ICU Grave Assistant

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Intensive Care Unit assistants are under the direct guidance and supervision of the ICU tech and doctor. Incumbents of this position are required to assist the practitioners and ICU tech to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients of Pacific and Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists and to aid the practitioners in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail.

The ICU assistant assists the technicians, doctors, and CSR in all duties of the ICU. The responsibilities vary with current needs of the hospital staff, the season of the year, and the individual abilities demonstrated by the employee.

The ICU assistants primary duties are to assist with all cleaning and stocking of the ICU to provide optimal support to the technicians and flow of the room. They are also to assist the ICU technician with patient treatments and tasks when trained and approved in this area. It is imperative that the ICU assistant is available to the ICU technician or doctor with the examinations and treatments of the ICU patients.

ADVANCEMENT

Assistants in this practice will be taught and trained to the limits of their potential. If, during training, an individual shows interest in a specific field, such as radiology or anesthesiology, continuing education in that field will be encouraged. Such encouragement may be in the form of a subsidy for taking outside courses or formal training given in the practice.

The ICU tech will use every appropriate opportunity to continue the training and advancement of the ICU assistants. When able the ICU tech will perform treatments with the assistant to help them grow and learn a new skill set.

MAJOR DUTIES

ICU Priorities: Making sure that ICU stays a smooth and fully functioning room. This includes but is not limited to stocking syringes, needles, catheters, IVF supplies, bandage material, foods (wet/dry/treats), thermometer probes, paper towels, lab supplies, laundry, pee pads, and medications. Taking out the trash/recycling. Changing patients bedding and litter pans. Monitor and refill water bowls. Feeding patients as directed by the ICU nurse in charge. Walking patients outside. IV fluid totals at 8/12/4. Sweeping and mopping all ICU floors. Wiping down counter tops/shelves/fluid pumps. Completing the daily check off list along with the ICU nurse on shift.

• Animals: Ability to restrain for procedures performed by technicians or doctors, knowledge of common diseases, their symptoms and means of transmission, administration of oral medications, assessment of change in animal status. Care for the comfort of the patient including walking, changing bedding, feeding, and watering.
• Diagnostics: Performance of in-house laboratory tests, completion of forms for outhouse laboratory, filing of laboratory reports and clean-up of laboratory area. Performing radiographs on ICU patients when treatment is unable to perform them in a timely manner.
• Assisting: Animal restraint, TPRs (when authorized), medication administration, filling prescriptions, and entering charges (ICU lead to determine when the charge training will happen for all assistants), set up for simple procedures or treatments, assist with Dr examinations and anticipate the needs of the doctor and technicians.
• Inventory: Stocking of all ICU supplies including the ICU hall closet, ICU injectable area, and the ICU cat room, filling out storeroom requisition (on Monday and Thursday mornings).
• Public Relations: Professional, cheerful, and helpful attitude when in contact with pet owners, knowledge of health care recommendations in order to answer questions or facilitate passing info along to the appropriate person(s).
• Hospital Physical Plant: Only when there is down time the ICU assistant can assist other departments in the general cleaning of public and employee areas, including pharmacy, exam rooms, hallways, radiology, ultrasound, and lab. Goal is to help maintain clean, odor-free, and organized environment.

OTHER DUTIES

• Dispensing medication which the doctor has prescribed.
• Follow daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning duties checklist
• Primarily responsible for dog walking, cage cleaning and general ICU cleaning.
• Be sure supplies are always available in ICU and closet.
• Assisting in cleaning any area of the hospital that is used for treatments on ICU patients.

Qualifications (Required)

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One or more years' experience in a veterinary environment, successfully performing all of the duties of this position
• Has experience in Animal husbandry, TPRs, restraint, and medicating

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Experience in a specialty hospital
• Care and Compassion – displays a desire to build rapport, provide personal assistance, and emotional support
• Animal Restraint and Safety – uses sound judgment when handling patients and always takes appropriate precautionary steps when needed
• Communication – uses effective and appropriate methods of interacting with others
• Team Orientation – works cooperatively with the team to address tasks and accomplish goals
• Dependability – demonstrates responsibility in completing all job tasks
• Cleanliness Standards – consistently follows sanitization and sterilization policies and procedures
• Energy and Productivity – completes tasks quickly and thoroughly without prompting
• Time Management – manages time and prioritizes work tasks effectively
• Technical Skills and Learning – keeps up-to-date with new technical skills and knowledge in the field
• Care and Use of Equipment – takes appropriate steps to perform operation checks and maintenance of equipment

Schedule:

• Sunday - Tuesdays from 8:30PM-7AM
• We can offer a 4th shift. It would be a swing or grave shift in treatment (ER), not on Wednesday

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources