ICU Nursing Supervisor

Posted Job Title

ICU Nursing Supervisor

Veterinary Head Nurse

Provides leadership, scheduling, hiring, training, and performance management for nursing staff while mentoring team members and supporting their career development. Ensures high‑quality patient care through hands‑on support and strategic guidance. Manages daily unit operations, combining clinical responsibilities with administrative oversight.

The University of Pennsylvania Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital is seeking a nursing supervisor for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The ICU is a very busy inpatient service that operates 24/7. The ideal candidate is a self‑motivated CVT (preferably VTS ECC) with strong communication, organizational and leadership skills to lead a team of 15 nurses and veterinary assistants.

• Collaborate with the ICU team to prioritize and organize tasks, ensuring an efficient and effective workflow.
• Deliver specialized nursing care to ICU patients in coordination with clinicians, fellow nurses, and veterinary students.
• Perform technical procedures including venipuncture, intravenous catheter placement, and other specialized skills.
• Administer and monitor sedations for minor procedures; assist in the recovery of sedated or anesthetized patients.
• Coordinate with multiple hospital departments to facilitate smooth case flow throughout the day.
• Liaise with ward nurses regarding ICU patients who may be candidates for transfer, ensuring continuity of care.
• Educate veterinary and Harcum nursing students on ICU treatments and critical care nursing techniques.

• Supervise and mentor ICU nursing staff, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of critical care.
• Act as an on‑floor supervisor with scheduled time off floor for administrative duties.
• Coordinate ICU staffing schedules to provide continuous, 24/7 coverage for critically ill patients.
• Implement, monitor, and maintain ICU protocols, standard operating procedures, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Assist in staff recruitment, training, performance evaluation, payroll, and professional development; conduct annual and mid‑year performance appraisals.
• Collaborate closely with section chief, specialists, and hospital administration to optimize patient outcomes and workflow efficiency.
• Participate in hospital administrative meetings and annual budget meetings.
• Monitor and maintain critical care equipment and supplies; ensure compliance with safety, infection control, and hospital regulations.
• Act as a point of contact for clinical support, complex case management, and escalation of patient care concerns.
• Participate in teaching and mentoring veterinary students and residents in ICU protocols and procedures.

• Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT/LVT/RVT) in Pennsylvania or eligible to obtain; VTS (ECC) certification preferred or strong desire to obtain specialty certification.
• Minimum of 5 years of veterinary nursing experience, with at least 2 years in ICU or critical care settings.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of critical care procedures, monitoring, and equipment.
• Experience in an academic or specialty hospital preferred.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to thrive in a high‑pressure, fast‑paced environment.

• ICU and critical care nursing expertise.
• Leadership, team management, and mentorship.
• Advanced problem‑solving and decision‑making under pressure.
• Effective communication with staff, clients, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Time management, prioritization, and workflow optimization.

Submit a CV/resume and cover letter.

This position is eligible for a sign‑on incentive of $1,000. Please contact Amy Shields, Talent Acquisition Specialist, shieldsa for further details regarding this position and the sign‑on incentive.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

School of Veterinary Medicine

$74,500.00 - $90,000.00 Annual Rate

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.