Ward Veterinary Assistant

Job Profile Title

Veterinary Nurse Assistant A

Job Description Summary

This position will assist with stocking, lab work, patient restraint, walking of animals, charge capture, admits and discharges in the ward area.

Job Description

Veterinary Nurse Assistant A's 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 the 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 and a blocked catheter setup. Talk with the nurse on duty about their expectations.
• Assist nurses with patients triaged to the treatment area who need immediate care.
• Assist with discharge of outpatients once properly trained.
• ANY changes/abnormalities/questions on patient status must be brought to the 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 nurses' 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

Qualifications

Hours for this position are 5:00 pm - 2:00 am Monday through Thursday.

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 are 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 are 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