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Veterinary Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Nurse Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$36 - $38/hr

Provide thorough, continuous hands-on training to both floor nurses and lead veterinary technicians across a region of 4 clinics. * Support Clinic Staffing: Develop clinic schedules, assist with the ...

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Veterinary Nurse information

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How much do veterinary nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary nurse in the United States is $17.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary nurse?

A veterinary nurse assists licensed veterinarians in caring for pets and other animals. Job duties include treating sick or injured animals, doing preliminary examinations of pets during well visits, running diagnostic tests and administering vaccinations, educating pet owners about preventive and aftercare, and helping the attending veterinarian with complex procedures. A veterinary nurse may encounter a wide variety of animals in their work depending on their employer.

What are some common challenges veterinary nurses face when working in busy animal hospitals?

Veterinary Nurses in busy animal hospitals often encounter challenges such as managing multiple urgent cases simultaneously, communicating effectively with both pet owners and veterinary teams, and keeping up with the physical demands of the job, like lifting animals and standing for extended periods. Adapting quickly to changing situations and prioritizing tasks are key skills in this environment. Despite these challenges, the role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference in animal health and client satisfaction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a veterinary nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Nurse, you need a solid background in animal care, medical knowledge, and a recognized veterinary nursing qualification or certification. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, diagnostic equipment, and laboratory procedures is typically required. Compassion, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for supporting both animals and their owners. These skills ensure high standards of animal care, efficient clinic operations, and positive client experiences.

What is the difference between Veterinary Nurse vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary NurseVeterinary Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a veterinary nursing diploma or certificationOften holds a veterinary technician or technologist credential
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, animal shelters, and private practicesSimilar settings, including clinics and research facilities
Job RoleAssists veterinarians, provides patient care, educates pet ownersPerforms diagnostic tests, assists in surgeries, manages patient records

Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Technicians often share similar roles, work environments, and credentials. The main difference lies in regional terminology and specific certification requirements, but both are essential in supporting veterinary care and animal health.

How much money do veterinary nurses earn?

Veterinary nurses typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand areas or emergency clinics.

Is veterinary nursing a good career choice?

Veterinary nursing is a rewarding career for those interested in animal care, requiring skills in medical procedures, patient handling, and client communication. It offers job stability, opportunities for specialization, and typically requires certification or licensing. The role involves working in veterinary clinics or hospitals and often includes shift work and physical activity.

Where do veterinary nurses make the most money?

Veterinary nurses tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for veterinary services, such as urban areas or regions with a strong pet care industry. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the type of practice, with specialized or emergency clinics often offering higher pay.

What cities are hiring for Veterinary Nurse jobs?

Cities with the most Veterinary Nurse job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary Nurse jobs?

The most popular types of Veterinary Nurse jobs are:

What states have the most Veterinary Nurse jobs?

States with the most job openings for Veterinary Nurse jobs include:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Nurse job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,833 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description

Central Texas Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital – Round Rock

  • Veterinary Nurse – Surgery/Anesthesia
  • Full-Time
  • Four 10 hour shifts or Five 8 hour shifts
  • On-Call Required

Please note: Department hours are subject to change based on the needs of the hospital.

About Us

Central Texas Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital- is a fast-paced, 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary hospital providing advanced surgical care for both scheduled elective procedures and emergency cases. Our Surgery Department is committed to delivering exceptional patient care through advanced nursing, collaboration, and clinical excellence.

We are seeking an experienced, highly skilled Veterinary Nurse with a strong foundation in anesthesia and perioperative nursing. This is not an entry-level surgical position. The ideal candidate is an established veterinary nurse who thrives in a specialty environment, possesses advanced critical thinking skills, and is passionate about providing exceptional patient care.

About You

You are an experienced veterinary nurse who is confident managing anesthesia independently and understands the unique demands of specialty and emergency surgery. You possess excellent technical skills, remain composed in high-pressure situations, and recognize subtle patient changes before they become critical.

You enjoy working alongside surgeons, emergency clinicians, and fellow nurses in a collaborative environment where teamwork and communication are essential. You take pride in delivering high-quality patient care while maintaining a positive attitude and supporting those around you.

Because we are a collaborative hospital, you are also willing to assist other departments during slower surgical periods to ensure exceptional patient care throughout the hospital.

Required Experience & Qualifications

  • Minimum 3 years of recent veterinary nursing experience
  • Minimum 2 years of veterinary surgical/anesthesia experience in a specialty, emergency, or high-volume surgical setting preferred, but not required.
  • Demonstrated experience independently managing anesthesia for ASA I–IV patients
  • Advanced understanding of anesthetic pharmacology, physiology, pain management, and patient monitoring
  • Strong knowledge of perioperative nursing from patient admission through recovery
  • Experience with emergency surgical procedures and critically ill patients preferred
  • Proficient in venipuncture, IV catheter placement, urinary catheter placement, and sample collection
  • Strong medical mathematics skills, including advanced drug calculations
  • Experience calculating, preparing, and managing Continuous Rate Infusions (CRIs), including vasoactive medications, analgesics, and anesthetic adjuncts
  • Comfortable interpreting patient trends and responding appropriately to anesthetic complications
  • Working knowledge of surgical instrumentation, aseptic technique, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory procedures
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills
  • Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced emergency environment
  • Positive attitude with a strong commitment to teamwork and continuous learning
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Credentialed Veterinary Technician (LVT/RVT/CVT) preferred but not required

Essential Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Independently manage anesthesia for a wide range of elective, specialty, and emergency surgical procedures.
  • Creating anesthetic protocols for safe and effective anesthesia/analgesia
  • Safely anesthetize and monitor patients ranging from ASA Physical Status I through IV, recognizing and responding appropriately to anesthetic complications.
  • Calculate, prepare, administer, and monitor anesthetic agents, emergency medications, CRIs, blood products, and intravenous fluids.
  • Calculate and manage CRIs, including analgesic, anesthetic, cardiovascular, and critical care infusions.
  • Perform comprehensive pre-anesthetic assessments and ensure patients are properly prepared for surgery.
  • Place intravenous catheters, obtain diagnostic samples, and perform other advanced nursing procedures.
  • Continuously monitor ECG, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, capnography, temperature, ventilation, perfusion, and anesthetic depth throughout procedures.
  • Provide exceptional perioperative nursing care, including patient positioning, aseptic preparation, recovery, pain assessment, and post-operative monitoring.
  • Recognize patient deterioration early and communicate effectively with the surgical team.
  • Maintain accurate anesthetic records and complete medical documentation.
  • Prepare surgical suites, anesthesia equipment, and monitoring devices to specialty standards.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot anesthesia machines, ventilators, monitoring equipment, and surgical instrumentation.
  • Educate and communicate compassionately with pet owners regarding surgical procedures, anesthesia, recovery expectations, and discharge instructions as directed.
  • Maintain strict adherence to hospital safety, anesthesia, and infection-control protocols.
  • Foster a positive, collaborative work environment by supporting fellow team members and contributing to departmental success.
  • Assist othe