Emergency Veterinary Technician/Assistant - ICU

At Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency, we are a leading provider of emergency and critical care veterinary services, offering comprehensive treatment options for critically ill and injured pets. Our hospital in Marietta, GA is at the forefront of specialty care and advanced diagnostics, with specialized services in: Emergency and Critical Care Oncology Surgery and Anesthesia Internal Medicine …and more! As part of our commitment to high-quality care, we are seeking a highly skilled Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our Critical Care team. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a dynamic team of emergency professionals in a fast-paced, high-impact environment, providing essential care for pets in urgent need of stabilization and ongoing treatment. Shifts: Full-Time (7:00 AM – 5:00 PM or 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM) Employment Type: Full-Time As an team member on our ICU team, you will play a key role in the stabilization, treatment, and ongoing care of critically ill or injured patients. Key Responsibilities • Emergency & Critical Care Support: • Provide immediate and intensive care for critically ill or injured animals. • Perform stabilization, IV fluid therapy, pain management, and monitoring of vital signs. • Assist in triage assessments, identifying life-threatening conditions such as shock, respiratory distress, and trauma. • Monitor and assess patients’ responses to emergency treatment, adjusting protocols as necessary under the direction of veterinarians. • Advanced Patient Monitoring: • Utilize advanced monitoring equipment such as ECG, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, capnography, and temperature to track vital signs. • Continuously assess and adjust anesthesia protocols during procedures, surgeries, or diagnostic imaging to ensure patient stability. • Monitor patients’ oxygen levels, ventilation, and sedation during critical care interventions to maintain stability. • Ventilator & Respiratory Support: • Manage and monitor patients requiring mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy, adjusting settings for tidal volume, respiratory rate, and oxygen supplementation. • Assist with airway management and intubation for patients needing respiratory support, including those recovering from surgery or undergoing procedures. • Laboratory & Diagnostic Support: • Perform diagnostic laboratory tests including blood gas analysis, CBC, chemistry panels, and urinalysis to assist with diagnosis and treatment of critical patients. • Assist veterinarians with diagnostic imaging (e.g., digital radiography, ultrasound), preparing patients and processing images for review. • Interpret test results and provide critical data to the veterinarian for rapid decision-making in urgent situations. • Anesthesia and Surgical Assistance: • Administer and monitor anesthesia during elective or emergency surgeries, ensuring patient safety and stability throughout the procedure. • Assist with anesthesia induction, maintenance, and recovery, managing fluid therapy and vital signs as needed. • Ensure proper sterile technique and assist with surgical preparation, equipment handling, and post-operative recovery. • Medication Administration and Pain Management: • Administer medications, including IV fluids, pain management (e.g., opioids, NSAIDs), and antibiotics, ensuring proper dosage and timing. • Monitor patient pain levels and adjust treatment protocols in collaboration with the veterinarian to ensure optimal comfort and recovery. • Client Communication & Education: • Communicate regularly with pet owners regarding patient status, treatment plans, and progress, particularly during high-stress situations. • Provide clear discharge instructions to clients, explaining at-home care for post-operative or critically ill patients, including medication regimens, wound care, and follow-up appointments. • Educate clients on the importance of post-hospitalization care for critically ill pets and provide guidance on recovery protocols. • Emergency Equipment & Inventory Management: • Ensure all critical care equipment (e.g., infusion pumps, ventilators, ECG machines) is properly calibrated, sterilized, and ready for use. • Assist with inventory management, ensuring medications, IV fluids, and other supplies are stocked, labeled, and maintained according to hospital standards. • Team Collaboration: • Work closely with emergency veterinarians, critical care specialists, and other veterinary technicians to provide coordinated, patient-centered care. • Mentor and train junior technicians, interns, or veterinary students in critical care protocols and patient management techniques. • Participate in case discussions and care planning, contributing insights from your technical expertise and experience. Skills, Knowledge & Expertise to be Successful Education & Licensure • Graduate of an accredited Veterinary Technician program • Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or LVT in Georgia (or eligible to transfer) • Certifications in ECC, Anesthesia Monitoring, or CPR are a plus Experience & Skills • 1–3 years of clinical experience (emergency or critical care preferred) • Proficient in IV catheter placement, intubation, ventilator support, anesthesia monitoring • Strong knowledge of ICU protocols, triage procedures, and emergency patient care • Excellent critical thinking, communication, and teamwork in high-pressure situations What We Offer Compensation & Benefits • Competitive pay based on experience • Medical, dental, vision insurance • 401(k) with employer match • Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays Support for Licensed Techs & New Graduates • Student Loan Repayment Assistance for grads of AVMA-accredited vet tech programs • Reimbursement for GA licensure fees and exam costs • Enhanced CE benefits: • CE allowance + paid CE days • Access to specialty CE (ECC, anesthesia, critical care) • Ongoing mentorship and clinical coaching for early-career techs Career Growth & Tools • Hands-on experience with advanced technology (ventilators, infusion pumps, diagnostic imaging) • Opportunities to pursue specialty certifications and internal advancement • Work alongside board-certified specialists in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Oncology, and more Work-Life Balance & Culture • Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance • Inclusive, team-first culture that values collaboration and continued learning • Make a meaningful impact by caring for pets at their most vulnerable Ready to Elevate Your Career? If you're a licensed or experienced technician looking to deepen your skills in emergency and critical care, join us at Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency. Help us provide life-saving care to pets and peace of mind to their families. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job