Veterinary Nurse / Technician Job Description
The Veterinary Nurse/Technician is a credentialed medical professional who provides advanced nursing care and technical support to veterinarians in a fast‑paced veterinary hospital environment. This role focuses on delivering high‑quality, compassionate patient care; supporting efficient medical workflows; and serving as a clinical resource for the healthcare team. Veterinary technicians/nurses practice in accordance with their education, training, and credential, and play a key role in patient advocacy, medical quality, and client education.
Core Responsibilities
Patient Care & Nursing Practice
- Provide comprehensive nursing care across all phases of the patient experience, including intake, diagnostics, treatment, procedures, anesthesia, and recovery.
- Perform detailed patient assessments, monitor vital signs and clinical status, and document findings accurately in the medical record.
- Calculate, prepare, administer, and monitor medications, fluids, blood products, and treatments as directed by a veterinarian and permitted by law.
- Assist with diagnostic procedures, including laboratory testing, imaging preparation, and sample collection.
- Support anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery, identifying and responding to changes in patient condition.
- Advocate for patient safety, comfort, pain management, and evidence‑based medical care.
Team‑Based Care & Workflow Efficiency
- Work collaboratively with veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and client service team to ensure smooth patient flow and efficient care delivery.
- Partner with veterinary assistants to support efficient, team‑based care by ensuring responsibilities align with each role’s intended scope and skill set.
- Support the development of the healthcare team through collaborative learning, knowledge‑sharing, and clinical guidance.
- Identify opportunities to improve workflows, communication, and patient care.
Client Communication & Education
- Provide clear, compassionate education to clients regarding diagnostics, treatments, medications, and ongoing care.
- Reinforce medical recommendations and ensure client understanding.
- Support client understanding of recommended treatments by answering appropriate questions and providing calm, compassionate communication during difficult situations.
Professional Practice & Compliance
- Practice in accordance with applicable state or provincial veterinary practice acts and hospital policies.
- Maintain active licensure, certification, or registration and required continuing education.
- Comply with all hospital protocols, including safety practices, infection control standards, and controlled substance procedures.
- Demonstrate ethical conduct, accountability, and professionalism.
Hospital Operations & Collaboration
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized clinical environment.
- Properly use, clean, and maintain medical equipment and supplies.
- Collaborate effectively with the entire healthcare team to support patient care and hospital operations.
Qualifications
- Graduation from an accredited veterinary technology or veterinary nursing program (preferred).
- Credentialed, licensed, or registered as required by state or provincial regulation.
- Strong clinical, technical, communication, and organizational skills.
- Experience in emergency, specialty, or high‑acuity practice.
- Interest in leadership, training, or advanced clinical development.
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift patients for extended periods.
- Manual dexterity to perform clinical procedures.
- Ability to work varied schedules, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Benefits
NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.