Overnight Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant - Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct care for emergency and critically ill patients, including but not limited to:
  • Stabilization of patients experiencing acute distress or trauma
  • IV fluid therapy to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance
  • Pain management through administration of prescribed analgesics
  • Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation)
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian, ensuring patient responses are closely monitored
• Assist in emergency procedures such as:
  • CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
  • Tracheal intubation and airway management
  • Wound care, including bandaging and suturing
  • Venipuncture for blood draws or IV access

• Continuously monitor critically ill patients to ensure stability, including tracking vital signs and patient responses
• Operate and maintain advanced monitoring equipment such as:
  • ECG (Electrocardiography)
  • Pulse oximeter
  • Capnography for CO2 monitoring
  • Blood pressure cuffs (non-invasive and invasive)
• Provide constant observation of patients during anesthesia for surgeries or diagnostic imaging procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort

• Perform diagnostic tests and bloodwork, including:
  • CBC (Complete Blood Count), chemistry panels, and blood gas analysis
  • Urinalysis to assess kidney and urinary tract function
• Prepare patients for diagnostic imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds), ensuring proper positioning and safety
• Assist veterinarians with interpretation of diagnostic results during critical care cases
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including hematology analyzers and chemistry analyzers, ensuring devices are calibrated and functioning properly

• Prepare and assist with emergency surgeries, ensuring proper sterile techniques and equipment setup
• Provide anesthesia monitoring during surgeries, adjusting as needed to maintain patient stability
• Administer anesthetic agents, assisting with induction and recovery, and ensuring patients are stable throughout the procedure
• Provide post-operative care, including:
  • Monitoring recovery from anesthesia
  • Managing pain relief and ensuring patients remain comfortable
  • Observing for complications such as respiratory or cardiovascular instability during recovery

• Communicate clearly and compassionately with pet owners regarding their pets' conditions, procedures, and treatment plans, especially during overnight hours
• Document all aspects of patient care, treatments, and client communications in the electronic medical record (EMR) system
• Provide clear, concise follow-up care instructions to clients once patients are discharged, ensuring they feel supported and informed during the recovery process

• Ensure medical supplies and medications are adequately stocked, organized, and ready for use during the night shift
• Assist with maintaining and updating controlled substances inventory, ensuring compliance with regulations and proper documentation
• Regularly check and ensure functionality of medical equipment, reporting any malfunctions or issues to appropriate team members for repair or replacement

• Work closely with veterinarians, other veterinary technicians, and hospital staff to manage emergency patient care, ensuring smooth operations and effective collaboration
• Assist in mentoring and training junior technicians, interns, and veterinary students, providing guidance on emergency procedures and critical care best practices
• Promote a positive, collaborative environment in the hospital, fostering teamwork and efficient patient care
• Support leadership in identifying opportunities for process improvements and best practices in emergency and critical care

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise to be Successful

• Graduation from an accredited Veterinary Technician program
  • Must have completed formal veterinary technician education at an accredited institution.
• 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.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and financial future:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options to choose from
  • Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions to help you plan for your future
  • Life insurance and short-term disability coverage for added peace of mind
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses

• Opportunities for continued learning and growth, with financial support for:
  • Certifications in specialized areas such as Emergency & Critical Care (ECC), Surgery, Oncology, and Anesthesia
  • Access to continuing education (CE) courses, workshops, and conferences to stay up-to-date with the latest veterinary practices and technologies
• Support for obtaining advanced certifications in veterinary specialties, allowing you to expand your skill set and career potential

• Access to the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, including:
  • Advanced imaging equipment such as digital radiology and ultrasound for accurate diagnostics
  • Cutting-edge laboratory equipment for real-time bloodwork, diagnostics, and patient monitoring
  • High-tech anesthesia machines and patient monitoring systems to ensure the best care for critical cases
• Well-equipped emergency and specialty treatment areas with everything you need to provide top-tier care

• Work alongside a dedicated and supportive team of skilled veterinary professionals, including:
  • Experienced veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support staff who are passionate about animal care
  • Collaborative environment where all team members contribute their expertise to provide the highest level of care for patients
• Opportunities for mentorship and knowledge sharing, with senior staff committed to fostering your growth and development

• Make a real difference in the lives of pets and their families by:
  • Providing life-saving treatment and stabilization to critically ill and injured animals
  • Delivering compassionate care and support to pet owners during some of their most challenging moments
• Take pride in being part of a team that saves lives and improves the health and well-being of animals in need
• Opportunity to work in a field that brings meaningful rewards, knowing that your efforts directly impact the health and happiness of pets and their families