Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Technician/Assistant

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct care for emergency and critically ill patients.
• Perform stabilization of patients experiencing acute distress, trauma, or rapid deterioration.
• Administer IV fluid therapy, analgesics, and prescribed medications.
• Continuously monitor vital signs such as heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
• Assist in life-saving procedures including:
  • CPR
  • Airway management and intubation
  • Wound care and bandaging
  • Venipuncture and catheter placement

Patient Monitoring

• Monitor critically ill patients to ensure stability and detect changes in condition.
• Operate advanced monitoring equipment (ECG, pulse oximetry, capnography, blood pressure).
• Provide anesthesia monitoring for surgical and diagnostic procedures, ensuring patient safety.

Diagnostic & Laboratory Support

• Perform in-house diagnostic tests including CBCs, chemistry panels, blood gases, and urinalysis.
• Assist with imaging procedures (X-ray, ultrasound) and ensure proper patient positioning.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and assist in interpreting diagnostic results.

Anesthesia & Surgery Assistance

• Prepare for and assist with emergency surgeries using proper sterile techniques.
• Monitor anesthesia, perform induced and recovery support, and maintain patient stability.
• Provide post-operative monitoring, pain management, and complication observation.

Client Communication & Documentation

• Communicate clearly and compassionately with clients regarding patient status and treatment.
• Document all treatments, procedures, and communications in the EMR system.
• Provide accurate follow-up care instructions to clients.

Inventory & Equipment Management

• Maintain stock of medical supplies, medications, and equipment.
• Assist with controlled substance documentation and compliance.
• Ensure all medical equipment is functioning properly and report issues promptly.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support staff to provide efficient patient care.
• Mentor junior technicians, interns, and veterinary students.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture and assist in workflow improvement.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise to be Successful

• High School Diploma Required, graduation from an accredited Veterinary Technician program is strongly preferred
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)
  • RVT or LVT certification is preferred. Non-licensed candidates with significant experience and skills will be considered.
• Additional Certifications (preferred but not required):
  • Emergency & Critical Care (ECC) Certification
  • Canine and Feline CPR Certification
  • Anesthesia Certification

• Minimum of 3-5 years of veterinary technician experience in a fast-paced, high-volume general practice or emergency veterinary hospital
  • Previous experience in emergency, critical care, or specialty veterinary environments strongly preferred.
• Experience with emergency and critical care procedures is highly desirable, including:
  • Patient stabilization techniques
  • Triage and rapid assessment in emergency situations
  • Handling high-acuity cases (e.g., trauma, poisoning, respiratory distress)
• Comfortable in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, with the ability to stay calm and focused during emergencies.
• Experience working overnight shifts in an emergency or specialty setting is a plus.

• Proficient in essential veterinary technical skills, including:
  • Venipuncture (IV catheter placement, blood draws)
  • Placement of urinary catheters (e.g., cystocentesis)
  • Endotracheal intubation and airway management
  • Emergency CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
• Strong anesthesia monitoring abilities, including:
  • Administering anesthetic agents
  • Monitoring and adjusting anesthesia during procedures and recovery
  • Managing IV fluid therapy to support critical patients
• Experience with diagnostic imaging equipment, such as:
  • Digital radiology
  • Ultrasound for imaging and diagnostics
• Proficient in laboratory procedures and diagnostics, including:
  • Performing and interpreting CBC (Complete Blood Count), chemistry panels, blood gas analysis, and urinalysis
  • Familiarity with lab equipment such as hematology analyzers and chemistry analyzers
• Proficient in medical mathematics for accurate medication dosages, fluid calculations, and anesthesia protocols.

• Strong critical thinking skills to make swift, accurate decisions in high-stress, fast-paced situations.
• Ability to assess and prioritize patient needs during emergencies, including trauma cases, respiratory distress, and other critical conditions.
• Skilled in troubleshooting and adapting to dynamic, ever-changing patient needs, especially when faced with complicated or unusual medical cases.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex medical information to pet owners.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence when communicating with stressed or anxious clients, particularly during nighttime hours when owners may be more worried about their pets' conditions.
• Ability to explain medical procedures, treatment options, and recovery plans in a clear, reassuring, and compassionate manner.
• Team-oriented communication to work effectively with veterinarians, technicians, and hospital staff during emergency situations and in support of overnight care.

• Ability to lift and carry patients up to 40 pounds and assist with patient positioning, especially in critical care or emergency procedures.
• Comfortable performing physically demanding tasks (e.g., positioning patients, lifting, restraining) for extended periods.
• Emotional resilience to handle the stress and emotional challenges that come with working in emergency and critical care settings, especially during overnight hours.
• Ability to maintain focus and efficiency during long shifts in a busy and sometimes high-stress work environment.