Job Details

Veterinary Wards Nursing Supervisor

Position Number: 6735942
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Agriculture - Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Wards Nursing Supervisor

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
Veterinary Wards Nursing Supervisor

Job Profile Title
Veterinary Head Nurse

Job Description Summary
The University of Pennsylvania Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital is seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Wards Nursing Supervisor to lead the nursing team in one of our busiest inpatient areas. The Wards department provides 24/7 care to a diverse and dynamic patient population, requiring a strong leader who excels in communication, organization, and clinical expertise. This role combines active, on-the-floor supervision with administrative responsibilities to ensure exceptional patient care, staff development, and efficient hospital operations in an academic veterinary setting.

Job Description

The Wards Nursing Supervisor will manage a growing team of Credentialed Veterinary Technicians (CVTs) and Veterinary Assistants responsible for delivering high-quality care to hospitalized patients. We are seeking a self-motivated CVT with demonstrated leadership experience and a passion for mentorship, patient care, and team collaboration. The Wards Supervisor plays a vital role in fostering a positive, supportive work environment while maintaining high standards of care and operational excellence. This position is an active, on the floor supervisor role, with some time off the floor for administrative responsibilities.

Job responsibilities

Floor Responsibilities:

Work alongside nursing staff to provide direct patient care, demonstrate clinical judgment, and promote real-time mentorship and skill development.
Communicate effectively with the nursing team to prioritize and organize treatments, ensuring an efficient and coordinated workflow.
Collaborate closely with students, nurses, clinicians, and the Wards Clinical Advisor to meet patient needs and maintain continuity of care.
Provide instruction and supervision to veterinary and Harcum College nursing students assigned to the Wards service.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Provide leadership, guidance, and vision for the Wards nursing team.
Develop and manage 24/7 nursing schedules, including holiday coverage, while addressing schedule gaps and call-outs in a timely manner.
Partner with the Talent Acquisition Specialist to recruit and retain skilled staff that meet the operational needs of the service.
Collaborate with the Wards Clinical Nurse Educator and Wards Operations Manager to ensure effective onboarding, training, and adherence to policies and workflows.
Clearly define staff expectations, responsibilities, and performance metrics.
Foster professional development, career growth, and positive employee relations.
Address performance issues promptly and conduct annual and mid-year performance appraisals in Workday.
Work collaboratively with other supervisors, clinicians, and hospital administration to enhance patient care, communication, and client service.
Partner with the Wards Clinical Advisor, Operations Manager, and Infection Prevention Team to develop, implement, and maintain Wards policies and procedures.
Collaborate with the Operations Manager to monitor and maintain Wards equipment, coordinate repairs, and manage supply needs.
Submit and verify weekly payroll for Wards nursing staff.

Schedule:

Full time, 40 hours/week, salaried
4- or 5-day work week
Schedule may be varied, depending on the needs of the Wards
The Wards Nursing Supervisor is considered Essential Personnel and is expected to report to work in inclement weather and during some holidays

This position is eligible for a $1,000 sign-on incentive. For more information, please contact Amy Muller, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, at shieldsa@upenn.edu

Qualifications:

Associate degree and 5-7 years of experience as a Certified Veterinary Technician, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must hold Pennsylvania CVT credentials (or be eligible to obtain).
VTS certification (or strong interest in obtaining) given highest consideration.
Prior supervisory, lead, or management experience preferred.
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Physical ability to lift up to 20 lbs., bend, and kneel while providing patient care.
Skills and Competencies
Inpatient and general practice nursing expertise.
Leadership, mentorship, and team management.
Effective communication across multidisciplinary teams.
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
School of Veterinary Medicine

Pay Range
$74,500.00 - $92,000.00 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.

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

Equal Employment 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.
To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Ryan-Veterinary-Hospital/Veterinary-Wards-Nursing-Supervisor_JR00114108-1