Veterinary Nurse

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

Wards Veterinary Nurse

Job Profile Title

Veterinary Technician, Ward B

Job Description Summary

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. This position also contributes to the instruction of veterinary and nursing students while maintaining high standards of patient care, communication, and clinical excellence.

Job Description

Join Our Elite Team at Penn Vet's Ryan Hospital!

At Penn Vet's Ryan Hospital, we offer 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 look no further - Penn Vet is the perfect place for you!

Responsibilities for this nursing position include:

• 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.

• Care 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 information.

• Utilizing EMR INSTINCT and CUREATR hospital text messaging systems as applicable.

• Ensuring the organization of stock and maintaining the cleanliness of all Wards as needed.

If you are ready to take your veterinary nursing career to new heights, surrounded by a team of exceptional professionals, and making a significant impact on the well-being of animals, then we invite you to apply for this remarkable opportunity at Penn Vet's Ryan Hospital. Join us in our commitment to providing unparalleled care and making a difference in the lives of animals every day. Apply now to become an integral part of our esteemed team!

Available Hours:

36-hour work week: rotating monthly schedule of 3 grouped nights 6p-6am on (Sun-Tues, Mon-Wed, and Wed-Fri), 4 nights off; 15-30% shift differentials apply.

This position is eligible for a $1000 signing bonus. Please contact Amy Shields, [email protected] , Talent Acquisition Specialist, for further information or to discuss current and future career opportunities at Penn Vet.  

Qualifications:

Must have at least 2 years of experience working with hospitalized small animals on IV fluids.

Veterinary Technician A: CVT or board eligible--must sit for boards within 3 months of hire

Veterinary Technician B: CVT and 2-3 years of experience

Veterinary Technician C: CVT and 3-5 years of experience

Veterinary Technician D: CVT and 5-8 years of experience

Veterinary Technician E: CVT and 8 + years of experience

We are hiring at all levels for this position. Minimum starting salaries increase with each level. Relevant education, experience, skills, and licenses/ certifications are among the factors considered in salary offers.

Targeted Pay Range: $20.45/hr to $40.00/hr.

*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.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$19.81 - $40.00 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, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

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 protectedunder applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
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.

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