Emergency Veterinary Assistant (Per Diem) - Chicago, IL - South Loop

As an Emergency Veterinary Assistant at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), you'll be responsible for a variety of important tasks that keep our animal patients healthy and happy. Your primary duties will include treating each pet and their owners with compassion, performing nursing care tasks such as patient monitoring, administering medications, and assisting in surgeries. Additionally, you'll be involved in triaging incoming patients and performing diagnostic tests, making sure each animal receives the best care possible under our customer-first philosophy.

To become an Emergency Veterinary Assistant at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), candidates should possess a strong passion for animal care and a commitment to helping pets in emergency situations. Experience in a veterinary setting is beneficial, but a positive attitude and willingness to learn are equally important. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as a team player are also essential. At VEG, we value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

When you join Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) as an Emergency Veterinary Assistant, you can expect a comprehensive training program that enhances your skills and confidence. You'll learn to perform essential nursing care tasks alongside veterinary professionals, receive specialized training in CPR, and assist with both outpatient and inpatient care. Our guided growth pathways offer opportunities to expand your knowledge in various areas, ensuring that you become an expert in emergency veterinary care.

At Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG), the work environment is dynamic, collaborative, and deeply rooted in compassion for both pets and team members. As an Emergency Veterinary Assistant, you'll find yourself immersed in a supportive team atmosphere that values open communication and respect. Our innovative facilities are equipped with the latest technology, and we pride ourselves on our positive culture, which encourages personal growth and a fun work environment.

Emergency Veterinary Assistants at Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) enjoy a wide range of industry-leading benefits, including competitive compensation, health, vision, and dental insurance, a generous employee pet discount, and a 401K plan with company match. We also offer unlimited continuing education opportunities to further your career, flexible work schedules, paid parental leave, and fun activities that foster camaraderie within our teams. At VEG, we truly believe our employees should feel valued and appreciated.

When answering this question, focus on your passion for animal care and how VEG's mission aligns with your values. Highlight specific aspects of the company culture that resonate with you, such as their commitment to employee growth, compassion, and their innovative approach to emergency veterinary care.

In your response, provide a specific example that demonstrates your ability to remain calm and focused during stressful situations. Emphasize your communication skills, teamwork, and how you contributed to resolving the situation effectively, while ensuring animal welfare remained the priority.

Discuss key qualities such as empathy, communication, adaptability, and teamwork. Explain why these traits are crucial in the veterinary field, especially in emergency situations where the well-being of animals and the trust of their owners are at stake.

Emphasize your ability to approach tough conversations with empathy and clarity. Discuss techniques for maintaining professionalism while being compassionate, ensuring that pet owners feel supported and informed during challenging moments.

Share strategies such as time management techniques, creating to-do lists, and assessing the urgency of tasks. Provide an example that demonstrates your ability to prioritize effectively in a previous role to ensure that patient care is always at the forefront.

Detail the steps you would take in a medical emergency, including assessing the situation, following established protocols, and working collaboratively with the veterinary team to stabilize the patient. Highlight your understanding of triaging and your physical assessment skills.

Discuss your career goals and how you plan to continue developing your skills as an Emergency Veterinary Assistant at VEG. Mention specific areas of interest, such as advanced nursing techniques, anesthesia, or emergency diagnostics, and how VEG's culture supports this growth.

Explain the importance of clear communication during patient care, especially in an emergency setting. Share methods you use to facilitate effective communication, such as using concise updates, confirming understanding among team members, and maintaining a supportive atmosphere.

Reflect on your motivations and the aspects of veterinary work that inspire you. Discuss the fulfillment that comes from helping pets in crisis and how making a difference in their lives drives your commitment to emergency care.

Discuss your approach to resolving conflicts professionally, emphasizing open dialogue and collaboration with team members. Share how you would aim to understand their perspective while advocating for the best interest of the animal, and how you would involve the veterinary team or leadership if needed.