ER Veterinary Nurse Shift Lead — Lead with Heart

VEG ER for Pets; Orange (CT); On-site; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

401K match

Health and wellness benefits (medical,

Learning and growth programs

Travel stipend for ER CE

Flexible work schedules

Employee referral program

Job summary

VEG ER for Pets is seeking a Veterinary Nursing Shift Lead to coordinate shift flow, ensure high-quality patient care, and coach the team on rounds, breaks, and wrap-ups. You’ll maintain clinical workflow, support emergency cases, and empower staff to deliver compassionate care in a fast-paced ER environment.

The role emphasizes leadership, empathy, and hands-on floor presence, with night/weekend coverage as needed. Join a growing veterinary emergency company focused on learning and growth.

Qualifications

• Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT, RVT, LVT, LVMT) or enrolled in VEG Credentialing Support Program preferred.
• 1+ years of experience in a veterinary technician or assistant role; emergency/specialty medicine preferred.
• Strong grasp of clinical workflow and team dynamics.
• Confident in guiding others with empathy while navigating floor operations.
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Flexible and willing to step in wherever needed.
• Leadership instincts and ownership mindset with growth ambition.
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of practice management software/EMR.
• Excellent communicator with pet parents and team.
• Fine motor skills for patients and equipment.
• Able to stand long hours, kneel, lift up to 25 kg solo and up to 40 kg with assistance.
• Willing to work in a noisy environment with odors; nights/weekends/holidays as needed.
• Works well in a fast-paced, diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Keep a clear pulse on patient status, team bandwidth, and shift-wide needs.
• Manage daily workflow and help the team pivot when the unexpected hits.
• Ensure shift roles are assigned and adapted as needed, with clarity and care.
• Jump in on the floor when help is needed—no task is too small.
• Coordinate breaks, assist with conflict resolution, and model calm under pressure.
• Lead shift transitions, team huddles, and start/end-of-day wrap-ups.
• Communicate clearly, direct questions appropriately, and elevate key issues.
• Help the team turn downtime into learning time—or just a moment to breathe.
• Flag incidents or notable events with transparency and growth.
• Work with hospital leadership on coverage, call-outs, and ongoing coaching.

Skills

CVT/RVT/LVMT credentials

Emergency veterinary experience

Leadership & mentoring

Communication & conflict resolution

Education

Veterinary technician credentialing program enrollment

Tools

Practice management software

Electronic medical records

Job description

VEG ER for Pets is seeking a Veterinary Nursing Shift Lead to coordinate shift flow, ensure high-quality patient care, and coach the team on rounds, breaks, and wrap-ups. You’ll maintain clinical workflow, support emergency cases, and empower staff to deliver compassionate care in a fast-paced ER environment.

The role emphasizes leadership, empathy, and hands-on floor presence, with night/weekend coverage as needed. Join a growing veterinary emergency company focused on learning and growth.