Deputy Nursing Manager in Surrey

AURA Veterinary is a world-renowned centre for excellence in oncology, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine and interventional radiology based in Guildford. Our focus is on delivering the best possible outcomes for the dogs and cats who are referred to us for treatment. We offer secondary and tertiary-level clinical expertise and exceptional animal care, rooted in a commitment to uphold the highest standards in veterinary science.

The facilities at AURA are state-of-the-art and include:

• Four operating theatres
• 160 slice CT scanner with Injector pump
• Brand new state of the art C-arm fluoroscopy unit
• Cell-salvage autotransfusion unit
• Intraoperative imaging with Near-InfraRed Fluorescence (NIRF)
• Interventional Radiology suite
• Minimally invasive surgical equipment
• Cystoscopy/endoscopy/bronchoscopy
• Two chemotherapy rooms plus hood room
• Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS)
• Digital radiography
• Full in-house laboratory

The Deputy Nursing Manager is a senior clinical leadership role at the heart of AURA’s nursing team. The post holder supports the Nursing Manager in providing strong, visible, and clinically credible leadership across the nursing and VCA teams - leading from the floor, setting the standard for care, and acting as the primary point of escalation for clinical matters in the Nursing Manager’s absence.

This role operates on an 80:20 ratio - 80% of the post holder’s time is spent as an active, hands-on clinical nurse, working alongside the nursing team and demonstrating the standard of practice expected across AURA. The remaining 20% is dedicated to administrative, people management and operational responsibilities, carried out in close partnership with the Nursing Manager.

The Deputy Nursing Manager has direct oversight of the Lead VCA and, through them, the wider VCA team structure - including the two Senior VCAs (Prep and Wards). They work closely with the Hospital Co-ordinator to ensure smooth day-to-day operational flow and with the nursing leadership team to drive standards, development, and performance across all clinical areas. This role is primarily clinical.

The Deputy Nursing Manager is expected to be present on the floor, working as a practising RVN for the majority of their time. Their leadership is demonstrated through clinical excellence, visible mentorship, and day-to-day presence within the team.

Clinical to Administration Split: 80% — Clinical act as a mentor for all nursing and VCA staff, demonstrating professional awareness and accountability in care. Be the primary clinical escalation point for the nursing and VCA team during shifts, supporting decision-making and providing guidance where needed. Attend patient ward rounds and constructively contribute to enhance patient care plans. Attend or contribute to appraisals and probationary reviews as directed by the Nursing Manager.

Management Responsibilities:

• Support the Nursing Manager in developing and implementing a nursing strategy that reflects the innovative ethos of AURA and the evolving needs of the team and business.
• Manage the nursing rota in conjunction with the Nursing Manager, organising shifts according to clinical activity, anticipated demand and forward planning of absences.
• Ensure the correct skill mix is in place across all shifts to deliver safe, high-quality patient care.
• In the absence of the Nursing Manager, plan, facilitate, and deliver regular nurse and clinical team meetings, ensuring actions are completed in a timely manner.
• Assist the Nursing Manager in responding to client queries and complaints in a timely and efficient manner, in line with AURA policy.
• Undertake clinical audits as requested by the Nursing Manager, drawing up rectification and training plans to address any discrepancies identified.
• Support the Nursing Manager in monitoring and improving the financial performance of the nursing team, including contribution to budget management.
• Contribute to plans for future development and growth of the nursing service.
• Liaise and communicate with suppliers and company representatives as required.
• Check and close patient accounts for the finance team in advance of patient discharge.
• Identify service and policy development changes needed to ensure a continuing excellent standard of care and support their implementation.
• Lead by example and be instrumental in creating excellent working relationships both internally and externally.
• Work as a hands-on, practising RVN across all relevant clinical areas, dependent on daily clinical need.

Governance:

• Assist the Nursing Manager in ensuring compliance with risk assurance processes including health and safety, security, clinical governance, RCVS guidelines, and data protection.
• Assist the Nursing Manager to embed a culture of prevention through education.
• Assist in the completion of clinical audits, including audits of inpatient notes and nursing records.
• Ensure compliance with all legislative requirements including, but not limited to, RCVS, Fire, COSHH, Basic Life Support, Infection Control, and Display Screen Equipment regulations.