Veterinary Charge Nurse

Full time opportunity in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Pay: $29–33/hr (depending on experience). Various shifts available (overnight, day, or mid shifts).

About the role

The Veterinary Charge Nurse provides high-quality medical support and nursing care to companion animal patients while providing leadership and oversight to the department's support staff, supporting the veterinarians in the department, and assisting with the organization of the hospital's daily workflow.

Responsibilities

• Training
  • Coordinate with the training coordinator on all training protocols and procedures to ensure existing and new support staff are onboarded and trained efficiently and effectively
  • Take part in the interview and selection process for potential new support staff candidates, including technicians, technician assistants, client administrators, client liaisons, lab technicians, kennel assistants, and doctor's assistants
  • Conduct support staff leveling and reviews, review leveling criteria and benchmarks for advancement, and perform mid and annual formal performance reviews per hospital protocol
  • Lead the support staff team by example, act as a mentor, and follow through on commitment to the growth and development of the entire team
  • Ensure appropriate medical techniques are utilized, positive customer service is demonstrated to all clients, and all hospital policies and procedures are followed
  • Work with employees to correct deficiencies, implement training as necessary, and partner with the Leadership Team on corrective action or coaching; follow up on and document coaching and training sessions
• Communication
  • Act as the bridge between the hospital leadership team and department support staff to maintain open channels of communication and constructive dialogue
  • Conduct beginning-of-shift huddles and quarterly/bi-annual check-in meetings with all support staff
  • Participate in regular Leadership Team meetings to identify areas for improvement, ensure consistent messaging, increase supervisory and leadership knowledge, and develop a cohesive leadership team
  • Monitor offices and hospital areas and ensure compliance with duties
• Engagement
  • Act as a leader to improve staff retention and foster a culture of growth and development
  • Identify and solicit opportunities for growth within the support staff, and actively seek out disengaged team members and intervene as necessary to improve retention
  • Stay fully competent regarding organizational policies and procedures, and contribute to the development and implementation of new policies and SOPs as relevant
  • Establish and reinforce a supportive team environment, discourage negative attitudes and gossip, and lead by example
  • Seek out and participate in leadership development opportunities, and maintain professional and technical knowledge through CEs, professional publications, and networking
  • Act in a solution-oriented manner to advocate for and improve any deficiencies in the hospital
• Hospital Operations
  • Resolve client needs, concerns, and complaints where appropriate
  • Work with the inventory specialist to maintain department inventory at appropriate levels within the departmental budget, avoiding shortages or excess
  • Ensure the department always meets and follows all required OSHA standards
  • Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams
  • Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture

Requirements

• Experience as a veterinary technician in an emergency and critical care setting
• Prior leadership, supervisory, or charge nurse experience, with a track record of mentoring and developing support staff
• Confident clinical skills, including IV catheter placement, venipuncture, anesthesia induction and monitoring, surgical nursing, and perioperative care
• Working knowledge of hospital policies and SOPs
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care

Benefits

• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) for work-life balance
• Flexible scheduling options
• Employee discounts on veterinary services
• Professional development assistance and ongoing training
• License reimbursement
• Uniform allowance

Location

Albuquerque, New Mexico offers a high desert setting with a rich cultural blend, year-round sunshine, and easy access to the Sandia Mountains for hiking, skiing, and outdoor recreation. With a lower cost of living, a vibrant food and arts scene, and quick trips to Santa Fe, it's an appealing place to build your career while enjoying an excellent quality of life.

About the company

Route 66 Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Center (VECCC), part of Ethos Veterinary Health, is where you'll work alongside a compassionate, dedicated team of veterinary professionals in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. Our patient base is as diverse as our team, and we proudly treat a wide variety of animals, everything except hoof stock and wildlife.

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next. Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery. Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.