Emergency Service Veterinary Assistant - University of Pennsylvania

University Overview


The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.




Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.




The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.








Posted Job Title

Emergency Service Veterinary Assistant





Job Profile Title

Veterinary Nurse Assistant A





Job Description Summary

Veterinary Nursing Assistants at Penn Vet play a crucial role in our departments, especially the Emergency Service, as they are responsible for aiding our staff in providing immediate care to injured or sick animals. They assist with tasks such as administering medications, taking vital signs, and performing basic patient care during midshift, overnights, and weekends. In emergency situations, veterinary nursing assistants act as a critical support system for our veterinary staff, allowing them to focus on providing the highest level of care to the animal in need. Without the help of our veterinary assistants, our emergency room would not be able to operate to its fullest potential and provide the necessary care for animals in critical condition.





Job Description


Veterinary Assistant Duties


PATIENT CARE AREAS





+ The first priority for the Veterinary Assistant is room organization. Please make sure the area is clean and stocked so that the shift runs smoothly.


+ Make sure there are enough heparinized saline syringes for 24 hours.


+ On slow days, there are extra cleaning duties that can be done by all members of the team.


+ The nurse on duty will provide instructions on what to prioritize during the shift.


+ Patient Restraint: Understand appropriate restraint techniques for all animals. If you are uncomfortable with the animal you are handling, inform the nurse immediately.


+ Walking more stable patients in appropriate areas.


+ Admitting and discharging outpatients once properly trained.


+ Proper handling and running of a blood sample for patients in the room and from other departments. Novas must always be checked with a nurse after being analyzed.


+ Proper handling and running of glucometer, PCV/TS, and COPs, lactate and ketones.


+ ANTICIPATE NURSES NEEDS. This includes setting up for an IV catheter, preparing for post op cases.


+ In arrest situations, the best thing to do is stand back and wait for direction.


+ VA’s can enter charges under nurse’s direction.


+ Pharmacy and clinical lab runs.





Treatment Guidelines


PATIENT CARE AREAS



+ Veterinary Assistants can perform specific treatments on the more stable patients under direct supervision of a nurse and assist nurses on duty with unstable patients as directed.


+ If a treatment involves giving medications, a nurse must be notified and the nurse is responsible for drawing up and administering the medication.


+ ANY abnormalities that you notice or questions that you have when assisting with treatments should be brought to the attention of a nurse.


+ VA’s can assist a nurse with patient care under the direct supervision of the nurse, only when deemed appropriate by the nurse on duty.


+ Examples of approved duties( under direct supervision):Performing TPRs, BP checks, EKG hook up, walking patients, TPN set up, hanging plain fluids, setting up O2, setting up for IV cath placement, monitoring blood transfusions, setting up heat support, assisting with recoveries from anesthesia, and appropriate documentation in the medical record.


+ VA's are NOT to perform Venipuncture, CRI set ups, Administering Medication, NO HANDLING OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES





Qualifications:




Veterinary Nurse Assistant A


A High School Diploma and 1-2 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience working in a veterinary setting and experience with patient restraint is required. Candidates should also have experience working with difficult to handle patients, the proven ability to multitask and to follow directions. In addition, candidates should also have strong interpersonal and communication skills.




Veterinary Nurse Assistant B


Same as Veterinary Assistant A with 2-3 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.




Physical effort required: Lifting over 25 pounds with assistance, kneeling, bending and reaching around patients


Working conditions: Can be loud with barking dogs, equipment alarms. Use of PPE during entire shift.




This position is eligible for a sign-on incentive of $1000. Please contact Amy Shields, Talent Acquisition Specialist, shieldsa@upenn.edu for further details regarding the sign-on incentive.




Hours:


Tuesday through Friday, 9p-7a.




Shift Differential:



+ 15% shift differential for hours worked between 8p-8a weeknights.


+ 30% shift differential for F, Sa, Su after 8pm(inpatient areas only)


+ 10% shift differential if you work Sat or Sun between 8a-8p.







Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania





Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine





Pay Range

$15.34 - $19.00 Hourly Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.




Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.




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




University Benefits

+ Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

+ Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

+ Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

+ Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

+ Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

+ Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

+ Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

+ University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

+ Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

+ Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

+ Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

+ Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.




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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay



The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.