Our ICU technicians are dedicated to the care of emergent and critical cases within our ICU; primary responsibilities include administering medications, providing supportive care and advanced monitoring. They play a vital role in communicating patient status and status changes to the veterinarian, as well as educating and updating the client on the status of their beloved family member. As ICU accepts cases from all VSC services, multiple patients may be admitted simultaneously, which requires an ability to assess and prioritize patient care and immediate needs. If you are looking to challenge yourself professionally and be part of a team advancing veterinary medicine into the future, then AERC is the place for you.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Provides compassionate care to all patients and clients.
- Give and receive rounds (updates) effectively, efficiently, and professionally.
- Performs physical assessments of patients and communicates effectively with the veterinarian on duty.
- Perform CPR, including chest compressions.
- Efficiently restrain animals of all sizes safely and evaluate temperament.
- Prioritizes patient treatments appropriately and efficiently.
- Proper administration of SQ, IM, IC, and IV injections.
- Proper placement of IV catheters in multiple locations.
- Central or Jugular catheters and perform continued care of those catheters.
- Nasal cannulas & NG tube placements.
- Arterial catheterization.
- Understands usage, dosage, and side effects of commonly used drugs.
- Basic medical math: conversion, fluid additives, & CRI.
- Performs emergency procedures efficiently such as control of hemorrhage, CPCR, Dyspnea or upper airway obstructions.
- Performs laboratory procedure, fecal analysis, PCV/TP, Chemistry, CBC, Electrolytes, CPL snap, blood typing, coags, crossmatching, urinalysis, ultrasound preparation, cytology & preparation of submissions to outside laboratories.
- Effectively positions patient and acquire radiographs.
- Familiar with commonly seen disease processes and emergencies such as HBC, GDV, DIC, Hemoabdomen, etc.
- Understands the importance of updating the veterinarian on patient status while maintaining composure in stressful situations.
- Admits and starts patient treatments while following doctor orders and upholding hospital policy.
- Keeps accurate and legal medical records within EzyVet in accordance with hospital policy.
- Understands the importance of a clean and safe work environment.
- Maintains positive and supportive relationships with other employees.
- Can properly use all monitoring equipment and understand normal vital values.
- Completes the end of shifts task list thoroughly.
- Proper disinfectant protocols for contagious diseases.
- Can apply critical thinking skills to any given situation.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of 7 years as a veterinary technician and/or 5+ years in emergency medicine
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to maintain composure during times of high stress
- Excellent communication skills and experience in client education
- Must be able to excel in a team-oriented environment and work well with all members of the hospital team
- Must be able to work 12 hour shifts
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Must be able to lift animals up to 50 pounds, stand for extended periods of time, and be able to bend or crouch for restraint of patients.
Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals up to 50lbs unassisted. Any animals above 50lbs will require other staff members' assistance. You must be able to stand for extended periods of time. Some patients may require restraint on the floor and, therefore, must be able to be in a bent position for a long period of time. Must be able to move swiftly during an emergency.
Working Conditions: May be exposed to physical harm such as bites, scratches, and contagious diseases; and will be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises, & animals.
Animal ER Care offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid life and LTD insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid Vacation and Sick Leave, and a balanced work schedule.
Wage Range: $22- $55 (VTS) per hour DOE, plus a generous overnight shift differential.
A full-time ICU Technician position includes a sign-on bonus of $3,500.
