Veterinary Nurse Supervisor, Emergency & Critical Care, Day Shift, SACS: College of Veterinary Medicine - UTIA

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the day-shift position of Veterinary Nurse Supervisor, Emergency & Critical Care. The Emergency & Critical Care (ECC) Supervisor provides clinical leadership, hands-on advanced nursing care, and operational oversight for the ICU and ER veterinary nursing teams in a fast-paced, high-acuity academic hospital environment. This is a working supervisory role that supports the teaching hospital missions of patient care, education, and service. The ECC Supervisor is responsible for supervising, training, scheduling, and mentoring veterinary technicians/nurses and assistants while ensuring consistent, high-quality patient care through adherence to established medical protocols, efficient workflow, and evidence-based standards. This role collaborates closely with faculty clinicians, residents, interns, and hospital leadership to promote excellence, mentorship, and continuous improvement within the ECC service. The Veterinary Medical Center is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. Occasional weekend or holiday work may be required of this position.

Requirements

Must be a graduate of an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)- accredited program in Veterinary Technology with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
Must hold a Veterinary Technician license and must obtain a license to practice in Tennessee within first year of employment.
3 years of relevant experience in a veterinary medical center or in a private/specialty veterinary practice.
Mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities in nursing care.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to show compassion.
Excellent judgment, decision-making skills, and organizational skills.
Ability to balance patient care, education and supervision in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to express patience and deal with high levels of stress.
Ability to pay close attention to detail.
Ability to lift, assist, and transport patients.
Ability to train employees using diverse communication and mentoring techniques.
Ability to supervise others and provide leadership.
Committed to academic excellence, quality patient care and continuous learning.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Veterinary Technician Specialist
3 years of internal, relevant experience.
6 years of relevant experience in a veterinary medical center or 7 years in a private/specialty veterinary practice.
Expert knowledge of common veterinary disease processes and critical care medicine.
Knowledge of veterinary pharmacology and medical math skills.
Strong work ethic and self-initiative.
Ability to perform advanced level procedures.
Strong ability to handle stressful environment.

Responsibilities

Provide advanced nursing care and comfort assessment for emergency and critically ill patients, including complex and high-acuity cases; advanced catheterization, oxygen supplementation, tube feeding, thoraco/abdominocentesis, mechanical ventilation, blood gas analysis, etc. Document nursing care in the medical record.
Participate in veterinary nursing rounds and shift-change handoffs to ensure continuity of care.
Calculate drug dosages and administer medications accurately and safely; including dilutions, CRIs, reconstitutions, and bolus doses, transfusions, supplementations, etc.
Obtain and interpret vital parameters for critically ill, injured, and post-operative patients. Identify trends in patient condition and advocate for patient needs based on comprehensive nursing assessments.
Obtain biologic samples and perform basic laboratory testing; CBC, Chem, Lytes, Coags, Blood gases, Novas, etc.
Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot advanced medical monitoring equipment; interpret data and initiate appropriate interventions; including but not limited to ECG, SPO2, ETCOs, ABGs, Coma/pain scales, HR, RR, RE, Temp, etc.
Instruct and mentor junior technicians, veterinary technician students, and senior veterinary students in proper nursing care, medication administration, and technical procedures. Provide mentorship and instruction to veterinary technician/nurse interns.
Triage incoming critical emergency patients.
Review and transcribe clinician orders into the electronic medical record, ensuring accuracy and clarity. Communicate patient progress and concerns effectively with faculty clinicians, residents, and interns.
Facilitate procedures for house officers and faculty by coordinating supplies, providing procedural guidance, and supporting patient management.
Enter daily patient charges for ICU and ER services. Oversee cleaning, maintenance, and organization of ECC clinical spaces and equipment. Manage ordering and inventory of medical supplies and stock.
Provide daily supervision and work direction to ECC veterinary technicians/nurses and assistants, including task completion, performance feedback, conflict resolution, and adherence to hospital procedures. Communicate as a liaison between ECC and other services or hospital administration. Address staff concerns professionally and contribute to a supportive, wellness-focused culture. Provide real-time leadership during high-stress cases, ensuring clear communication and efficient team function.
Recruit, hire, on-board, train and mentor through daily job duties and future career goals. Assist with scheduling to ensure appropriate coverage for patient care and teaching needs; including payroll and leave approval.
Serve as a clinical educator and role model for veterinary students, emphasizing evidence-based practice, technical skill development, and professional behavior.