Emergency Veterinary Nursing Shift Lead - Princeton, NJ

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)•Princeton, NJ

8h•$25 - $44

About The Position

VEG is a nationwide veterinary emergency company with hospitals open 24/7, 365 days a year. The company describes its open-concept hospitals and customer-focused approach as part of its effort to improve the emergency experience for pets, their people, and employees, whom it calls VEGgies. The Veterinary Nursing Shift Lead keeps each shift organized and supported, maintaining awareness of patient status, team capacity, and operational needs. The role oversees workflow, shift assignments, transitions, huddles, breaks, and day-end wrap-ups, while coaching colleagues and stepping in on the floor as needed. The Shift Lead communicates important issues, helps address conflict, records notable incidents, and works with hospital leadership on coverage and ongoing coaching.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience in a veterinary technician or veterinary assistant role.
Strong understanding of clinical workflow and team dynamics.
Confidence navigating floor operations while guiding others empathetically.
Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills, including collaboration with pet parents and the team.
Flexibility and willingness to step in wherever needed.
Leadership instincts, an ownership mindset, and a desire to grow professionally.
Basic computer skills and familiarity with practice management software and electronic medical records.
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 varied backgrounds and personality types.
Empathy and a people-centric approach, including an effort to understand different perspectives.
Humility, including acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit, and recognizing team accomplishments.
A strong sense of ownership and commitment to outcomes and long-term results.
Curiosity and an ongoing interest in learning and developing skills and knowledge.

Nice To Haves

Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT, RVT, LVT, or LVMT), or enrollment in the VEG Credentialing Support Program.
Experience in emergency or specialty veterinary 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, communicating expectations clearly.
Provide hands-on assistance on the floor as 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 elevate key issues.
Use downtime for learning or give the team an opportunity to rest.
Flag 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 of $25–$44 per hour, including base pay and a 401(k) match.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning on day one.
QPR training and access to free therapy or counseling.
Potential equity eligibility after one year of full-time, active employment, depending on role.
Clinical and leadership learning programs, unlimited emergency-room 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 swag, and food in the fridge.