Veterinary Nursing Manager - Orland Park, IL

ABOUT VEG

In 2014, VEG was born with a mission to help people and their pets when they need it most. This meant challenging the status quo and fixing everything that was wrong with the ER experience. Since then, we've expanded rapidly, with hospitals nationwide open 24/7, 365 days a year, and created a better emergency experience-not only for people and their pets, but also for everyone who works here-our VEGgies!

At VEG we find a way to say yes to the career you want in veterinary emergency medicine. This means transforming how ER works, from our open-concept hospitals, where you can handle emergency cases of every kind (even exotics!) to our immersive, customer-focused experience, which helps us give people and their pets the care they deserve.

This also means saying yes to creating the greatest experience possible for our VEGgies. Yes to working in an environment where you can find your place and feel valued for the amazing work you do. Yes to having unparalleled opportunities for learning and mentorship so you can grow where you want to go in your career. And yes to making an impact here in ways you never thought possible.

VEG is a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work®.

THE JOB

Being a Nursing Manager means doing more than simply leading a veterinary nursing team. It means building a culture where people are empowered, connected, and proud of the work they do. Through your compassion, collaboration, and a deep investment in your people, you'll play a vital role in shaping what emergency nursing leadership should look like. You'll be the bridge between process and purpose-ensuring exceptional patient care while creating an environment where VEGgies grow, thrive, and brag about where they work.

This isn't your typical leadership role. It's your opportunity to transform the emergency experience for your team, our customers, and yourself.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Manage day-to-day flow for nursing team, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to shine
• Oversee scheduling, payroll, productivity, hiring, onboarding and offboarding
• Address patient care issues and team dynamics with empathy and clarity
• Partner with fellow hospital leadership and shift leads to align on goals and hospital flow
• Use doctor feedback to guide team development and maintain medical excellence
• Lead with VEG values-especially openness, togetherness, and heroic helping
• Champion a culture of learning with in-house training, mentorship, and development pathways
• Ensure licensure, performance standards, and education programs are upheld across the team
• Drive meaningful 1:1s, check-ins, and student mentorship that fuel long-term career growth

WHAT YOU NEED

• Credentialed as a Veterinary Technician (CVT, RVT, LVT, LVMT) in the state the VEG practice is located is required; A.S. or B.S. from an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program is strongly preferred
• 5+ years in a clinical veterinary nursing role, emergency-specific experience preferred; 2+ years of leadership experience
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Must be willing to work in a noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as needed basis based on hospital needs
• Work well in a fast-paced environment with people from all backgrounds and different personality types

WHO YOU ARE

• Empathetic, instinctively taking a people-centric approach, whether supporting your colleagues or making an effort to understand different perspectives
• Have a sense of humility; acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit with others, and lifting up your team's' accomplishments
• Feel a strong sense of ownership over your work, taking responsibility for outcomes and staying committed to achieving long-term, impactful results
• Curious by nature; you ask insightful questions and continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow your skills and knowledge

HOW WE INVEST IN YOU

• Competitive compensation, including base and 401K match
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, QPR training, and access to free therapy or counseling
• Depending on your role, you may be eligible for equity after one year of full time, active employment with VEG, so you can share in our growth and success
• A BIG focus on learning and growth, from VEG-created clinical and leadership programs to unlimited ER CE + travel stipend (no really!). Full-time credentialed VEGgies receive a $2,500/year travel stipend. Full-time uncredentialed VEGgies receive a $1,000/year travel stipend
• Clinical student loan repayment so you don't need to worry about your student debt
• Paid parental leave; up to 12 weeks at 100% of regular salary and inclusive fertility and family-building care for all types of families
• Flexible work schedules to support your life outside of work
• Generous referral reward program, so our awesome people can bring in more awesome people
• And the little (big) things, like comfy scrubs, cool VEG swag, and food in the fridge for when you're hungry

DEI

At VEG, diversity is not just a word-it's a strength that fuels innovation and kindness. Our mission is "Helping people and their pets when they need it most." And we do that better when our VEGgies (employees) feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. That's why we're devoted to creating an environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve-where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated.

We are focused on providing equitable opportunities for growth, promoting inclusive decision-making, and ensuring that everyone's perspective is considered. Saying yes to VEG means helping us build a culture where your unique experiences and background contribute to a shared vision: being the world's veterinary emergency company.