Wards Veterinary Nurse

About the role

Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital is seeking a skilled and compassionate Veterinary Nurse to provide advanced nursing care across Fluids, Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Isolation Wards. This role supports medical and surgical patients, including pre- and post-operative care, emergency coordination, ICU transfers, and isolation cases. The Veterinary Nurse performs patient assessments, administers treatments and medications, supports pain management, and collaborates closely with clinicians, nurses, and students in a fast‑paced teaching hospital environment. The position also contributes to the instruction of veterinary and nursing students while maintaining high standards of patient care, communication, and clinical excellence. Located at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the hospital offers a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters professional growth and development. If you are a skilled and passionate Veterinary Nurse with a deep love for caring for animals, and you seek to expand your expertise while collaborating with an exceptional team of clinicians, then Penn Vet is the perfect place for you!

Responsibilities

• Providing expert oversight for patients in Fluids, Surgery, Internal Medicine, and Isolation Wards.
• Managing patients on intravenous fluids and coordinating cases that exceed Fluids Ward capacity, necessitating housing in Surgery Wards.
• Caring for pre‑ and post‑operative patients, including Soft Tissue, Orthopedics, Neurology, Dentistry, and Ophthalmology cases.
• Assisting in setting up emergency pick‑ups and ICU transfers.
• Managing isolation cases such as respiratory and Parvo if required.
• Conducting comprehensive triage for all inpatients, performing physical assessments, passive range of motion exercises, and more.
• Making informed recommendations for comfort and pain management.
• Proficiently handling IVC placement and urinary catheter placement.
• Skillfully administering various forms of medications.
• Conducting venipuncture and managing lab work submissions.
• Actively participating in instructing 4th‑year veterinary students and Harcum College nursing students.
• Maintaining clear and effective communication with clinicians, students, and nurses by providing necessary patient updates, addressing concerns, and ensuring proper follow‑ups.
• Participating in nursing rounds at the beginning and end of each shift to exchange essential