Veterinary Anesthesia Nurse

Friends Veterinary Specialty and Emergency is seeking compassionate, skilled veterinary anesthesia nurses to join our growing team. We are a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital in Bucks County, privately owned by local veterinarians, and we are searching for highly motivated veterinary team members.

At Friends VSE, we recognize the essential role veterinary nurses play in delivering exceptional patient care. We are seeking skilled and detail-oriented Veterinary Anesthesia Nurses to join our specialty and emergency team. This role is responsible for providing safe and effective anesthesia for a wide range of procedures while working closely with surgeons, emergency veterinarians, and specialty teams to ensure the highest level of patient care before, during, and after anesthesia.

We welcome all motivated nurses, whether you are just starting out or have previous experience. You will work closely with our CSRs, assistants, nurses (CVT/VTS), ER veterinarians, and board-certified specialists, gaining valuable skills and experience in a supportive, team-oriented environment while making a real difference in pets’ lives.

We offer competitive pay, ongoing training, and opportunities to grow in a supportive, team-oriented environment. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy helping others, have strong organizational and communication skills, and are passionate about providing exceptional client care in a fast-paced veterinary setting.

Compensation: Starting at $27- compensation will depend on skill, experience, and shift

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for anesthesia using low-stress handling techniques for patient assessment, catheter placement, and pre-anesthetic diagnostics
• Calculate and administer anesthetic and analgesic medications under veterinary supervision
• Induce, maintain, and monitor anesthesia for surgical and diagnostic procedures
• Monitor anesthetized patients using advanced monitoring equipment, including ECG, capnography, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, and temperature
• Adjust anesthetic depth and fluid therapy based on patient status and monitoring parameters
• Provide intraoperative patient support, including fluid therapy, ventilatory support, and temperature management
• Assist veterinarians during surgery and advanced diagnostic procedures
• Provide safe and attentive post-operative monitoring and recovery of anesthetized patients
• Maintain detailed anesthetic records and patient monitoring documentation
• Prepare and maintain anesthesia machines, monitoring equipment, and anesthetic supplies
• Assist with the development and maintenance of anesthesia protocols and safety standards
• Collaborate with veterinary nurses and doctors to provide comprehensive perioperative patient care
• Maintain the "flow" of the daily schedule by adhering to procedure timing and communicating clearly with clinicians
• Participate in continuing education to remain current with advances in veterinary anesthesia and pain management

Requirements

Education & Credentials

• Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT, LVT, or RVT), with preference given to candidates with VTS certification
• Unlicensed veterinary nurses with anesthesia experience
• References may be required

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of anesthetic drugs, protocols, and monitoring techniques
• Experience in monitoring anesthesia
• Ability to recognize and respond to anesthetic complications quickly and effectively
• Excellent attention to detail and patient monitoring skills
• Strong communication and teamwork skills in a collaborative hospital environment
• Strong mathematical proficiency, including accurate drug dose calculations, CRI rate determinations, fluid therapy planning, and real-time critical calculations in high-acuity situations
• Basic computer proficiency with practice management software, electronic medical records, and team collaboration platforms
• Excellent written, verbal, and electronic communication skills with both team members and clients
• Physical ability to stand/move around for extended periods of time
• The ability to kneel and work at floor level for the larger patients
• The ability to lift patients independently (up to 40 pounds) and assist with lifting larger patients when necessary
• Ability to handle patients of all sizes and temperaments
• Understand animal language/indicators of stress
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required in a 24/7 hospital setting
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced specialty and emergency setting
• Actively seek and incorporate feedback to improve performance
• Respond positively to coaching and direction
• Commitment to patient safety, high-quality care, and continued professional growth