Available Position (Company name withheld)

Veterinary Nursing Development Manager | Compensation Commensurate with Experience and Qualifications

Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham | Birmingham, AL

Full-Time, Non-Exempt | Rotating schedule

Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham (VSB) is seeking a Veterinary Nursing Development Manager to lead nursing education, employee development, clinical training, and operational support. This role is ideal for an experienced veterinary nursing leader who enjoys developing people, building training systems, and improving patient care standards across a specialty and emergency hospital.

The Veterinary Nursing Development Manager will serve as the primary leader for Veterinary Technician development, creating standardized onboarding, competency validation, clinical skills training, and ongoing professional development. The first 6–12 months will focus heavily on building the foundation of VSB’s nursing education program, followed by ongoing coaching, competency management, clinical quality, and operational support.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Additional shift differentials offered for Night and Weekend hours 

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

• Paid Time Off

• Holiday Pay

• 401(k) with employer matching

• CE Allowance

• Uniform Allowance

• Paid License Renewal Fees

• VTNE Reimbursement

• Employee Referral Program

• Employee Pet Discount

• Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• And more!

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Non-exempt
• Schedule will rotate based on hospital and nursing department needs
• Availability to support hospital operations and leadership needs is required

Responsibilities

Nursing Department Leadership and Operations

• Provide leadership, direction, and support to the veterinary nursing team to promote exceptional patient care and effective hospital operations
• Partner with hospital leadership, supervisors, and the ER Director to establish nursing goals, priorities, and performance expectations
• Monitor nursing workflows, staffing needs, patient care standards, and department effectiveness
• Evaluate staffing models and recommend improvements to scheduling, resource allocation, and team utilization
• Identify operational challenges and implement solutions that improve efficiency, communication, and patient care
• Maintain a strong floor presence across shifts to understand department needs and provide real-time leadership support

Training Program Development and Ownership

• Own the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of VSB’s comprehensive nursing education and competency program
• Develop and maintain a standardized training handbook covering employee expectations, SOPs, medication administration, patient care protocols, communication standards, CPR and emergency response, computer systems, Cubex, veterinary math, case logs, and clinical skill checklists
• Research current veterinary practices, medications, procedures, and educational methods to keep training content current
• Partner with doctors, supervisors, and subject matter experts to ensure training reflects current medical standards
• Regularly review and update protocols, SOPs, and educational materials

Employee Development and Competency Management

• Oversee onboarding and development of new Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants
• Provide structured one-on-one training during initial employment periods, including rotating your schedule to mirror the onboarding employee when appropriate
• Evaluate competency through direct observation, skills assessments, case logs, supervisor feedback, and clinical performance reviews
• Identify knowledge gaps and provide targeted education and coaching
• Ensure nursing team members maintain appropriate skill levels and follow established standards
• Develop career pathways and growth opportunities for nursing team members

Supervisor Development and Leadership Support

• Train and coach supervisors on effective training methods, employee development, and performance management
• Provide supervisors with updated protocols, expectations, and tools to support their teams
• Partner with supervisors to address performance concerns and development opportunities
• Support leaders in strengthening communication, accountability, and team engagement
• Conduct leadership development activities to strengthen the nursing leadership team

Clinical Quality and Patient Care Excellence

• Promote consistent nursing standards across shifts and departments
• Collaborate with medical leadership to improve clinical processes and patient outcomes
• Ensure nursing practices align with hospital policies, accreditation expectations, and veterinary standards
• Provide education related to emergency nursing, critical patient care, medication safety, patient handling, equipment utilization, and documentation standards
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement practical solutions

Floor Presence and Daily Responsibilities

• Rotate through departments and shifts to assess needs and provide hands-on leadership support
• Assist teams during high-volume periods and with difficult cases or procedures when needed
• Observe employee performance and provide real-time coaching
• Partner with supervisors regarding team development and training needs
• Conduct routine audits of nursing documentation, treatment sheets, and patient care practices
• Monitor adherence to SOPs and identify opportunities for standardization
• Partner with medical leadership to improve quality metrics and patient outcomes
• Review training needs, employee progress, hiring needs, and upcoming training initiatives
• Assist with Veterinary Technician recruitment and retention efforts
• Update protocols and educational materials as needed
• First-Year Strategic Priorities

Qualifications

• Current RVT, LVT, or CVT credential required
• Minimum 5 years of veterinary nursing experience
• Minimum 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience in veterinary medicine
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology, Veterinary Nursing, Veterinary Education, or a related field preferred
• RECOVER ALS and BLS certification required
• Proficiency with ezyVet, SmartFlow, and Cubex workflows
• Fear Free Certification strongly preferred
• Emergency and specialty veterinary experience strongly preferred
• Experience developing training programs or mentoring veterinary professionals preferred
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Understanding of ER workflow, staffing needs, and operational considerations
• Ability to manage performance, accountability, and team culture
• Strong communication and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment
• Systems-thinking and process improvement mindset
• High level of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and confidentiality
• Commitment to patient-centered care, continuous improvement, and collaborative teamwork
• Ability to maintain consistent communication across shifts
• Ability to support hospital operations and leadership needs
• Commitment to maintaining required CE and regulatory requirements
• Professional appearance and adherence to hospital dress and identification requirements
• Ability to represent the organization professionally and comply with organizational policies and ethical business practices
• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required.

About the Hospital

Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham (VSB) is a specialty and emergency veterinary hospital dedicated to providing advanced patient care through collaboration, innovation, and clinical excellence.

Our team works with state-of-the-art equipment, advanced diagnostics, and complex medical and surgical cases while fostering an inclusive environment where team members are supported, encouraged to grow, and empowered to utilize their technical skills to their fullest potential.

Surrounding Areas

Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham proudly serves Birmingham, AL and surrounding communities throughout central Alabama, providing advanced specialty and emergency veterinary care for pets across the region. Relocating for the right opportunity? Birmingham offers an affordable cost of living, vibrant dining and entertainment, beautiful parks, and easy access to outdoor recreation, making it an excellent place to build your veterinary career.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You’ll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.

Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You’ll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.