Veterinary Assistant- Small Animal Oncology

OverviewThe 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. What You'll DoThe Veterinary Assistant in oncology works as a part of an integrated clinical care team to provide high-quality care to inpatient and outpatient oncology patients. The service offers chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments to cancer patients in an integrated, team-based environment. The Veterinary Assistant will assist with overall workflow in the oncology service including assisting with appointments, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, facilitating patient radiographs and other diagnostic tests, the physical examination process, patient admissions and discharges as well as expediting patient care and treatments while in the care of the hospital. In addition, the assistant will assist with laboratory work, record keeping, documentation, and stocking/cleanliness of all section treatment and exam areas. Exceptional patient handling, multi-tasking and prioritization skills will be needed to ensure patients and clients receive exceptional care and service.Veterinary Assistance:Work closely with team members to ensure timely client service and excellent patient careAssist with physical examinations of inpatients and outpatients utilizing low stress handling techniquesWork in coordination with other departments to coordinate and prioritize patient careAdmit and discharge patientsAssist with chemotherapy and radiation treatmentsMaintain a working knowledge of all department equipment and suppliesSubmission of various lab samplesAssist technicians and expedite patient care and diagnostics in inpatient and outpatient servicesCollaborate and communicate with client service representatives and hospitals liaisonsEnter patient charges and communicate with the front desk to ensure accurate and timely checkoutsCleaning/Stocking/Equipment Maintenance:Coordinate and prioritize daily husbandry care of patients and maintain adequate inventory for the serviceClean/stock/maintain service areasProcess soiled laundry and ensure adequate supply of clean laundry for the serviceMaintain equipment and ensure that all equipment is kept in good working orderEstablish and maintain cleaning protocols for the service areasHandle and properly discard of all medical waste following medical and chemotherapy waste safety protocolsOther:Provide coverage for other shifts and sections of the Hospital as neededParticipate in Departmental and Hospital-wide initiatives as requiredComplete other tasks as assigned by supervisorAssist in clinical trials, studies and projects as needed including treating research/laboratory animals What We're Looking ForBasic Requirements:Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:High School Diploma (or the equivalent)One year of related experienceFamiliarity with medical terminology and animal behaviorAbility to restrain small animals in a safe, compassionate mannerHigh emotional intelligence and team playerEngaged learner - highly motivated to improve knowledge base and skill setWorking knowledge of Microsoft Word and electronic medical recordsAbility to lift up to 50 lbs. with or without accommodationPreferred Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree in an animal science or other animal biology related fieldOne or more years' experience as a Veterinary Assistant in a veterinary hospitalSuccessful completion of a NAVTA-approved Veterinary Assistant ProgramKnowledge in veterinary oncologyExperience working in a specialty hospitalVeterinary Assistant Certification Credentialed as a Certified Veterinary Assistant Pay RangeMinimum $19.35, Midpoint $22.60, Maximum $25.90   Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.