Registered Veterinary Technician – Emergency & Critical Care / ICU

Location: 2965 Edinger Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780

Are you driven by the challenge of caring for critically ill patients and delivering advanced, detail‑oriented nursing care? Do you thrive in a fast‑paced Emergency & ICU environment where collaboration, precision, and high clinical standards are essential?

AVSG/VSSOC is growing, and we are excited to welcome experienced Registered Veterinary Technicians to our Emergency & Critical Care / Intensive Care Unit team. This role offers the opportunity to work alongside Board‑Certified Criticalists, Surgeons, Internists, and Emergency Clinicians, supported by a highly skilled, collaborative team of RVTs and veterinary assistants dedicated to outstanding patient care.

This position centers on dedicated ICU and emergency nursing, high‑acuity patient management, and continuous monitoring, while offering opportunities to cross‑train in Internal Medicine and Surgery and further advance your clinical expertise.

---

Core Responsibilities

• Fulfill all responsibilities of a Registered Veterinary Technician with an emphasis on Emergency and ICU care
• Provide comprehensive, around‑the‑clock nursing care to critically hospitalized and emergency patients
• Perform triage and ICU nursing, supporting unstable and high‑acuity cases
• Monitor, trend, and accurately document vital signs, patient condition, and treatment responses
• Recognize subtle changes in patient status and promptly communicate findings to clinicians
• Deliver advanced nursing care for patients requiring:
  • Oxygen therapy (nasal cannula, oxygen cages)
  • Blood transfusions
  • Continuous rate infusions (CRIs)
  • Intensive monitoring and supportive care
• Perform anesthetic monitoring for routine, emergent, high‑risk, and ICU‑level procedures
• Assist with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures across ECC, Surgery, and Internal Medicine
• Obtain and process diagnostic samples, including:
  • Venipuncture and arterial blood gases
  • Cystocentesis and urinary catheter sampling
  • Blood typing, crossmatching, and slide agglutination
• Perform advanced ECC/ICU procedures, including:
  • Placement and maintenance of central and PICC lines
  • Nasal oxygen cannula placement
  • Blood transfusion administration and monitoring
  • CRI calculation, setup, and troubleshooting
• Maintain thorough and accurate medical records, ICU flow sheets, and treatment documentation
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with clients regarding hospitalized patients
• Support a positive, collaborative work environment while upholding AVSG/VSSOC standards of professionalism, empathy, and courtesy

---

Role Leveling: Mid‑Level vs Senior Emergency & Critical Care RVTs

AVSG/VSSOC recognizes and supports multiple experience levels within the ECC/ICU team. Scope of responsibility, autonomy, leadership expectations, and compensation reflect experience, credentials, and demonstrated clinical excellence.

Mid‑Level Emergency & Critical Care RVT

RVT with 2–4 years of experience

• Provides high‑quality nursing care to emergency and ICU patients with team support
• Confidently performs core ECC/ICU technical skills and monitoring
• Continues to refine triage, ICU nursing, anesthesia, and advanced procedure skills
• Works closely with senior RVTs and clinicians on complex or unstable cases
• Actively participates in ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development
• ER/ICU experience preferred but not required

Senior / High‑Level Emergency & Critical Care RVT (Including VTS Candidates or VTS‑Credentialed RVTs)

RVT or VTS with 5+ years of experience and/or advanced ECC expertise

• Independently manages high‑acuity, unstable, and complex ICU/emergency cases
• Serves as a clinical resource and mentor for RVTs and veterinary assistants
• Assists with complex triage decisions, advanced anesthesia support, and ICU workflows
• Supports training, skill development, and team onboarding
• May assist with protocol refinement, quality improvement initiatives, and departmental leadership

---

Job Requirements

• Active California RVT license or ability to transfer from out of state
• Minimum 2 years experience as an RVT
• ER and/or ICU experience strongly preferred
• Confident managing critical, unstable, and ASA III+ patients
• Strong technical skill set with the ability to multitask in a high‑acuity environment
• Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs and assist with team lifting for larger patients
• Experience training or mentoring RVTs/VAs is a plus
• VTS credentials welcomed but not required

---

Compensation

• Mid- Level RVT $27.00 – $45.00 per hour
• Senior Level RVT / VTS $33.00 - $45.00 per hour
• Both pay ranges are dependent upon experience, role level, and credentials

Shift Differentials

• $4.00/hr – Swing shifts
• $6.00/hr – Overnight shifts
• $8.00/hr – Weekend shifts

---

Schedule Options

• Day and overnight shifts available
• Scheduling options include:
  • Three 12‑hour shifts
  • Four 10‑hour shifts
• Rotating weekdays and weekends available

---

Employee Benefits

We are committed to supporting the well‑being, growth, and long‑term success of our team:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer‑paid basic life insurance with optional add‑on policies
• Paid time off and sick pay
• Uniform allowance
• Continuing education support for licensed staff
• Career development and advancement within specialty departments
• Employee referral bonus program
• Employee discounts and insurance perks
• Mental health and wellness support resources (including Talkspace)