Specialty Care Veterinary Technician, ICU

Summary

The Specialty Care Veterinary Technician supports the Companion Animal Clinic of the Animal Health Institute by providing advanced, patient-focused care in Specialty Services. This role includes performing complex technical procedures, managing critically ill patients, assisting with advanced diagnostics and interventions, providing client communication, and delivering high-level student instruction.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (all levels)

• Assist students and veterinarians with physical exams, advanced diagnostics, treatments, and specialty procedures for outpatient and hospitalized and critical patients.
• Perform advanced technical skills including complex catheter placement, advanced monitoring, specialized nursing care, and emergency interventions.
• Monitor critically ill patients and recognizable subtle changes in patient status requiring immediate intervention.
• Collect and process diagnostic samples including blood gases, coagulation panels, cytology, and specialized laboratory tests.
• Administer medications including constant rate infusions, emergency drugs, blood products, and parenteral nutrition.
• Perform or assist with advanced procedures including thoracocentesis, abdominocentesis, urinary catheterization, chest tube management, and oxygen therapy
• Operate and troubleshoot advanced monitoring equipment including ECC, blood pressure monitors, capnography, pulse oximetry, and ventilators
• Develop and implement comprehensive nursing care plans for complex medical and surgical cases
• Provide anesthesia for high-risk patients and manage anesthetic complications
• Team and mentor veterinary students in advanced technical skills, critical thinking, and professional communication
• Communicate with clients regarding patient status, treatment plans, and discharge instructions for complex cases
• Maintain detailed medical records and ensure compliance with hospital protocols
• Coordinate care between specialty services and referring veterinarians
• Maintain inventory and cleanliness of treatment areas, ICU, and specialty equipment
• Participate in rounds, case discussions, and continuing education
• Collaborate with faculty, students, and fellow staff to ensure excellent patient care
• Other duties as assigned