Skip to Main Content

Career Opportunity

Intermediate Care Ward Assistant

Role

Full-time Intermediate Care Ward Assistant

Location

Pacific and Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists
2585 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, US

Description

Jobs Job Apply

Intermediate Care Ward Assistant

PetVet Care Centers' Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is currently seeking an Intermediate Care Ward Assistant to join their team!

The main duties of this position is to administer care to the post op patients in the Recovery area and the patients that are in Isolation. Also to assist with Surgery, Isolation, ICU and ER dismissals.

  • Checking in with the treatment lead when shift is starting to ensure there are no immediate tasks to be done. Keeping an open line of communication with the treatment lead throughout the day or if you are going to another part of the hospital is a vital responsibility of the recovery/isolation tech. If you have any concerns about the patient load or need assistance through the day check in with treatment lead, they will assign someone help you.
  • Familiarize yourself with the staff on that day by checking the white board and also becoming aware of your lunch time. If you’re lunch time is coming up and you are still working with a patient or feel that you will not get to lunch on time, communicate with the lead so they can make a plan going forward.
  • Check the census and familiarize yourself with the patients in ICU. You may be asked by the treatment lead to assist in ICU depending on the need of the hospital.
  • Obtain proper rounds on patients that are in Recovery and Isolation from overnight tech/assistant.
  • Complete noted treatments on the flow sheets as directed by DVM.
  • Check schedule for surgeries, if patients will be coming into recovery then ensure proper kennel and bed are ready. Assist ICU if patients will be going into ICU so that there are prepared areas for recovering patients.
  • Help with dismissal’s from ICU, recovery and isolation. If you are unable to do all dismissals (time conflicts or will need lunch around that time) then it is your duty to communicate with treatment lead to make a plan for who will dismiss patient.
  • If you have light patient load or empty recovery and isolation, check in with treatment lead and ICU to see where you can be most helpful. Ensure you are not taking on too much if you still have patients.
  • Help to cover ICU lunch when able.
  • Help with callbacks when able.
  • Restraining animals in a safe, efficient and compassionate manner during examinations, treatments and procedures.
  • Prep patients for procedures. TPR, place IVC, start IVF, give pre-meds and perform any shaving that needs to be done prior to surgery.
  • Knowledge of prescriptions procedures, how to fill medications in house, how to call to outside pharmacy and properly note in cornerstone and how to use our online pharmacy.

Laboratory procedures and radiographs

  • Accurately perform routine in-house laboratory procedures on all laboratory equipment (procyte, catalyst, sedivue, vetstat, istat, centrifuge and refractometer). Appropriately prepare and handle specimens.
  • Knowledge of how to create lab forms for all labs and appropriately prepare samples.
  • Perform all laboratory maintenance. This is not one positions responsibility but the entire teams duty to ensure this is getting done.
  • Take radiographs while following proper safety procedures. Utilizing hands free training to obtain radiographs. Knowledge of PPE and where to place radiation badge if standing in for radiographs.

Cleaning

  • Ensure cleaning list in recovery is completed daily.
  • If you have a patient that is staying in Isolation ensure that when you are leaving for the day that they room is as clean as possible for the next shift.
  • Knowledge of cleaning protocols after patient has been discharged from isolation.

Schedule

  • 4 Shifts Monday - Sunday, including 1 weekend shift a week and some holidays

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

 

Pay Range
$22$26 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we’re committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you’re providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.  Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices. 

Find a Veterinary Position

If you’re interested in working on a supportive – and supported – team with the best veterinary professionals in the country, we invite you to talk to us.

Get Started

Apply NowFind More Jobs