterinarians during patient care, appointments, and procedures, helping deliver a smooth, organized, and patient-centered experience for both clients and the medical team. By combining clinical support with clerical expertise, the Internal Medicine Veterinary Assistant plays a vital role in elevating the efficiency, proficiency, and overall success of the Internal Medicine service.

Requirements

To be eligible for this role you must be a Veterinary Assistant Level 2.
High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum of 2 year working in the veterinary field as a Veterinary Assistant
Minimum of 18 years old.
Genuinely enjoys working with animals and can treat them compassionately even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.
Must support and foster an environment of diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and empathy.
Must have excellent interpersonal relationship and communication skills.
Can multi-task in a fast-paced working environment.
Can stay calm and efficient under pressure.
Is detail oriented and reliable.
Has a high commitment to providing exceptional patient/client care.
Has excellent communication skills.
Must be professional, approachable, and maintain an optimistic outlook.

Nice To Haves

Veterinary Assistants in this role are expected to actively work toward and complete Level 3 Veterinary Assistant skill signoffs as part of their professional development.
Degree in Veterinary Technology and/or Animal Science preferred
Certification as a Veterinary Assistant preferred
Prior experience working in specialty medicine preferred

Responsibilities

Performs general husbandry of all day cases, including walking dogs, changing litter boxes and food/water bowls.
Start appointments, collect a patient history from the owner, obtain a TPRW, begin a SOAP, and relay information to the internist.
Assist with prescription refillsLevel 2, Must always be second checked.
Assist with packaging and signing out lab workMust always be second checked.
Works with technician(s) to complete daily/weekly/monthly department checklists.
Can comprehensively utilize our electronic medical record to increase doctor’s efficiency with medical records (help scribe SOAPs, record discussions in rooms between doctor/clients, start discharge reports, enter in TPRW, print patient label, enter in patient history, look-up patient/client, enter client communications, look-up appointments, review invoices/estimates, complete patient treatment- must be overseen by technician or doctor, etc.).
Work with the team to prioritize and distribute client concerns throughout the day.
Communicate with referring veterinarians and other specialty practices as needed.
Can effectively and safely restrain pets for blood draws, catheter placement, procedures, treatments, or general examinations.
Can assist doctors and technicians with the administration of medications.
Assist in set-up for any IM procedures in the procedure area or ECC as indicated.
Assist with setup, use, and maintenance of patient monitoring equipment and warming devices.
Assist technicians with anesthetic or sedation procedures during pre-op, intra-op and recovery.
Aseptically prep patients for procedures.
Assists with cleaning and storage of IM scope equipment- following appropriate SOP’s.
Carry out basic in-house laboratory testing (PCV/TS, chemistry, CBC, Coags, and all snap tests).
Submit samples to outside laboratories.
Can collect non-sterile urine and fecal specimens for laboratory submission.
Effectively position for and take radiographs with technical assistance.
Maintains cleanliness and stocking of IM exam rooms, IM treatment area and IM procedure area.
Assist with inventory control.
Create estimates for procedures and submit for clinician approval.
Communicate with referring veterinarians and other specialty practices as needed.
Assist with call backs, confirmation calls, and follow up calls.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills when talking with clients to assess concerns, urgency, and interventional needs.
Follow through with client conversations to ensure appropriate action has taken place and questions have been answered.
Record all client communications in communication log.
Ensure doctors receive all messages from clients.
Understands the importance of prioritizing tasks and keeps oneself busy and productive during work shifts.
Assist in training new team members and veterinary students.
Collaborate effectively with veterinary staff to provide comprehensive patient care.
Participate in continuous education to stay updated with advancements in veterinary practices.
Participate in regular team meetings.
Follows appropriate leadership structure when communicating, reporting, and resolving concerns and issues.
Maintain an optimistic attitude and follow TVETS policies including the Employee Code of Conduct. Your conduct and interaction with team members and clients is a top priority and is continually evaluated.
Adhere to all hospital policies and standards as required by the employee manual.
Serve as a representative of the hospital. Display courtesy, tact, consideration, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and team member.
Adhere to your work schedule. Be on the floor ready to work at the start of your shift.
Demonstrate initiative and teamwork in your duties each day.
Demonstrate professionalism and discourage gossip/rumors.
Maintain strict confidentiality.
Follow all hospital safety protocols.
Providing compassionate care to patients and clients.
Conducting oneself in a professional and confident manner, even under pressure.
Maintaining positive, cooperative working relationships with all team members.
Communicate openly, effectively, and regularly with all management/supervisors and specialists.
Maintain positive rapport between all hospital team members and clients.
Maintain open, positive, and productive communications.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Specialty Technician Supervisor.