Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
The Intensive Care Unit at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania provides 24/7 advanced care to critically ill dogs, cats and some special species. Penn’s ICU is unique from many other referral-level ICU’s in that it is a stand-alone unit that is dedicated solely to the care of the most critically ill patients. The highest standard of care is ensured by a very low nurse-to-patient ratio, state of the art equipment, and board-certified critical care specialists who work with a team of specialty-trained nurses, trainees and consultants from other disciplines. All patients are considered "high risk" and have been admitted to the ICU because of the presence of a life-threatening disease condition, and/or special needs, such as intensive pain management. Despite this challenging population, the ICU holds an overall discharge rate of approximately 75 percent.
Current nursing staff in the ICU includes:
Rosemary Lombardi, CVT, VTS(ECC) ICU Nursing Supervisor/Wards Nursing Advisor
Lila Sierra, CVT, VTS(ECC) ICU Assistant Supervisor
Elana Shaner Benasutti, CVT Weekend shift supervisor
Ellen Gratch, LVT
Chantal Reme, CVT
Mary Piccillo, GVT
Eileen Hendricks, CVT
Samantha Dales, CVT
Amanda Ashley, CVT
Jessica Coughlan, CVT
Bridget Lyons, CVT
Stephanie Cohen, CVT
Holly Killian, CVT
Monika Wright, CVT
Nursing Aides:
Amaris Pollock
Tara Curran
Heather Kunkle
Victoria Bonacci