Veterinary Technician - Animal Emergency & Specialty Center - Knoxville

Description

Key Responsibilities

• Emergency Care Support:
  • As a veterinary technician in our emergency department, you will play a pivotal role in providing immediate, high-quality care to pets in critical condition. You will assist in the triage and emergency treatment of patients, quickly assessing the severity of their condition and helping prioritize care in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. You will be responsible for providing life-saving interventions, such as stabilizing patients, managing pain, administering fluids, and monitoring vital signs. Your quick thinking and proficiency in emergency care protocols will directly impact the outcomes of critical cases.
• Client Communication & Education:
  • Excellent communication with clients is key to providing outstanding care. As a veterinary technician, you will interact with pet owners, offering compassionate support and clear explanations about their pet’s diagnosis, treatment plans, and prognosis. You will ensure that clients understand the importance of follow-up visits and preventative caremeasures, educating them about topics such as nutrition, parasite prevention, and vaccination schedules. Your role is crucial in building trust and fostering long-term relationships between the practice and our clients.
• Diagnostics:
  • Perform a wide range of diagnostic tests to help veterinarians accurately diagnose and treat patients. This includes performing radiographs (X-rays), urinalysis, bloodwork, fecal exams, and cytology. You will be responsible for ensuring that all tests are conducted in accordance with established protocols, maintaining accurate sample collectionand proper handling for optimal results. You will work quickly and efficiently, providing timely and reliable diagnostic results to assist the veterinarian in making informed decisions for patient care.
• Medication Administration:
  • Administer a variety of medications through multiple routes, including intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SQ), intramuscular (IM), and oral (PO). You will follow proper dosage protocols and administration techniques to ensure that each medication is given safely and effectively. Whether managing chronic conditions or providing emergency drug interventions, your ability to manage medication protocols will play a critical role in improving patient outcomes.
• Intravenous Catheter Placement:
  • Place IV catheters with precision and expertise, ensuring proper placement for fluid administration, blood draws, and emergency interventions. You will also be responsible for providing ongoing catheter care, monitoring for potential complications such as infections or clotting, and ensuring that the catheter site remains clean and functional throughout treatment.
• Sedated Procedures:
  • Assist veterinarians and other veterinary technicians with sedated procedures, including laceration repairs, fracture stabilization, and wound care. You will ensure that patients are properly sedated and comfortable during procedures and closely monitor their vital signs throughout. Your expertise will help ensure that these procedures are conducted safelyand efficiently, with the goal of minimizing stress for both patients and clients.
• Hospitalized Patient Care:
  • Monitor and assist with the care of hospitalized patients, including assessing their condition, tracking vital signs, and administering treatments as prescribed. You will support patient comfort during recovery by providing pain management, hydration therapy, and ensuring a stress-free environment. Your role in patient recovery and monitoring is vital to ensuring a smooth and safe recovery process for all hospitalized animals.
• Patient Care Logistics:
  • Ensure smooth patient flow by managing patient care logistics. This includes discharging patients, providing detailed aftercare instructions to owners, and ensuring that all necessary medications are dispensed. You will also ensure that all required medical records are accurately updated in the hospital’s electronic medical records (EMR) system, maintaining a high standard of documentation for follow-up care and compliance.
• Equipment & Facility Maintenance:
  • Help maintain the treatment area and other clinical spaces, ensuring that they are clean, organized, and well-stockedwith all necessary medical supplies. You will be responsible for sterilizing equipment, cleaning instruments, and ensuring that all areas meet infection control protocols. Your attention to detail and dedication to maintaining a safe, efficient environment will directly contribute to the clinic’s ability to provide high-quality care.
• Team Collaboration:
  • As an essential member of our emergency team, you will work closely with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, nurses, and support staff to provide seamless, high-quality care. This collaborative approach is essential in the fast-paced environment of the emergency room. You will share knowledge, offer support, and work efficiently to ensure that patients receive the best possible care during critical and emergency situations. Your ability to work under pressure and maintain a positive team dynamic will be key to achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients and clients.
• This role is perfect for a motivated veterinary technician with a passion for emergency medicine, who thrives in a high-pressure environment, and who is dedicated to providing compassionate care to both pets and their owners. If you are looking for a rewarding career in a fast-paced setting, where your skills and knowledge will have a direct impact on the lives of animals, we invite you to apply.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• • Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience in a veterinary practice, emergency care, or specialty hospital setting is required. Prior experience in emergency medicine, critical care, or working in a fast-paced ER environment is highly preferred. Your background in handling urgent, life-threatening cases will allow you to provide the highest level of care to critical patients.
  • Certification as a Veterinary Technician (RVT, LVT, CVT) or as a Veterinary Assistant is a plus but not required. We welcome candidates with relevant hands-on experience and a passion for emergency medicine, even if certification is still in progress.
  • Proficiency in clinical diagnostics is essential. You should have hands-on experience performing radiographs (X-rays), bloodwork, urinalysis, and other diagnostic tests. Your ability to quickly interpret and act on diagnostic results will be critical in assessing emergency patients and assisting the veterinary team in making timely and accurate treatment decisions.
  • Solid knowledge and experience in emergency medicine and critical care is required. You will be comfortable working with trauma patients, acute illness cases, and other urgent situations, using your clinical expertise to provide immediate care and stabilization. Your skill set will include advanced life support, fluid therapy, pain management, and managing shock and other emergency conditions.
  • Hands-on experience in intravenous catheter placement, medication administration, and assisting with surgical procedures is a must. You will be proficient in providing fluid resuscitation, administering emergency medications, and assisting in urgent surgeries and procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort during critical interventions.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure in a high-stress, fast-paced emergency care environment is key. Your calm demeanor, quick decision-making skills, and ability to stay focused will directly impact the quality of care provided to critically ill or injured patients.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential in this role. You will need to effectively educate pet owners on their pet’s condition, treatment options, and follow-up care. Building strong relationships with clients, providing clear communication during stressful situations, and offering compassionate support will be central to your success in this role.
  • Positive attitude and excellent teamwork skills are a must in our high-pressure emergency environment. Your ability to collaborate with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, nurses, and other support staff ensures that patients receive timely and coordinated care. Your adaptability and commitment to teamwork will help maintain a productive, efficient work atmosphere, even during the busiest and most challenging times.
  • Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays is required as part of our 24-hour emergency service. The flexibility to handle overnight shifts, weekend hours, and holiday shifts ensures that we can continue providing round-the-clock care to patients in need.
    
    

What We Offer

• Competitive pay, commensurate with experience, recognizing and rewarding your skills, expertise, and dedication to providing exceptional veterinary care. We offer a pay structure that ensures your contributions are fairly compensated.
• Generous benefits package, including comprehensive medical insurance, dental and vision coverage, and a company-matched 401(k) retirement plan, providing financial security and peace of mind for you and your family.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays, allowing you to enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Take time to recharge and relax, knowing you have the flexibility to balance your career with your personal life.
• Career growth opportunities with access to continuing education benefits and support for professional development. We are committed to your ongoing growth and success, offering resources to help you stay at the forefront of veterinary medicine, expand your skill set, and pursue advanced certifications and training.
• The opportunity to work with a highly skilled, compassionate team in a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art facility. Work alongside experienced professionals in a modern, well-equipped environment, utilizing the latest technology and medical advancements to provide the highest level of care to our patients.