Emergency Veterinary Nursing Shift Lead - Clifton, NJ

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)•Clifton, NJ

About The Position

VEG is a veterinary emergency company with hospitals nationwide that are open 24/7, 365 days a year. Its open-concept hospitals treat emergency cases of many kinds, including exotic animals, and aim to provide a customer-focused experience for pets, their people, and employees. The Veterinary Nursing Shift Lead is responsible for the rhythm and flow of each shift, helping ensure patients receive high-quality care and team members have the support they need. The role involves monitoring the big picture, coordinating workflow and shift roles, leading huddles and transitions, covering breaks, coaching on the floor, and responding to changing needs. The Shift Lead works with hospital leadership on staffing coverage, call-outs, and ongoing coaching.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience in a veterinary technician or assistant role.
Strong understanding of clinical workflow and team dynamics.
Confidence managing floor operations while guiding others empathetically.
Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills.
Flexibility and willingness to step in wherever needed.
Leadership instincts, an ownership mindset, and a desire for professional growth.
Basic computer skills and familiarity with practice management software and electronic medical records.
Ability to communicate effectively with pet parents and team members.
Fine motor skills for handling patients and medical equipment.
Ability to stand for prolonged periods, kneel, work on the floor, 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 varied 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 situations.
Assign and adjust shift roles with clarity and care.
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 to the appropriate people, and escalate key issues.
Help the team use downtime for learning or rest.
Report incidents and notable events with a focus on transparency and growth.
Work with hospital leadership on coverage, call-outs, and ongoing coaching.

Benefits

Competitive compensation, including a 401(k) match.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage and other health and wellness benefits starting on day one.
QPR training and access to free therapy or counseling.
Potential eligibility for equity after one year of full-time, active employment.
VEG-created clinical and leadership learning programs.
Unlimited emergency-care continuing education and 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.
Fertility and family-building care for all types of families.
Flexible work schedules.
Employee referral program.
Scrubs, company merchandise, and food in the fridge.