Veterinary Surgery Nurse

Job Description

The Veterinary Surgery Nurse plays a critical role in supporting the Veterinary Surgeon in a fast-paced specialty and emergency hospital environment. This position is responsible for preparing surgical patients, monitoring anesthesia, assisting during procedures, providing post-operative care, and ensuring efficient workflow throughout the surgical service. The Surgery Nurse will support a surgeon performing approximately 5–6 scheduled surgeries per day while also assisting with emergency surgical cases that arise between scheduled procedures.

This position requires strong technical skills, exceptional attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing patient needs.

Schedule for this position

• Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Participation in an on-call rotation for emergency surgical cases requiring the surgeon to return to the hospital outside of normal business hours.
• Must be willing and able to respond to emergency surgery cases as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Surgical Support

• Prepare patients for surgery, including patient intake, pre-operative diagnostics, IV catheter placement, and surgical site preparation.
• Assist the surgeon during soft tissue, orthopedic, neurologic, and emergency surgical procedures.
• Maintain sterile technique and ensure surgical packs, instruments, and equipment are properly prepared and available.
• Anticipate surgeon needs during procedures to promote efficiency and patient safety.

Anesthesia and Patient Monitoring

• Develop and implement anesthesia plans under veterinarian supervision.
• Induce, monitor, and recover anesthesia patients.
• Monitor vital parameters including ECG, blood pressure, SpO₂, ETCO₂, temperature, and respiratory status.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to anesthetic complications and emergencies.

Post-Operative Care

• Provide intensive nursing care to surgical and hospitalized patients.
• Administer medications, fluids, and treatments as prescribed.
• Monitor patient recovery and communicate changes in patient status to the veterinarian.
• Educate clients regarding post-operative care instructions when appropriate.

Emergency Surgery Support

• Assist with emergency surgical procedures that arise during scheduled surgery days.
• Maintain readiness to support urgent and emergent cases requiring immediate intervention.
• Participate in after-hours on-call surgical support when emergency surgeries are performed.

Inventory and Equipment Management

• Maintain surgical instruments and equipment.
• Ensure proper cleaning, sterilization, and storage of surgical supplies.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate supply needs.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with hospital safety and infection control standards.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with surgeons, emergency clinicians, technicians, assistants, and client service representatives.
• Promote a positive, collaborative work environment.
• Assist in training and mentoring veterinary assistants and technicians when needed.

Qualifications

We're looking for:

• Credentialed Veterinary Technician (RVT, LVT, CVT) preferred; experienced veterinary assistants with advanced surgical experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 2 years of anesthesia and surgical nursing experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of anesthesia monitoring and recovery.
• Ability to perform venipuncture, catheter placement, patient restraint, and advanced nursing skills.
• Ability to multitask and remain calm in high-pressure situations.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Preferred skills include:

• Specialty, emergency, or referral hospital experience.
• Experience assisting with orthopedic, neurologic, and advanced soft tissue procedures.
• RECOVER CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification.

Additional Information

We offer our staff:

• Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA) 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees 
• Paid Bereavement Program 
• Paid Parental Leave Program  
• Competitive Compensation  
• Continuing Education Allowance (applicable to licensed employees)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
• Career Development Opportunities 
• Referral Bonus Program for most positions! 
• Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc) 

*Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check.

*Note – some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.

For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit: https://allianceanimal.com/additionaljobdescriptiondetails/