Veterinary Technician II - Oncology

The 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.

The Veterinary Technician in Oncology works as a part of an integrated clinical care team to provide high quality nursing care to inpatient and outpatient oncology patients. The service offers chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments to cancer patients in an integrated, team-based environment. We are seeking a certified veterinary technician with strong technical and interpersonal skills including challenging phlebotomy and IV catheter placements, anesthesia, communication and a passion for learning. Training will be provided in oncology specific skills if needed. This position provides the opportunity for advanced training in specialty medicine, relationship building with long term patients and clients, as well as regular working hours (no on-call or weekend duties). The Veterinary Technician II is a CVT that performs complex and diverse clinical duties in veterinary patient nursing care and performs more complex technical procedures.

Technical Skills and Patient Care:

• Provide care to patients consistent with our hospital's standards of minimizing fear, anxiety, stress, and pain.
• Collaborate with colleagues, co-workers, faculty, house officers and students to effectively manage a high-volume clinical workflow without direct supervisory oversight.
• Monitor, manage and implement treatment plans as ordered by clinicians to ensure prompt delivery of high-quality patient care.
• Safely obtain diagnostic blood samples and place IV catheters for chemotherapy patients.
• Chemotherapy preparation and administration
• Anesthetic management of patients from induction, throughout procedure, to recovery for radiation therapy treatments as well as diagnostic imaging planning procedures.
• Work with clinicians to perform specialty examinations, have exceptional client communication, and are proficient in computer/data entry.
• Work efficiently, professionally and cohesively either independently or as a part of a team
• Ensure all patient safety, departmental and hospital policies and protocols are being followed.
• Actively seek opportunities to provide support and coverage to all areas of the section and hospital as needed.
• Complete diagnostic testing as ordered by clinicians.
• Provide technical assistance for clinical, academic and research functions/activities.
• Assist clinicians in maintaining complete medical records for all patients

Client Interaction:

• Provide patient updates for clients and record in electronic medical record.
• Relay service-specific requirements and information to clients
• Communicate with clients regarding test results, patient questions and appointment scheduling.
• Manage prescription refill requests.
• Admit patients for hospitalization, testing and procedures.
• Discharge patients by reviewing home care instructions and answer client questions.
• Referring veterinarian communication as directed

Teaching:

• Instruct, direct, and assist residents, interns, students, new technicians, and student technicians with all technical aspects of the oncology service
• Develop and maintain a service SOP binder

Maintenance - Clinical maintenance includes:

• Maintain an adequate inventory of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
• Clean and maintain clinical areas
• Facilitate the maintenance of clinical equipment by identifying malfunctioning equipment and scheduling service

Miscellaneous -

• Provide coverage for other departments and modalities as needed.
• Participate in Departmental and Hospital-wide initiatives as required.

Basic Requirements:

• Certified Veterinary Technician in good standing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently when completing basic tasks and procedural skills, and the ability to conduct more advanced tasks under supervision.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team of clinical and administrative professionals.
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic self-starter with a professional attitude.
• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology and veterinary pharmacology.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent service to both internal and external customers.
• A desire to teach. This includes sharing knowledge and expertise with colleagues throughout the Small and Large Animal Hospitals as well as students. Teaching also requires a commitment to ongoing professional development such as participation in Continuing Education and maintenance of credentials and certifications.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and ability to learn electronic medical record systems and other software systems used.

Minimum required technical skills:

• Safely restrain cats and dogs using fear-free techniques
• Assess the attitude and responsiveness of dogs and cats
• Obtain vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and capillary refill time.
• Be able to identify animals in pain or distress
• IV catheterization
• Phlebotomy (cephalic, saphenous, jugular)
• Dosage calculations for medications, fluid therapy, and continuous rate infusions.
• Set up of fluid therapy systems and fluid therapy monitoring
• Monitoring and identifying physiological parameters in patients under sedation and general anesthesia.
• Familiarity with sedatives and tranquilizers.
• Ability to use point of care machines.
• Describe steps required and be able to assist in CPR.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years experience in a specialty practice.
• Prior experience working in Veterinary Medical or Radiation Oncology
• Advanced credentialing (such as Veterinary Technician Specialist) and/or experience in oncology and/or anesthesia