Veterinary Nurse I - Community Medicine

Working/Functional Title

Veterinary Nurse - Community Medicine

Position Summary

Key Responsibilities:

Mobile Surgical Unit Operations:

• Preparation & Maintenance: Ensure the mobile surgical unit is properly stocked with necessary medical supplies, equipment, and medications. Responsible for organizing and cleaning the trailer before and after each clinic day.
• Transport & Setup: Occasionally assist with driving the mobile surgical unit to various shelter locations and setting up the unit for surgeries and patient care.
• Surgical Support: Provide anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery for patients undergoing various procedures. Perform routine patient prep, including catheter placement, administering medications, and assisting with surgery.
• Clinical Procedures: Perform routine veterinary nursing tasks, such as blood draws, IV catheter placement, administering vaccines, and assisting with basic veterinary care during the clinic.
• Teaching & Mentoring Students: Teach veterinary nursing students practical skills, including anesthesia protocols, patient preparation, surgical procedures, monitoring anesthesia, and post-operative care. Provide hands-on experience and guidance for students in a variety of clinic al settings.
• Client Interaction & Communication: Serve as a primary point of contact for shelter staff, discussing pre-operative instructions, post-operative care, and recovery. Provide updates to clients regarding patient status and coordinate any necessary follow-up care.

Scheduling and Coordination: Assist with scheduling surgeries and procedures, ensuring a smooth flow of patients and that necessary paperwork is completed accurately and in a timely manner. Coordinate clinic dates with partner shelters and ensure all required logistics are in place before each mobile clinic .

Mobile Unit Logistics & Maintenance:

• Stocking & Inventory: Manage inventory of medical supplies, ensuring the mobile unit is fully stocked and organized for each clinic day. Maintain accurate records of supplies used and re-ordering needs.
• Cleaning & Sterilization: Maintain a high standard of cleanliness in the surgical area, preparing the unit and instruments for safe, sterile procedures.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Assist in ensuring the mobile surgical unit is in good working order, coordinating with necessary personnel for repairs or upkeep.

Primary Care Duties (When Mobile Unit is Not in Service):

• Clinical Assistance: Assist in primary care settings when the mobile unit is not running, including performing routine veterinary nursing duties such as assisting with exams, administering vaccines, monitoring anesthesia, taking radiographs, and conducting laboratory tests.
• Client Education: Provide guidance to pet owners on preventive care, medication administration, and follow-up care after procedures.
• Team Collabo ration: Work collaboratively with veterinarians, staff, and other technicians in delivering high-quality veterinary care in the clinic.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge normally acquired in the first two or three years in college, technical or vocational school in Veterinary Technology; six months to one year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in extensive patient care, surgery, anesthesia, drug-dosing, and sterilization; experience in the use of spreadsheet and word processing software, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; licensed as a Veterinary Technician with the State of Michigan or attainment of such certification within one year from date of employment.

Desired Qualifications

Previous experience in a veterinary clinic or shelter setting preferred, with a focus on surgery, anesthesia, and general veterinary nursing. Experience with mobile units and shelter environments is a plus.

Strong technical skills in anesthesia monitoring, surgical preparation, and patient recovery.

Ability to multitask and work in a dynamic, mobile environment.

Knowledge of veterinary medical supplies, medications, and equipment.

Strong communication skills and ability to work with students, shelter staff, and veterinary teams.

Ability to adapt to changing environments and schedules, including driving the mobile unit.

Comfortable working with a variety of patients, including both healthy and high-risk shelter anima