"Veterinary Assistant Emergency"

Veterinary Assistant Emergency & Critical Care

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Description Summary

Be part of our fast-paced Emergency & Critical Care team! You'll support patient care by organizing and stocking treatment areas, assisting with restraint, walking patients, running lab work, and assisting nurses with treatments under direct supervision. We offer a $1,000 sign-on bonus, generous shift differentials (up to 30% extra), and the chance to work in a world-class Level One Trauma Facility alongside veterinary specialists, students, and a supportive team.

Job Description

A Day (or Night!) in the Life at Ryan Hospital: It's 8:45 PM and you're heading into Ryan Hospital, ready for another shift with our Emergency & Critical Care team. The night is quiet-for now-but you know that in a Level One Trauma Facility, that can change in an instant.

First stop: room checks. You make sure each area is organized, clean, and fully stocked so the team can work efficiently. Heparinized saline syringes? Ready for 24 hours. IV catheter kits? Prepped. Oxygen setups? Standing by.

The nurse on duty gives you your first priorities: help walk a stable patient, run a blood sample, and get the recovery area ready for a post-op bite wound patient.

A call comes in: an emergency patient is en route. The team springs into action. You set up for IV catheter placement, gather fluids, and ensure the crash cart is ready. During the arrest situation, you stay calm, stand back, and await direction-ready to assist with anything from handing over supplies to updating patient charts.

Between emergencies, you help with hands-on patient care under direct supervision:

• Performing TPRs and BP checks
• Setting up O₂ and fluids
• Assisting with recoveries from anesthesia
• Monitoring blood transfusions
• Walking stable patients in designated areas

You also handle supportive duties that keep the hospital running smoothly-pharmacy and lab runs, restocking, and organizing the dog and cat treatment rooms.

The night moves quickly. You've helped stabilize patients, assisted in recoveries, and made sure every patient was comfortable and cared for. As you hand off to the morning crew, you leave knowing your work made a difference for your coworkers and patients.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Veterinary Nurse Assistant A: High school diploma + 1-2 years' experience in a veterinary setting; Strong patient restraint skills (including difficult-to-handle animals); Proven ability to multitask and follow directions; Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Veterinary Nurse Assistant B: Same as above, plus 2-3 years' experience.

Your Schedule & Perks

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9 PM-7 AM; Shift Differential Pay: 15% extra for hours worked between 8 PM-8 AM (weeknights); 30% extra for Friday-Sunday overnight hours; 10% extra for Sat/Sun daytime hours (inpatient areas); Sign-On Incentive: $1,000.

Why Ryan Hospital?

At Penn Vet's Ryan Hospital, veterinary assistants are valued members of a compassionate, highly skilled team. You'll work in a fast-paced, teaching hospital environment alongside board-certified specialists, nurses, and veterinary students-learning every day while making a real difference for patients and clients.

Ready to join us? Apply today or contact Amy Shields, Talent Acquisition Specialist, at shieldsa@upenn.edu with your questions.

Job Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department / School: School of Veterinary Medicine; Pay Range: $15.63 - $19.00 Hourly Rate.