Building Nursing Careers at Ethos: Support from Day One
August 22, 2025
At Ethos Veterinary Health, we know veterinary nursing is more than a job—it’s a career with purpose, growth, and impact. Kristin Freitas, BS, RVT, VTS(ECC), our Manager of Clinical Learning & Development, has dedicated her career to building programs that empower nurses at every stage of their journey. Her work ensures that veterinary professionals don’t just learn—they thrive.
A Career Built on Passion and Persistence
Kristin’s path to veterinary nursing began with a lifelong love of animals. After earning her BS in Biology from the University of Oregon and volunteering with the Cascade Raptor Center, she initially pursued veterinary school. Along the way, she discovered a passion for nursing and forged a hands-on path to becoming an RVT in California in 2003. She transitioned into emergency medicine in 2006, later earning her VTS in Emergency and Critical Care in 2014, and ultimately joining Ethos in 2023.
“I’m drawn to programs that provide both the why and the how,” Kristin says. “Mentorship and experiential learning are at the heart of every training initiative we offer. It’s about supercharging the experience our nursing teams gain and setting them up for future success.”
Transforming Learning Through Mentorship and Structure
Kristin oversees programs designed to meet nurses wherever they are in their careers:
- ER Immerse Nursing Mentorship Program: A six-month journey combining online learning with structured in-hospital mentorship, helping early-career nurses develop confidence and critical thinking in fast-paced ER environments.
- Veterinary Assistant Program: A foundational program with competency-based education, micro-assessments, and hands-on activities that help assistants and technicians grow at their own pace.
- Education Sponsorships & Continuing Education: Ethos supports team members with programs like the Veterinary Education Sponsorship and access to certifications such as RECOVER (BLS, ALS, Rescuer) and Fear Free, helping you grow your skills and advance your career.
- Mentors are more than clinical guides—they provide guidance, feedback, and emotional support, fostering growth in both skills and confidence. Additional resources, including peer mentorship, CE stipends, and wellness programs, ensure team members feel supported on every level.
Beyond the Hospital
Outside of work, Kristin is a dedicated family member, partner, and aunt. She enjoys crocheting playful projects, reading fantasy and science fiction, and spending time with her dogs. Her curiosity, creativity, and commitment to learning extend from her personal passions into her professional mission.
With Kristin’s leadership, Ethos’ veterinary nursing programs are more than training—they’re career catalysts. Through mentorship, structured learning, and real-world experience, she’s helping nurses grow, specialize, and achieve their full potential.
Learn more about advancing your career with Veterinary Nursing Programs at Ethos.