ICU Veterinary Nurse Assistant

University of Pennsylvania•Philadelphia, PA

2d•$16 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

Ryan Veterinary Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Nurse Assistant to join its nursing team and help provide care for patients. The job description outlines Veterinary Nurse Assistant A and B responsibilities. A-level work includes stocking supplies, cleaning, setting up and breaking down cages, preparing heparinized flushes, laundry, cleaning medical equipment, running items to the pharmacy and clinical lab, walking patients in appropriate areas using double leashes, handling and transporting deceased patients, restraining patients, and processing specified samples and tests. Bloodwork results must be checked with a nurse. The assistant may prime fluid bags on a cassette but may not set up fluid pumps. The role also involves anticipating nurses’ needs, assisting with patients requiring immediate care in the treatment area, and assisting with outpatient discharge after training. Changes or questions about patient status must be brought to a nurse’s attention. B-level responsibilities include all A-level responsibilities, organizing rooms, performing some supervised treatments on stable patients, and assisting nurses with unstable patients. During busy periods, the assistant may work in any of the 24/7 nursing areas: Emergency Services, ICU, or Wards. B-level assistants are expected to recognize normal and abnormal physical parameters and use monitoring equipment. Under direct nurse supervision, they may perform specified treatments on stable patients, including TPR, ECG, Doppler, connecting or disconnecting intravenous fluids, and priming fluid bags. They may not start infusions or administer medication. All treatments and findings must be checked and approved by the nurse on duty. The position is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The posting states that it is eligible for a $1,000 sign-on incentive; further details are available from the Talent Acquisition Specialist. The posted pay range is $15.90–$19.00 per hour.

Requirements

Veterinary Nurse Assistant A: High school diploma and 1–2 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Veterinary Nurse Assistant B: High school diploma and 2–3 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience working in a veterinary setting is required.
Experience with patient restraint is required, including experience handling difficult-to-handle patients.
Proven ability to multitask and follow directions.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to stand, kneel, bend, and reach for prolonged periods.
Ability to lift more than 25 pounds with minimal assistance.

Responsibilities

Stock supplies; clean; set up and break down cages; prepare heparinized flushes; and do laundry.
Clean medical equipment using alcohol wipes only; do not use Rescue.
Run items to the pharmacy and clinical lab.
Walk patients in appropriate areas using double leashes.
Properly label and transport deceased patients to the appropriate cooler.
Restrain patients, including difficult-to-handle patients.
Handle and run Nova samples, PCV/TP, blood smears, glucometer tests, and Idexx tests; have bloodwork checked by a nurse after analysis.
Prime fluid bags on a cassette; do not set up fluid pumps. B-level assistants may prime intravenous fluid bags but may not start infusions.
Anticipate nurses’ needs and discuss expectations with the nurse on duty; prepare setups such as those for an IV catheter or blocked cat.
Assist nurses with patients triaged to the treatment area who need immediate care.
Assist with outpatient discharges once properly trained.
Bring any changes, abnormalities, or questions about patient status to a nurse’s attention.
At B level, organize rooms, assist nurses with unstable patients, and perform some supervised medical treatments on stable patients.
During busy periods, work in any of the 24/7 nursing areas: Emergency Services, ICU, or Wards.
At B level, become familiar with normal and abnormal physical parameters and monitoring equipment, including pulse oximeter, ECG setup, and Doppler/Cardell.
Under direct nurse supervision, perform permitted treatments on stable patients: TPR, ECG, Doppler, and connecting or disconnecting intravenous fluids.
Ensure all treatments and findings are checked and approved by the nurse on duty; do not administer medication.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children may also receive assistance at other institutions.
Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans, with investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Substantial time away from work during the year.
Long-term care insurance.
Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
Professional and personal development resources.
Access to University resources, libraries, athletic facilities, cultural activities, and recreational activities.
Discounts and special services, including arts, entertainment, transportation, mortgages, goods, and services.
Flexible work options.
Forgivable home-ownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia.
Adoption expense reimbursement for eligible employees, for up to two adoptions in a household.
$1,000 sign-on incentive eligibility.