Operating Room/Central Supply Veterinary Nurse (New Bolton Center))

About the Role

Penn Vet's New Bolton Center provides an internationally renowned standard of care. Located on a 700-acre campus in Chester County, Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center has one of the largest caseloads of any academic large animal hospital in the nation. This position encompasses operating room responsibilities, sterilizing duties, and general nursing care for large animal patients. The role is based in Kennett Square, PA, with no public transportation available. Free onsite parking is provided.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and circulation for all surgical procedures in the large animal hospital.
• Prepare assigned operating rooms for intended procedures.
• Assist in transporting patients to surgery and positioning them for procedures, including restraint and handling of large animals.
• Prepare patients for surgery by clipping, cleansing, and aseptic prepping of the surgical site.
• Coordinate with other Operating Room Nurses to ensure efficient operation and adequate coverage in all rooms.
• Demonstrate thorough knowledge of surgical instruments and equipment operation, including Medical Lasers, Cryotherapy, Endoscopy, Laparoscopy, and Fluoroscopy.
• Demonstrate excellent knowledge of sterile and aseptic technique.
• Ensure all Operating Rooms are well-stocked, equipment is stored and functioning properly, and maintain Usual Surgical Requests and surgery logs.
• Update Department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Enter appropriate billing information into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
• Prepare and administer medications, including controlled drugs.
• Assist the surgical team in donning surgical attire and table setup.
• Independently operate various surgery tables and overhead hoist systems.
• Assist Anesthesia staff in the recovery of patients.
• Prepare and maintain equipment for the Pool Recovery System, assign tasks, and guide personnel/students throughout Pool Recovery.
• Clean and maintain all Central Supply equipment and stock.
• Operate steam autoclaves, ETO sterilizer, and other equipment independently.
• Review the surgery schedule to determine the priority of surgical instrumentation needed.
• Inspect, test, assemble, package, and label instruments in preparation for sterilization to ensure availability when needed.
• Guide Harcum veterinary nursing students through daily activities, providing demonstration and instruction on all aspects of OR Nursing and Central Supply.
• Submit comprehensive student evaluations to the Harcum rotation supervisor in a timely manner.
• Provide guidance to veterinary students during aseptic preparation and throughout surgical procedures.
• Continually develop medical knowledge to effectively teach students and provide demonstration and support in lab and classroom settings.
• Run biological monitoring, incubate, read, and record biological monitor results.
• Decontaminate instrumentation and equipment following facility written policies and procedures.
• Prepare disinfectants and other solutions, and operate mechanical washers and ultrasonic cleaners for decontamination.
• Wash and dry laundry following proper procedures and maintain the organization of the laundry room.
• Recognize safety hazards and initiate appropriate corrective/preventive measures.
• Maintain Department SOPs.
• Assist with ordering and receiving Central Supply stock.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technician program and 0 to 3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience (specific requirements vary by level: 0-1 year for Veterinary Nurse A, 1-3 years for Veterinary Nurse B).
• Experience with sterile processing techniques is preferred.
• Ability to function quickly and react to stressful situations involving patient care.
• Experience in handling large animals, especially in techniques of restraint.
• Good interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and clients both written and orally.
• Ability to work rotating and on-call schedules, occasional overtime, and some weekends as assigned.
• Ability to be within a 30-minute travel time to the hospital when on-call.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Tuition Assistance: Exceptional tuition benefits for you, your spouse, and dependent children at Penn and other institutions.
• Retirement Plans: Generous retirement plans including Basic, Matching, and Supplemental options with a wide variety of investment choices through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial paid time off for vacations, personal affairs, illness, or injury.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Coverage for long-term care services at home, in the community, or in a nursing facility. New hires are not required to provide proof of good health.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support health, family, and work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources to advance personally and professionally.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, and cultural/recreational activities.
• Discounts and Special Services: Discounts on arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, cellular plans, movie tickets, theme parks, and more. Free or discounted admission to Penn arts and cultural centers.
• Flexible Work Hours: Creative approaches to work hours, locations, and job structures to promote work-life balance.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia, usable for closing costs or home improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified expenses related to the legal adoption of an eligible child, up to two adoptions per household.

Pay

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. For further details, contact Carole Johnson (carolej@vet.upenn.edu), Kim Daley (kimdaley@upenn.edu), or Sally Tunstall (tysons@vet.upenn.edu).