Veterinary Oncology Nurse
About The Position
The University of Pennsylvania’s Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital is seeking a skilled, compassionate, and highly motivated Veterinary Oncology Nurse to join its outpatient Medical Oncology Service. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the delivery of advanced specialty care within a dynamic academic teaching hospital renowned for excellence in patient care, education, and clinical innovation. The Veterinary Oncology Nurse plays an integral role in supporting patients throughout their cancer care journey by providing advanced nursing care, assisting with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and administering chemotherapy treatments. Serving as a key liaison among clinicians, clients, and the broader hospital team, this individual helps ensure seamless patient care, efficient clinical operations, and exceptional client communication. The position also contributes to the education and mentorship of veterinary students, interns, and residents, fostering the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Requirements
- Minimum of two years of experience providing nursing care to hospitalized small animal patients in a specialty and/or emergency veterinary setting.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage clients, clinicians, and team members.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-acuity clinical environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and patient care standards.
- Current credentialing as a Certified, Registered, or Licensed Veterinary Technician/Nurse (CVT, RVT, or LVT) is required.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience in oncology, internal medicine, specialty practice, or an academic veterinary medical center is highly valued.
- Proficiency with electronic medical record systems and demonstrated ability to coordinate care for complex, multidisciplinary cases.
- Commitment to professional growth and enthusiasm for fostering a culture of mentorship, education, and clinical excellence.
Responsibilities
- Provide advanced nursing care for medical oncology patients in a fast-paced, high-volume outpatient setting.
- Extensive client communication including patient morning admission and afternoon discharge.
- Perform technical procedures including venipuncture, IV catheter placement, ECG placement, blood pressure measurement, and collection of blood, urine, and cytology samples.
- Safe handling and administration of chemotherapy drugs using a closed system transfer device and USP 800 standards.
- Assist clinicians with advanced diagnostics and procedures such as ultrasound preparation, fine needle aspirates, and biopsies.
- Prepare, administer, and monitor sedation protocols for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Continuously monitor patients during sedation procedures and recovery, responding appropriately to changes in patient conditions
- Support daily clinic operations by coordinating patient transport, room readiness, and patient flow.
- Maintain accurate and detailed documentation in the hospital’s electronic medical record system.
- Organization and filing of patient medical records within the oncology ward, preparing files for the next appointment day.
- Submitting electronic patient requests to radiology and anesthesia.
- Ensure proper handling, labeling, and submission of laboratory samples.
- Adhere to hospital safety standards and infection control protocols.
- Support the hospital’s academic mission by assisting in the clinical instruction of veterinary students, interns, and residents.
- Model best practices in fear-free patient handling, technical skill execution, and client communication.
- Collaborate with nursing leadership and specialty teams to improve clinical standards, workflow efficiency, and patient outcomes.
- Participate in service meetings, training initiatives, and professional development activities.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits
- Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care expenses
- Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn and potentially other institutions
- Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, and Supplemental) with pre-tax or Roth options
- Substantial time away from work for relaxation, vacation, personal affairs, illness, or family time
- Long-term care insurance
- Wellness and work-life resources
- Professional and personal development resources
- Access to a wide range of University resources, cultural, and recreational activities
- Discounts on arts and entertainment, transportation, mortgages, and other goods and services
- Flexible work hours
- Home ownership assistance (forgivable loan for eligible employees in West Philadelphia)
- Adoption assistance (reimbursement for qualified expenses)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
