Emergency Veterinary Nursing Shift Lead - Paramus, NJ
About The Position
VEG is hiring an Emergency Veterinary Nursing Shift Lead in Paramus, New Jersey. The Shift Lead is responsible for maintaining the rhythm and flow of each shift, supporting high-quality patient care, and ensuring team members have what they need to work effectively. The role involves keeping a broad view of patient status, team capacity, and shift needs while stepping in wherever support is required. The Shift Lead guides daily workflow, assigns and adjusts shift roles, coordinates breaks, leads transitions and huddles, and supports conflict resolution and on-the-floor coaching. They communicate key issues, flag incidents transparently, and work with hospital leadership on coverage, call-outs, and ongoing coaching. The role takes place in a fast-paced veterinary emergency environment and includes rotating or as-needed nights, weekends, and holidays.
Requirements
- At least 1 year of experience in a veterinary technician or assistant role.
- Strong understanding of clinical workflow and team dynamics.
- Confidence navigating floor operations while guiding others with empathy.
- Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills, including when collaborating with pet parents and colleagues.
- Flexibility and willingness to step in wherever needed.
- Leadership instincts, an ownership mindset, and desire for professional growth.
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with practice management software and electronic medical record keeping.
- Fine motor skills for handling patients and medical equipment.
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods, kneel, and work on the floor.
- Ability to lift up to 25 kg independently and support up to 40 kg with assistance.
- Willingness to work in a noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors.
- Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as-needed basis according to hospital needs.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with people from different backgrounds and personality types.
Nice To Haves
- Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT, RVT, LVT, or LVMT), or enrollment in the VEG Credentialing Support Program.
- Experience in emergency or specialty medicine.
Responsibilities
- Monitor patient status, team capacity, and shift-wide needs.
- Manage daily workflow and help the team adapt to unexpected events.
- Assign and adjust shift roles, providing clear and considerate direction.
- Provide hands-on support on the floor wherever needed.
- Coordinate breaks, assist with conflict resolution, and model calm under pressure.
- Lead shift transitions, team huddles, and start- and end-of-day wrap-ups.
- Communicate clearly, direct questions appropriately, and escalate important issues.
- Help the team use downtime for learning or rest.
- Flag incidents and notable events with transparency and a focus on growth.
- Work with hospital leadership on coverage, call-outs, and ongoing coaching.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation of $20–$47 per hour, including base pay and a 401(k) match.
- Health and wellness benefits beginning on day one, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, QPR training, and access to free therapy or counseling.
- Potential eligibility for equity after one year of full-time active employment with VEG, depending on role.
- VEG-created clinical and leadership learning programs and unlimited emergency-room continuing education, with a travel stipend.
- Annual travel stipend of $2,500 for full-time credentialed employees and $1,000 for full-time uncredentialed employees.
- Clinical student loan repayment.
- Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks at 100% of regular salary, and fertility and family-building care.
- Flexible work schedules.
- Employee referral program.
- Scrubs, company swag, and food in the fridge.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
