Head Registered Veterinary Nurse

We are looking for an exceptional Head Veterinary Nurse to lead our nursing team and help drive clinical excellence throughout our busy and growing small animal practice. This role is ideal for an experienced RVN who leads by example, enjoys developing others, and understands that maintaining high standards requires consistency, accountability, and attention to detail. As Head Veterinary Nurse, you will be responsible for creating a positive, supportive culture whilst ensuring that all team members understand and meet the standards expected of them. You will be someone who can balance compassion with accountability, providing support and coaching where needed while confidently addressing performance concerns when standards are not met. The Role You will oversee the day-to-day management of the nursing team and work closely with the Practice Manager and Veterinary Surgeons to ensure the smooth running of the practice.,

• Leading and supporting the nursing team through example and hands-on clinical work
• Mentoring and developing nurses, student nurses, VCAs and support staff
• Identifying training needs and creating opportunities for professional growth
• Conducting regular nursing team meetings and one-to-one check-ins
• Supporting appraisals, performance reviews and development plans
• Producing and managing nursing rotas to ensure appropriate staffing levels
• Monitoring workflow and resource allocation across the practice
• Maintaining high clinical, professional and infection control standards
• Supporting the implementation and review of clinical protocols and SOPs
• Working alongside leadership to drive continual improvement within the practice
• Promoting a culture of teamwork, professionalism and accountability
  
  You will be a confident and respected nursing professional who is comfortable leading a team in a busy environment.
The successful candidate will be:
• A Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)
• Experienced in leading or supervising nursing teams
• An excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills
• Highly organised and capable of managing multiple priorities
• Reliable, consistent and professional in their approach
• Confident making decisions and addressing challenges constructively
• Passionate about coaching and developing colleagues
• Comfortable having difficult conversations when required
• Able to hold colleagues accountable to agreed standards and expectations
• Committed to delivering outstanding patient and client care, Registered Veterinary Nurse qualification
• Minimum 5 years' post-qualification nursing experience
• Previous leadership, supervisory or senior nursing experience
• Experience working within a busy small animal practice
• Strong anaesthetic, surgical and inpatient nursing skills
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities
• Experience producing and managing staff rotas
Desirable
• Clinical Coach qualification
• Experience with nurse consultations and schedule utilisation
• Experience implementing clinical protocols and SOPs
• Previous involvement in recruitment, appraisals or performance management
  
  Competitive salary of £35,000 to £40,000 per annum
• Generous CPD allowance
• Paid RCVS and VDS memberships
• Supportive leadership team
• Opportunity to help shape the future of the nursing department
• Contributory pension scheme
• Exclusive company and high street discounts, including 20% off at the Vet Group, Pets at Home and the Groom Room