"Veterinary Nurse Assistant - Wards"

Job Details

University Overview
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. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
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. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
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.

Posted Job Title
Veterinary Nurse Assistant - Wards

Job Profile Title
Veterinary Nurse Assistant A

Job Description Summary
Ryan Veterinary Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Nurse Assistant to join our dynamic team. Our Veterinary Nurse Assistants are an integral part of our nursing team assisting with providing excellent care to our patients.

Job Description

Veterinary Nurse Assistant A responsibilities include:

• Stocking supplies
• Cleaning
• Cage set up/breakdown
• Make heparinized flushes
• Laundry
• Cleaning medical equipment (alcohol wipes only; no Rescue)
• Pharmacy, clinical lab runs
• Walking patients in appropriate areas, double-leashed
• Proper labeling and transport of deceased patients to appropriate cooler
• Patient restraint
• Proper handling and running of Nova samples, PCV/TP, blood smears, glucometer, and Idexx tests. Bloodwork must always be checked with a nurse after being analyzed.
• Prime fluid bags on a cassette. Cannot set up fluid pumps.
• Anticipate nurses needs. This includes setting up for an IV catheter, blocked cat set up. Talk with the nurse on duty about their expectations.
• Assist nurses with patients triaged to the treatment area that need immediate care.
• Assist with discharge of outpatients once properly trained.
• ANY changes/abnormalities/questions on patient status must be brought to attention of nurse.

Veterinary Nurse Assistant B responsibilities include:

• Level 1 responsibilities
• Room organization
• Some supervised medical treatments on stable patients only
• Assist nurses with unstable patients
• May need to work in any of the 24/7 nursing areas during busy times. (ES, ICU, Wards)
• Become familiar with normal and abnormal physical parameters including mucous membranes, capillary refill time, pulses, heart rate, respiratory rate and effort, and lung sounds
• Feel comfortable with all monitoring equipment including normal results for the pulse oximeter, ECG set up, doppler/Cardell.
• Focus on anticipating nurse’s needs. This includes setting up for an IV catheter, blocked cat set up, fluid bag set up, etc…
• All treatments/findings must be checked and approved by nurse on duty.
• May perform treatments on stable patients under direct nurse supervision:
  • TPR, ECG, Doppler, connect/disconnect IVF
  • Prime IVF bags (cannot start infusions)
  • No medication administration

This position is eligible for a sign-on incentive of $1,000. Please contact Amy Shields, Talent Acquisition Specialist, at shieldsa@upenn.edu for further details regarding the sign-on incentive.

Qualifications
Hours for this position are 6:00am - 6:00pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This position is eligible for 10-30% shift differentials.

Veterinary Nurse Assistant A
A High School Diploma and 1-2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience working in a veterinary setting and experience with patient restraint is required. Candidates should also have experience working with difficult to handle patients, the proven ability to multitask and to follow directions. In addition candidates should also have strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Veterinary Nurse Assistant B
A High School Diploma and 2-3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience working in a veterinary setting and experience with patient restraint is required. Candidates should also have experience working with difficult to handle patients, the proven ability to multitask and to follow directions. In addition candidates should also have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, kneel, bend, reach for prolonged periods of time. Must be able to lift >25 pounds with minimal assistance.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range
$15.63 - $19.00 Hourly Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.