ICU Veterinary Technician-ER

Job Description

Job Description

Animal ER Care, LLC is an independent, long-standing emergency practice in the Front Range of Colorado. As a busy VECCS II and AAHA-accredited emergency hospital, we are seeking credentialed technicians experienced in emergency and critical care to provide skilled and compassionate care for our hospitalized patients.

Our emergency practice is located within the Veterinary Specialty Center complex, which houses multiple specialty practices, including Southern Colorado Veterinary Internal Medicine, Mountain View Veterinary Surgery, Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery, Animal Allergy and Dermatology, and Colorado Canine Orthopedics. We work collaboratively with our neighboring practices to provide well-rounded care to our patients. Some of the services available to the patients within the specialty center include emergency stabilization of trauma and acute illness, continued care through internal medicine for chronic/advanced illness, CT and endoscopy, advanced orthopedic care, soft-tissue surgery, oncology, specialty dentistry, and more. Animal ER Care’s doctors practice up-to-date medicine and work together in a supportive environment to ensure we are providing comprehensive care to all pets.  

One such example is the lifesaving care our team provided for K-9 Roam with CSPD.

-k9-roam-be-discharged-veterinary-hospital-community-and-media-invited-share-support-he

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.