Surgical Veterinary Technician at Apex Vets

Join Our Dynamic Surgery Team at Apex Vets!

Apex Vets is a state-of-the-art specialty and emergency animal hospital located in the heart of Wheaton. We’re looking for a compassionate and skilled Surgery Nurse to join our team. If you’re passionate about working with people and animals in a high-energy, teamwork-focused environment, this is the place for you!

Why Apex Vets?

At Apex Vets, we are driven by our four core principles:

• Care

  We care deeply for each other and our patients. We’ve got each other’s backs.

  
  

• Collaboration

  We share our insights and work together to achieve common goals.

  
  

• Continuous Improvement

  We constantly ask questions, challenge ourselves, and seek growth through learning.

  
  

• Collective Responsibility

  We celebrate our successes as a team and support each other through challenges, always united in our mission.

  
  

Are you an experienced Veterinary Nurse interested in making an impact in a fast-paced surgery department? Do you thrive in a multitasking role and have a passion for anesthesia and patient care? At Apex Vets, we empower you to provide outstanding patient care and exceptional client service while working closely with doctors and shift leaders to address patient needs. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to grow professionally and mentor newer team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate, high-quality nursing care to surgical patients, utilizing a variety of technical skills.
• Communicate effectively with clients to obtain patient histories, explain treatment plans, provide updates, and discuss discharge instructions.
• Restrain animals for exams, procedures, and treatments with patience and care.
• Administer medications (oral, injectable, topical) as prescribed, and perform medical treatments.
• Perform venipuncture, check and place IV catheters, and feed patients.
• Prepare patients for surgery, including placing IV catheters, inducing anesthesia, intubating, clipping, and scrubbing.
• Monitor anesthesia and post-operative recovery, tracking vital signs such as temperature, pulse, respiration, SpO2, CO2, BP, and ECG.
• Perform radiography and assist in surgeries as needed, including scrubbing in when required.
• Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical packs, gowns, and drapes, ensuring surgical areas are well-maintained and organized.
• Perform inventory, restocking, and kennel duties as needed.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and accountability, consistently showing up on time and working effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Education

  High school diploma or equivalent.

  
  

• Experience

  Veterinary nursing experience required, with a strong focus on anesthesia monitoring and surgery skills. Licensure preferred but not required.

  
  

• Skills

  Proficient in anesthetic monitoring, with excellent customer service, computer, and phone etiquette skills. Must be able to lift and restrain pets up to 40 pounds and work on your feet most of the day.

  
  

• Special Requirements

  Experience operating ventilators is a plus. Willingness to work overtime and Saturdays, as well as participate in an on-call rotation for weekends and holidays, as needed.

  
  

Employee Wellness

At Apex Vets, we value our team’s well-being and offer resources to support a healthy work-life balance:

• On-site Gym

  Equipped with a Peloton for convenient, high-quality workouts.

  
  

• Quiet Room

  A dedicated space for relaxation, meditation, or nursing mothers.

  
  

Benefits Package

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health Insurance

  Medical, dental, vision, and life coverage options.

  
  

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

  With employer matching.

  
  

• Continuing Education

  Support for professional development, and uniform reimbursement.

  
  

• Paid Time Off

  Enjoy vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

  
  

• Veterinary Service Discounts

  Discounts for personal pets.

  
  

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Frequent bending, standing, and walking, with extended periods on your feet. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds; assistance provided for heavier lifting.
• Exposure to radiation (x-ray, CT), gas sterilization, infectious diseases, and anesthetic agents, with appropriate PPE and safety measures in place.
• Possible exposure to aggressive animals, unpleasant odors, and loud noises.

Schedule

• Shift

  10-hour day shifts with on-call requirements, including one weekend a month and occasional overtime based on case load.

  
  

• Location

  Wheaton, MD (reliable commute or relocation required).

  
  

Ready to make a difference in the lives of pets and work with a team that truly cares? Apply now and join Apex Vets in our mission to provide exceptional veterinary care!