Veterinary Assistant, ER

Location: Ottawa, ON

The Veterinary Assistant, ER, is a full-time, permanent position. The number of positions has yet to be determined so we will consider full-time and part-time applicants. Hours of work are a rotation of days, evenings, weekends, and overnights, working with a team of other technicians and assistants. This position reports directly to the Technical Resource Manager, ER.

Responsibilities:

As a key player in a team environment, the ER Veterinary Assistant is responsible for the following:

• Triage emergency cases as they arrive at the hospital including obtaining vitals such as temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure.

• Assist the doctor with creating patient treatment plans and thoroughly explaining them to owners.

• Have a complete understanding of normal ranges of patient vital signs, including but not limited to heart and respiratory rate, temperature, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.

• Obtain and interpret blood pressure and other vital signs and alert the Veterinarian to changes and issues.

• Assist with phlebotomy and intravenous catheters.

• Identify patients at risk for arrest and assist with CPR.

• Have a passion for mentoring and training other co-workers.

• Have patience and empathy to address client concerns.

• Care of ill patients, including walking, feeding, and restraint

• Client updates over the phone or in person

• Keeping clients up to date with waiting times and setting appropriate expectations

• Stocking, cleaning, and, maintenance of Emergency treatment area and hospital as a whole

Qualifications:

• Preferred: Veterinary Assistant diploma; Fluent in English (Reading, Writing, and Oral)

• Preferred: Able to support patients up to 50kg and lift up to 25kg.

Skills:

• Stellar client service skills

• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations

• Time management skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks/projects

• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills

• Proven ability to organize, takes initiative, works independently, exercises good judgment

• Decision-making and critical thinking skills

• Ability to build and maintain internal and external relationships with professionalism and integrity

• Exhibits a positive attitude and uses courtesy, diplomacy and discretion

• Maintains professional ethics and confidentiality.

A little bit about us

We are Canada’s largest network of companion animal hospitals, devoted to providing compassionate care for pets. Our team of over 2500 people operate specialty-referral, primary care, alternative therapy and emergency hospitals and are committed to providing superior patient care and client experience.  At our core are our people – people we think of as family. Our different strengths and interests enrich and improve us with diversity, innovation and excellence.  In support we are national leaders in career development and growth opportunities, continuing education, scholarships and awards.  We are also passionate about giving back to the community through Paw It Forward, our national philanthropic program.

What VCA Canada Offers

Join our team and you will make a huge difference in the lives of pets and their families! With an extensive network of hospitals across Canada, each location offers a diverse experience, a local community feel, and a caring culture you can thrive in: We have the right fit for you!

• RRSP Employer 5 % Match Program – saving for your future just got easier! 

• A caring culture of Wellness and Appreciation!

• Competitive wages and benefits!

• Opportunity to apply for a Veterinary Technician/Technologist scholarship (annual process)

• Annual uniform allowance

• Exceptional career development: there is room to grow here!

• Referral Bonus Rewards

• Opportunities to give back to your community through VCA initiatives

• Generous personal pet care discounts

• And extra perks like shopping discounts and cool wellness apps!

Join Us!

Email:  careers.canada@vca.com for further information or click Apply Now!

VCA is committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. If you require any assistance please let us know.

If you are a current associate, you will need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.