What are the responsibilities and job description for the ER/ICU Veterinary Technician position at Veterinary Healthcare Associates, Inc?
The premiere center for people and pets is nestled in the heart of central Florida, on an expansive 10-acre campus. At Veterinary Healthcare Associates we’re shifting the paradigm of veterinary medicine in a world where the norm is too narrow for the healing heart of humans like you.
We offer 3 areas of care all on ONE campus—General Practice, Specialty Referral, and 24/7 Emergency Care. But what truly makes us unique is our mission-driven culture all fueled by the same thing: "Helping people, pets, and planet become healthy, happy, and healed.”
For People Like You: We've built a culture that truly values and supports our team's well-being and professional growth. Picture a place where the idea of work-life balance is a real, everyday experience. We have Veterinary Scribes who capture every detail of patient care throughout your day, guaranteeing precise and thorough medical records and enabling our doctors to leave their shift on time, every time. We’re proud to share that you’ll also have access to our on-site fitness center, a meditation pod, and regular wellness events. We sponsor 100% of the fees for diverse fitness events—from 5k’s, Titan MudRuns, and Bowling to Pilates, Sound Bath Yoga, and even a Softball team! Discover the proof of our dedication to our team in the full benefits section, where our promises are tangible and the difference is clear.
For Pets: At the core of our practice lies a promise to provide unparalleled care for our animal companions. We're committed to excellence in patient care, which is why we fully fund the FVMA CVA course and exam, provide a complete CVT scholarship program, and grant unlimited access to atDove and 4ACT for continuous team education and training. We're not just about today's treatments but also tomorrow's breakthroughs, with a research lab in the works to explore new ways to help pets live longer, healthier, and happier. Beyond clinical excellence, our hearts are set on a simple, yet profound goal: ensuring more pets find their place in a loving home. With initiatives like our monthly stray stipend, we’re making it easier for these pets to start their new lives with families who will cherish them.
For the Planet: Our green initiatives reflect within our walls, echoing our responsibility to the environment. We celebrate community and local businesses, embodying effective altruism in every stride. Our on-campus café, which welcomes the public, is not just a place for nourishment—it's a vibrant hub for our green initiatives, serving as a daily reminder of our pledge to nurture the planet we all call home.
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EDUCATION AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Veterinary Technician Certification (CVT) desirable but not required.
- Previous On-The-Job Training desirable when not a CVT.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum two years experience as veterinary technician or assistant.
PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of 18 years old.
- Genuinely enjoys working with animals and is able to deal with them even when they are stressed, ill or in pain.
- Can stay calm and efficient during a medical crisis.
- Is well-spoken and approaches his/her job duties in a mature nature.
- Is experienced in the teamwork approach and works well with all levels of hospital team members.
- Has excellent client communication skills.
Physical Effort: Work requires lifting and carrying animals (will be assisted by other staff members in lifting animals over 40 lbs). Walks or stands for extended periods or time; frequently works in a bent or kneeling position.
Working conditions: May be exposed to unpleasant odors, noises and animal feces. May be exposed to bites, scratches and contagious diseases.
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Key Responsibilities
- Can provide compassionate care to patients and clients.
- Can conduct oneself in a confident and professional manner even when stressed and/or focused on individual tasks.
- Can enter accurate medical records into the practice software in accordance to hospital policy.
- Can prepare and maintain the exam rooms and treatment areas.
- Can perform physical assessments; record observations in the computer.
- Can effectively restrain pets even when large or difficult.
- Understands all common vaccinations and vaccination protocols and can explain to clients.
- Understands the importance of a clean and orderly facility, does not hesitate to clean or organize as part of a normal job duty.
- Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees.
- Gives SQ, IM and IV injections.
- Can handle client’s medical questions with confidence and direct to veterinarians when appropriate.
- Can prepare estimates for procedures and discuss financial commitments with clients supporting hospital financial policies.
- Can explain necessary follow-up and homecare instructions.
- Understands usage, dosage, and common side-effects for commonly used prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the clients.
- Can assist the veterinarian in medical, surgical and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery; administers anesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; administers fluids.
- Can perform emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, opening airways, and external cardiac massage.
- Can perform clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, and fungal cultures; draws blood for laboratory analysis; maintains file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records.
- Can effectively position for and take radiographs.
- Can place IV catheters and properly care for them. Understands the use and care of IV pumps as well.
- Knows common disease states and can alert veterinarians when symptoms change or when concerns arise with hospitalized patients.
- Can admit patients following hospital policy and doctors written orders.
- Can discharge patients based on the veterinarian’s orders, ensuring that patients are well groomed and in a medically appropriate state.
- Help doctor administer anesthetics; prepare patients for surgery; monitor patients during surgery and recovery; assist in surgery; administer fluids; perform support therapy to patients in surgery and post-op; remove and ready next patient.
- Help the doctor treat patients; assist in medical or surgical procedures such as irrigating wounds, medication, cleansing wounds, and bandaging. Perform the full range of “tableside” assistance to the practitioners.
- Effectively triages emergency cases and helps the emergency veterinarian prioritize patient load. Performs procedures as directed by the veterinarians.
If you are passionate about making a difference, dedicated to providing exceptional care, and eager to grow within a supportive and innovative team, we would love to hear from you. Join us at Veterinary Healthcare Associates, where your skills and compassion can thrive in a collaborative environment committed to excellence. Let’s make a difference together!