Veterinary Nurse/Veterinary Technician, Nutrition, Small Animal Clinical Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Nurse, located within the Nutrition service of the Small Animal Clinical Sciences department. The primary purpose of this position is to provide veterinary nursing care within the Nutrition service by evaluating patients and developing appropriate diets, including special formula diets, weight loss diets and educational resources to stakeholders under the supervision of an overseeing supervisor or service clinician. Confers with owners and area veterinary clinics, initiates in-house consultations, arranges food/formula orders, and collaborates with pet food companies. Coordinates pet food sales and participates in nutrition research studies. Position demonstrates ownership and provides input on management of patient care, development of procedures and policies for services and is an integral part of client and student education. Position supports teaching efforts by instructing students, interns, and residents.

Depending on experience and qualifications of successful candidate, individual will be hired in as a Veterinary Nurse 1, Veterinary Nurse 2, Senior Veterinary Nurse 1, or Senior Veterinary Nurse 2.

Typical Responsibilities:

Provides veterinary nursing care to patients under the supervision of other veterinary nurses and overseeing service clinician. Works with the veterinary nutritionist to evaluate patients, develop dietary treatment plans (special formula diets, weight loss diets, etc.), monitors weight loss (obtain weight, calculate loss, etc.), evaluates ICU feeding orders, formulates feeding tube and parenteral plans, and assists with client communication and education and discharges. Position demonstrates ownership in self education and development as well as teamwork with other service members. Assists with nutritional research studies, facilitating patient and clinician interactions, collecting lab specimens, and organizing necessary documents associated with individual projects.

Responds to phone calls and emails from pet owners and outside veterinary clinics. Initiates in-house consultations with owner and patient. Communicates with outside compounding facility for parenteral and enteral formulation orders and contacts pet food companies for nutrient information under the guidance of a veterinarian or veterinary nurse. Oversees client food order requests and questions via email and phone. Oversees food orders and in-hospital sample use.

Develops educational and outreach opportunities for referring veterinarians, students, and clients. Supports teaching efforts under the guidance of a veterinarian or veterinary nurse supervisor. Attends courses to expand knowledge and understanding of nutrition in veterinary medicine. Works with UTCVM committees to promote service, veterinary nursing, and our UTCVM community as assigned by supervisor.

Serves on-call and performs other duties as assigned by overseeing supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited program in Veterinary Technology with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. Must obtain a Tennessee license as a veterinary technician within one year of employment. Future graduates will be considered as long as degree is obtained prior to start date.

Preferred Qualifications:

Additional relevant experience. Prefer experience working with a veterinary nutritionist and developing educational materials.

The Veterinary Medical Center is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. Occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work may be required of this position.