Veterinary Assistant (Inpatient Medicine)

Tufts University•Grafton, MA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University provides 24-hour care for pets 365 days of the year. Since 1985, we have offered high quality medical care, consultation, referral, and emergency veterinary services for the care of dogs, cats and exotic pets. In addition, the hospital creates a positive learning experience for Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University students and student technicians regarding small animal medicine.

Requirements

High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
At least one year of related experience.
Familiarity with medical terminology, veterinary pharmacology, and animal behavior.
Ability to restrain small animals in a safe, compassionate manner.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with co-workers, clinicians, students, staff, and clients.
Enthusiastic, genuine, empathetic, and self-motivated professional with a positive, upbeat attitude.
Pride in and commitment to maintaining hospital floor and front lobby areas.
Basic computer skills including the ability to learn the electronic medical record system.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation

Nice To Haves

One or more years’ experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a veterinary hospital
Successful completion of a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant Program
Exotic animal handling skills. Exotic animals include birds, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, rodents, special small mammals (such as chinchillas or hedgehogs), reptiles, and amphibians.
Veterinary Assistant Certification Credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Assistant

Responsibilities

Provide high quality patient care including assisting clinicians, students and technicians with restraint, care, and treatment of patients.
Coordinate patient flow within and between services to expedite each patient’s visit.
Draw blood samples as ordered and process in-house lab work as directed by a licensed veterinarian.
Prepare patients for discharge by removing IV catheters, incision coverings, ID bands and any medical equipment.
Ensure all final treatments are completed prior to discharge, and that the patient is well groomed and clean for discharge.
Ensure the patient has a clean and undamaged e-collar if needed.
Locate and send home all personal belongings.
Coordinate with services to ensure discharge paperwork is completed and medications are ready or prescriptions sent to pharmacy at time of discharge.
Assist with medical record documentation.
Assist with providing basic animal husbandry and hygiene.
Serve as a contact for designated service to address clients’ clinical questions and concerns, soliciting information from clinician/technician as necessary.
Explain at home instructions, supporting documents, and medication directions to clients and answer any client questions.
Demonstrate owner skills needed after discharge.
Assist owner with loading patients out of the hospital and in car as needed.
Greet and escort clients to and from inpatient department.
Maintain cleanliness of the inpatient department.
Maintain an adequate inventory of supplies including equipment and medications.
Perform other duties as directed by department supervisors or shift lead.
Participate in Departmental and Hospital-wide initiatives as required.