Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Assistant

HorseShoe Beverage Company; Winter Haven (FL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Veterinary Healthcare Associates (VHA) is seeking an experienced Veterinary Assistant to join our ER/ICU team. This full-time role supports emergency triage, patient intake, and rapid assessment workflows in a busy campus setting.

You will assist veterinarians and technicians with emergency treatments, monitor ICU patients, and provide nursing care with compassionate client support. A High school diploma and CVA or equivalent training are required. Apply to [e-mail].

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Veterinary Assistant Certification (CVA) or equivalent training.
• Hands-on experience in a veterinary hospital or clinical setting.
• Ability to stay calm and organized in emergencies.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Support emergency triage, patient intake, and rapid assessment workflows.
• Assist veterinarians and technicians with emergency treatments and patient stabilization.
• Monitor hospitalized and ICU patients, obtain vital signs, communicate changes.
• Provide nursing and comfort care, including feeding, hygiene, and positioning.
• Assist with oxygen therapy, wound care, fluids, and medications under supervision.
• Restrain patients safely during procedures and emergencies.
• Assist with labs, radiology, and diagnostic procedures.
• Maintain accurate patient information and medical records.
• Prepare and maintain emergency stations, crash carts, and ICU supplies.
• Support infection control and patient safety protocols.
• Provide compassionate client support during visits, hospitalization, and discharge.
• Collaborate with ER/ICU and hospital teams for seamless care.

Skills

Patient handling

Communication

Multitasking

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma

Veterinary Assistant Certification

Job description

• Location 3025 Dundee Road,Winter Haven, FL, 33884,United States
• Base Pay $15.00 - $20.00 / Hour
• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt
• Required Degree High school
• Manage Others No

Contact information

• Phone [phone]
• Email [e-mail]

Description

Build Your Skills in Emergency & Critical Care

Veterinary Healthcare Associates (VHA) is seeking an experienced, compassionate Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Assistant to join our ER/ICU team. This role is ideal for a veterinary assistant who thrives in a fast-paced environment, stays composed under pressure, and wants to build advanced skills while supporting emergency and critically ill patients.

At VHA, General Practice, Emergency, Critical Care, and Specialty Services come together on one integrated campus. You\'ll work alongside experienced veterinarians, credentialed technicians, and multidisciplinary teams while gaining exposure to a diverse and challenging caseload.

What You\'ll Do

Support emergency triage, patient intake, and rapid assessment workflows

Assist veterinarians and technicians with emergency treatments, procedures, and patient stabilization

Monitor hospitalized and ICU patients, obtain vital signs, and promptly communicate changes in patient condition

Provide nursing and comfort care, including patient hygiene, feeding, walking, bedding, and positioning

Assist with oxygen therapy, wound care, fluid therapy, and medication administration under appropriate supervision

Safely handle and restrain patients during emergency treatments and diagnostic procedures

Assist with laboratory sample collection, processing, radiology, and diagnostic procedures

Maintain accurate patient information and support medical record documentation

Prepare and maintain emergency stations, crash carts, equipment, and ICU supplies

Support infection prevention, isolation, biosecurity, and patient safety protocols

Provide compassionate client support during emergency visits, hospitalization, and discharge

Collaborate with Emergency, ICU, Specialty, and hospital teams to support efficient patient care and seamless transitions

Required

High school diploma or equivalent

Veterinary Assistant Certification (CVA) or equivalent formal veterinary assistant training

Previous hands-on experience in a veterinary hospital or clinical animal care environment

Demonstrated proficiency in patient handling, restraint, vital signs, nursing care, and clinical workflow

Experience assisting with diagnostics, treatments, hospitalized patient care, and medical documentation

Ability to recognize changes in patient condition and promptly communicate concerns to the veterinary team

Ability to remain composed, organized, and adaptable in emergency and high-pressure situations

Strong communication, multitasking, teamwork, and attention to detail

Compassionate approach to patients and the families navigating urgent or critical situations

Preferred

Experience in Emergency, Critical Care, ICU, Specialty Medicine, or a high-volume veterinary hospital

Experience supporting emergency stabilization and critically ill patients

Familiarity with oxygen therapy, fluid therapy, laboratory procedures, radiology, and emergency equipment

Fear Free Certification and/or Low-Stress Handling experience

Desire to develop advanced clinical skills and grow within Emergency & Critical Care medicine

Summary

Why Join VHA?

At VHA, our mission is helping people, pets, and the planet become healthy, happy, and healed. That mission shapes how we care for our patients, support our clients, invest in our team, and contribute to our community. We’ve built a culture rooted in compassion, teamwork, growth, and well-being—where talented veterinary professionals can do meaningful work while building sustainable, fulfilling careers.

What You\'ll Find at VHA

Culture That Cares – A collaborative, mission-driven team grounded in compassion, integrity, communication, excellence, teamwork, and empowerment

Growth & Development – Continuing education, mentorship, advanced training, and opportunities to expand your skills across Emergency, Critical Care, Specialty, and General Practice

Comprehensive Benefits – A thoughtfully designed Total Rewards package supporting your health, financial well-being, career, and future

Wellness Built In – An onsite fitness center, meditation pod, wellness programming, and team activities that support connection and well-being

A Campus Designed for People & Pets – A 10-acre veterinary campus with an onsite café, collaborative team spaces, advanced technology, and multiple areas of veterinary care in one location

An Award-Winning Workplace – Proudly recognized as a Best Place to Work

Meaningful Work, Every Day – Be part of a team united by a shared purpose: helping people, pets, and the planet become healthy, happy, and healed

Veterinary Healthcare Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.