Veterinary Assistant CCU and ICW

VCA Animal Hospitals•Albuquerque, NM

5d•Onsite

About The Position

VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital & Referral Center is seeking an experienced Critical Care technician to join its overnight Critical Care Unit team in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The hospital describes itself as New Mexico’s only hybrid hospital and offers opportunities to learn and develop. The Critical Care team works alongside a board-certified critical care veterinarian to provide intensive management for critically ill or injured animals. The unit is equipped for oxygen therapy, cardiac monitoring, blood transfusions, and advanced diagnostics. The schedule is three 12-hour shifts, days or overnight. Compensation is negotiable based on education and experience, with a shift differential available for overnight shifts. The role calls for at least three years of prior critical care experience, strong clinical skills, initiative, sound critical thinking, a positive attitude, and strong communication and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate should be committed to providing an exceptional client experience and have flexibility in schedule availability. Leadership experience and interest are a plus. VCA offers career support, advancement opportunities, continuing education and development resources, and a benefits package. The hospital emphasizes equity, inclusion, diversity, and a supportive work environment. The job description notes that duties may change with circumstances and that management may revise the position requirements.

Requirements

At least 3 years of previous critical care experience.
Strong skills in IV catheter placement and venipuncture.
Ability to safely restrain cats and dogs; experience with exotics is a plus.
Ability to monitor anesthesia for critical patients.
Strong critical-thinking skills.
Ability to be proactive and take initiative.
Positive attitude.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Strong desire to provide an exceptional client experience.
Flexibility in schedule availability.

Nice To Haves

Experience with exotics.
Leadership experience and interest.

Responsibilities

Provide intensive management for critically ill or injured animals as part of the Critical Care Unit team.
Work alongside a board-certified critical care veterinarian.
Contribute to patient care using the unit’s oxygen therapy, cardiac monitoring, blood transfusion, and advanced diagnostic capabilities.
Provide an exceptional client experience.

Benefits

Advancement and leadership opportunities.
Continuing education allowance for full-time credentialed veterinary technicians: $750 per year, or $1,000 per year for VTSs.
Internal continuing education and development opportunities.
Free NAVTA membership, access to VetFolio and the Plumbs App, and other resources.
Tuition assistance, including Veterinary Technology associate and bachelor's completion programs.
Veterinary Technician license reimbursement.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus additional coverage options.
Free mental health care through Lyra Health, up to 12 sessions per year.
Free counseling through the Cigna Life Assistance program.
Access to the Headspace app.
Employer-paid life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance.
Paid vacation, paid sick time, and holiday pay.
Paid parental leave.
Fertility coverage and gender affirmation services.
Access to onsite social workers.
Hospital discounts for employees’ pets and other discounts, including cellular service, apparel, and computer equipment.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Referral bonus opportunities.
Opportunities to give back through VCA Charities and community partnerships.
VCA-issued Winks© scrubs.