Tufts V.E.T.S. is a multispecialty emergency and critical care VECCS level 1 certified facility in New England. We are an affiliate of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, at Tufts University, providing a unique environment that integrates learning into a busy private practice setting. We are committed to providing the highest standard of patient care from a wide range of specialty services including emergency and critical care, anesthesia, surgery, internal medicine, oncology, radiology and diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology, dermatology, cardiology, and urgent care. We are continually seeking to unite highly skilled professionals in veterinary medicine to provide a collaborative environment that strives to promote and strengthen the human-animal bond.
Tufts V.E.T.S. strives to be a community where diversity and inclusion are a priority.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Urgent Care Veterinary Technician plays a critical role in delivering high-quality, compassionate care in a fast-paced emergency hospital setting. This position requires the ability to remain calm, confident, and effective under pressure while supporting the medical team and ensuring patient safety. The urgent care team works collaboratively with one another and with the Emergency and Critical Care service to determine when patient transfers are necessary based on the level of care required.
Technicians in this role must demonstrate professionalism, strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to navigate challenging situations with composure and empathy. They are expected to take direction from the Urgent Care Veterinarians regarding patient care and the evolving needs of the service. A proactive, team-oriented mindset and a commitment to clinical excellence are essential to providing the best possible outcomes for patients and their families.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Patient Care & Clinical Responsibilities
- Triage patients effectively and maintain open, timely communication between the Urgent Care and Emergency/Critical Care services.
- Perform patient workups as directed by the attending urgent care veterinarian.
- Conduct thorough physical exams, admit, and discharge patients, and ensure completion of all necessary documentation.
- Safely restrain patients with compassion, including those who are difficult or fractious.
- Monitor and maintain the comfort and cleanliness of hospitalized patients.
- Accurately follow treatment orders and alert veterinarians to any patient concerns.
- Prepare patients for procedures using aseptic technique and assist during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Perform venipuncture and place intravenous catheters proficiently.
- Collect and prepare blood, urine, and other samples for both in-house and external diagnostic testing.
- Take high-quality digital radiographs while adhering to proper safety protocols.
- Monitor patients under anesthesia and/or sedation during all phases (pre/post/recovery).
- Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain multiparameter monitors and anesthetic machines.
Medical Knowledge & Technical Proficiency
- Demonstrate sound knowledge of veterinary medical terminology, common diseases, procedures, medications, and equipment.
- Exhibit advanced understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
- Perform accurate drug calculations, including fluid rates and medication dosages.
- Demonstrate proficiency in:
- Peripheral IV catheter placement
- Venipuncture (jugular, cephalic, lateral saphenous, and femoral veins)
- IV, IM, and SQ injections
- Urine collection (free catch, catheterization, cystocentesis)
- Conduct in-house lab work using platforms such as NOVA, in-house CBC and Chemistry, PCV/TS, lactate, glucometer, and azostix.
- Properly handle, label, document, and submit specimens to external laboratories.
Operational Efficiency & Team Collaboration
- Support urgent care veterinarians with workflow efficiency throughout the shift.
- Maintain clean, organized treatment and examination areas.
- Assist in maintaining department equipment, instruments, and supplies.
- Notify Supervisor/Lead/Chief of equipment issues and assist with repairs or service tracking.
- Collaborate closely with team members to ensure seamless, high-quality patient care.
- Provide cross-departmental assistance based on caseload and staffing needs.
Professional Development & Leadership
- Assist in training and mentoring new team members, interns, and veterinary students.
- Meet regularly with Supervisor/Lead/Chief and the Clinical Services Manager to address concerns or improvement opportunities.
- Actively participate in continuing education to stay current with veterinary medical advancements.
- Contribute to the growth and ongoing development of the urgent care service in partnership with leadership.
Soft Skill Expectations
- Maintain an optimistic attitude and follow TVETS policies including the Employee Code of Conduct. Your conduct and interaction with hospital team members and clients is a top priority and is continually evaluated.
- Adhere to all hospital policies and standards as required by employee manual.
- Serve as a representative of the hospital. Display courtesy, tact, consideration, and a positive attitude in all interactions with clients, patients, and hospital team members.
- 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.
- Communicate openly, effectively, and regularly with all management, supervisors, and specialists
- Maintain positive rapport between all hospital team members and clients.
Personal conduct and interpersonal skills are very important. Interaction with hospital team members and clients is a top priority and is continually evaluated.
**Position responsibilities may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of the service or business without it being specifically included in the job description.
SCHEDULE
Schedule: TBD. Schedule subject to change at management’s discretion to meet the needs of the service. This position is considered essential and is therefore required to work as scheduled during inclement weather (i.e., during snowstorms). Weekend and holiday coverage as required by the service.
Compensation: Is based on education, experience, credentials, and skill level
Benefits: Full-time benefits include health, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 401K, flexible spending accounts, PFML, Employee Assistance Program, paid maternity leave, paid vacation/sick/personal time, employee pet discount, uniforms, CE opportunities and allowance, and paid holidays
