Ward Veterinary Assistant

Ward Veterinary Assistant

Job Profile

Title:

Veterinary Nurse Assistant A

This position will assist with stocking, lab work, patient restraint, walking of animals, charge capture, admits and discharges in the ward area.

• Stocking supplies
• Cleaning
• Cage set up/breakdown
• Make heparinized flushes
• 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 the appropriate cooler
• Proper handling and running of Nova samples, PCV/TP, blood smears, glucometer, 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, including setting up for an IV catheter and blocked catheter setup; talk with the nurse on duty about expectations
• Assist nurses with patients triaged to the treatment area who need immediate care
• Assist with discharge of outpatients once properly trained
• ANY changes/abnormalities/questions on patient status must be brought to the attention of nurse

• Level 1 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 nurses’ needs including 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

• Hours:
  
  5:00 pm - 2:00 am Monday through Thursday
• Veterinary Nurse Assistant A:
  High School Diploma and 1-2 years of experience or equivalent. Experience working in a veterinary setting and with patient restraint required. Experience with difficult-to-handle patients, multitasking, following directions, and strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Veterinary Nurse Assistant B:
  High School Diploma and 2-3 years of experience or equivalent. Experience working in a veterinary setting and with patient restraint required. Experience with difficult-to-handle patients, multitasking, following directions, and strong interpersonal 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.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

$15.63 - $19.00 hourly rate

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.