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University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

ICU Nursing Supervisor

Job Profile Title

Veterinary Head Nurse

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, ([email protected]) 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

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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 .

Special Requirements 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.

University Benefits

+ Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

+ Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

+ Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

+ Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

+ Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

+ Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

+ Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

+ University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

+ Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

+ Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

+ Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

+ Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

The University of Pennsylvania’s special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. 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.