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About the role

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.

Responsibilities

Veterinary Nurse Assistant A

• 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 (includes Level A 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

Qualifications

Veterinary Nurse Assistant 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 required
• Experience working with difficult to handle patients
• Proven ability to multitask and to follow directions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Veterinary Nurse Assistant B

• 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 required
• Experience working with difficult to handle patients
• Proven ability to multitask and to follow directions
• 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

Pay

Hourly rate: $15.90 – $19.00. 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.

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

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance; flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Tuition assistance for employee, spouse, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
• Retirement: Generous Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans (pre-tax or Roth) with investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial paid time off for vacation, personal affairs, illness, family, etc.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Offered in partnership with Genworth Financial for faculty/staff and eligible family members; no proof of good health required if enrolled when newly hired.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Wide variety of programs and resources to support health, family, and work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Array of resources for personal and professional advancement.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, museums, cultural events (many free or discounted).
• Discounts and Special Services: Discounts on arts/entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cellular plans, movie tickets, theme parks, and vehicle purchases from Ford and GM.
• Flexible Work Hours: Non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures to promote balance.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia (closing costs or home improvements).
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified adoption expenses (travel, court fees) for up to two adoptions per household.

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Department: School of Veterinary Medicine.