Relief-Veterinary Team Member

VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid Vacation and Sick Time

Continuing Education Support

Pet Discounts

Job summary

VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center in San Diego is seeking an experienced Relief Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to join our Emergency and Critical Care team. The role supports stabilization, monitoring, and treatment of critically ill patients in a fast-paced environment alongside veterinarians and specialists.

Responsibilities include triage, anesthesia monitoring, advanced nursing care, and imaging.

Qualifications

• Experience as RVT in ER/ICU environments.
• Ability to monitor anesthesia and patient status in emergencies.
• Strong communication with doctors, technicians, and clients.

Responsibilities

• Perform emergency triage and stabilization of critically ill or injured patients.
• Monitor vital signs, ECGs, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, capnography, and pain.
• Prepare and administer medications, CRIs, blood products, and treatments as directed.
• Place and maintain IV, urinary, and feeding tubes.
• Collect samples and perform in-house laboratory tests.
• Assist with anesthesia monitoring and post-procedure recovery.
• Assist with CPR using RECOVER guidelines.
• Operate and maintain critical care equipment.
• Perform radiography, ultrasound, and CT preparation.
• Provide comprehensive nursing care and maintain medical records.
• Communicate patient status and plans with the care team and clients.
• Mentor Veterinary Assistants and new staff.

Skills

RVT credential

Emergency nursing

ICU care

Vital signs monitoring

Education

RVT certification

Tools

ECG monitoring

Ultrasound

CT prep

Job description

Relief Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) - Emergency & Critical Care (ER/ICU)

VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center is seeking an experienced Relief Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to join our Emergency and Critical Care team. The successful candidate will believe in the possibilities of high-quality veterinary medicine and patient care and possess the advanced technical skills and clinical expertise needed to provide exceptional nursing care to critically ill and injured patients.

In this role, you will work closely with Emergency Veterinarians, Specialists, and the hospital care team to support patient stabilization, treatment, monitoring, and recovery in a fast-paced specialty and emergency environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform emergency patient triage and assist with stabilization of critically ill and injured patients.
• Obtain and monitor patient vital signs, ECGs, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, capnography, and pain assessments.
• Calculate, prepare, and administer medications, CRIs, blood products, and treatments as directed by veterinarians.
• Place and maintain intravenous, urinary, and feeding tubes as permitted by state regulations and hospital protocols.
• Collect blood, urine, and other diagnostic samples and perform in-house laboratory testing.
• Monitor anesthesia and recover patients undergoing emergency and specialty procedures.
• Assist with CPR and life-saving interventions utilizing RECOVER guidelines.
• Operate and maintain advanced medical equipment, including infusion pumps, syringe pumps, oxygen therapy equipment, ventilators, and patient monitoring systems.
• Perform and assist with diagnostic imaging procedures, including radiography, ultrasound, and CT preparation.
• Provide comprehensive nursing care to hospitalized and ICU patients, including treatment administration, patient assessment, mobility assistance, nutritional support, and comfort care.
• Maintain accurate and detailed medical records and treatment sheets.
• Communicate patient status updates and treatment plans with doctors, technicians, and clients.
• Assist with emergency surgeries and specialty procedures as needed.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked treatment area, ICU, and emergency department.
• Mentor and support Veterinary Assistants and newly hired team members.
• Deliver compassionate care and exceptional client service during emotionally challenging situations.

Why Join VCA?

• Work alongside Emergency Doctors, Board-Certified Specialists, and highly skilled RVTs.
• Gain exposure to a diverse and challenging emergency and specialty caseload.
• Utilize advanced monitoring, diagnostic, and treatment technologies.
• Access continuing education opportunities, specialty training, leadership development, and career advancement within VCA's nationwide network.

Compensation

Veterinary Assistant : $25.00 - $30.00/hour (adjust as appropriate for your hospital and market)

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT): $28.00 - $40.00/hour (adjust as appropriate for your hospital and market)

Shift Differentials

• Swing Differential (7:00 PM - 12:00 AM): $2.50/hour
• Overnight Differential (12:00 AM - 7:00 AM): $5.50/hour

Benefits

We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time
• Continuing Education Support
• Generous Employee Pet Discounts
• Career Development Opportunities
• Much More

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed as business needs change.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement, please visit VCA Careers.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com