ICU Nursing Supervisor

Job Description Summary

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

Job Description

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. We are looking for a self-motivated CVT (preferably VTS ECC) with strong communication, organizational and leadership skills to lead our team of 15 nurses and Vet Assistants.

Job responsibilities:

Floor Responsibilities:

• 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. Specifically, other nursing supervisors
• Liaise with Wards 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.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

• Supervise and mentor ICU nursing staff ensuring adherence to the highest standards of critical care.
• Active, on the 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 "Workday" 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.

Qualifications:

• 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.

Skills and Competencies:

• 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

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a CV/resume and cover letter with their application.

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

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range

$74,500.00 - $90,000.00 Annual Rate