Veterinary Specialty Nurse Manager

Veterinary Care & Specialty Group (VCSG) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is seeking an experienced, people-focused Nurse Manager to lead our multi-discipline Specialty nursing team in a fast-paced, highly collaborative 24/7 environment. This role is ideal for a strong communicator and team-builder who excels at developing staff, managing complex workflows, and maintaining a culture of trust, accountability, and compassion.

Your responsibilities will span people leadership, departmental operations, staff training, scheduling, communication flow, and ensuring the highest standards of patient care. You will work closely with the shift leads, veterinarians, specialists and support teams to create a strong, engaged, well-supported nursing staff that perform confidently under pressure.

VCSG is a multi-specialty and emergency veterinary hospital offering 24/7 care, advanced diagnostics, and specialized services including Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Oncology, Cardiology, Rehabilitation, and an in-house Blood Bank. Our team is driven by high-quality medicine, collaborative culture, and a commitment to serving pets, their families, and the broader veterinary community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and support the specialty nursing team, fostering strong communication, teamwork, and professional development
• Manage departmental staffing, scheduling, PTO coordination, and daily workflow to ensure consistent and appropriate coverage
• Conduct interviews, hire new specialty staff, and onboard/train team members according to hospital protocols
• Support Shift Leads through quarterly one-on-one meetings, team development, and ongoing coaching
• Maintain communication between nursing staff, DVMs, specialists, and hospital management to ensure seamless patient care
• Oversee performance evaluations, improvement plans and accountability measures
• Verify invoicing accuracy and maintain operational oversight of Specialty processes
• Coordinate department-wide training, including internal sessions and CE/webinars
• Represent all specialty departments in hospital meetings and cross-department initiatives
• Promote a culture aligned with the hospital’s mission, values, and standards for patient care and client communication
• Assist with daily flow of cases, ensuring efficiency, safety and high-quality nursing practices
• Respond to urgent communications from staff, doctors or clients as needed, even on off-days

Required Qualifications

• Strong clinical foundation as a Veterinary Technician within Emergency Medicine and/or Specialty Medicine
• Proven leadership or management experience with the ability to build trusting relationships with teams, and communicate clearly in stressful situations
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to guide, coach, motivate and hold a team accountable
• A mature, empathetic, team-first approach that is aligned with VCSG’s mission and values
• Flexible availability to support a 24/7 hospital’s needs – this position is 50% scheduled on the floor, and 50% administratively focused

Why This Role Matters

The Nurse Manager sets the tone for communication, morale, and operational success in one of the hospital’s most dynamic departments. Your leadership ensures patient safety, staff confidence, smooth case flow, and compassionate client interactions. This is a chance to meaningfully shape the culture, performance and future of a critical care team.

Why You Should Choose Us

Great Location: Located in the up-and-coming Southside Neighborhood in Chattanooga at the base of Lookout Mountain. Our hospital is located perfectly next to the beautiful Tennessee River Park and the new baseball stadium opening soon and close to various restaurants, breweries, and entertainment venues. 

Take the next step in your veterinary career: We are committed to training and growth, providing you with in-person didactic, hands on, and virtual learning.

Provide exceptional patient care: Our hospital was built from the ground up with the highest level of care in mind. You will be using the latest equipment and technology alongside board-certified specialists across multiple disciplines.

Work in a diverse and supportive environment: We offer a supportive environment that fosters personal and professional development, along with benefits that prioritize wellness and growth.

• Generous employee pet care discount
• Free Employee Assistance Program with mental health & financial wellness resources
• Competitive hourly pay and shift differentials for nights and weekends
• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance
• 120 hours annual paid time off and floating holiday time

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application and cover letter today to join our mission of delivering compassionate, cutting-edge veterinary care.

Meet Our Hospital
Website: www.vcsgvets.com

VCSG is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.