At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team of veterinary nurses and deliver top-notch patient care.
- Company: Join a family-run veterinary hospital with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, unlimited CPD funding, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Work in a modern facility with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified and RCVS-registered RVN with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 36000 £ per year.
A well-established, family-run veterinary hospital is seeking a Head Registered Veterinary Nurse to join its friendly and dedicated team on a permanent, full-time basis. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced RVN looking to step into, or continue in, a leadership role within a progressive, well-equipped hospital environment.
As an approved PSS Hospital and Emergency Service Clinic, the practice offers a high standard of clinical care, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a busy, varied caseload that includes referrals from surrounding practices. This purpose-built small animal hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities, including digital X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, orthopaedic equipment, purpose-built theatres, and spacious kennel wards. The team prides itself on delivering gold-standard patient care while fostering a supportive, collaborative culture where development and teamwork are actively encouraged.
The Head RVN plays a key role in both clinical delivery and team leadership, supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the hospital while mentoring and developing the nursing team. This full-time position consists of 40 hours per week, worked across four weekdays, with participation in a 1:5 weekend rota.
Key Responsibilities- Leading and managing a team of RVNs, SVNs, and VCAs
- Supporting and developing colleagues through coaching, mentoring, and leadership
- Delivering high-quality patient care alongside the veterinary team
- Assisting with medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures
- Ensuring compliance with RCVS standards and maintaining accurate clinical records
- Supporting clinical governance and maintaining high hospital standards
- Promoting a positive, efficient, and well-organised working environment
- Demonstrating a proactive, compassionate approach to patient and client care
Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 6:30pm
Saturdays: 8:30am – 12:30pm
1:5 weekend OOH rota
Weekend and on-call duties paid as overtime and/or standing fees
£32,000 – £36,000 per annum, depending on experience
5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays
Unlimited CPD funding actively encouraged
RCVS fees fully paid
90–100 % staff discount on pet treatments
Workplace pension scheme
Birthday bonus
Essential criteria:
Fully qualified and RCVS-registered RVN
Able to commute within a 20-mile radius of the practice
Desirable criteria:
Previous experience as a Senior or Head RVN
Experience as a Clinical Coach
Certificate holder in a clinical discipline such as ECC
Experience working in a busy hospital or referral environment
The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, detail-oriented, and passionate about delivering outstanding patient care, with strong leadership and communication skills. You must be a qualified Veterinary Nurse and eligible to register with the RCVS to be considered for this role.
Head Veterinary Nurse - Lead, inspire and care employer: British Veterinary LGBT+
Contact Detail:
British Veterinary LGBT+ Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Veterinary Nurse - Lead, inspire and care
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow veterinary professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the practice thoroughly. Understand their values and how they deliver patient care. We want you to show them that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their team culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and patient care. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Veterinary Nurse - Lead, inspire and care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head RVN role. Highlight your leadership experience and any specific veterinary skills that align with our hospital's needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for veterinary nursing and how you can contribute to our supportive team culture. Don’t forget to mention why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Qualifications: Be clear about your qualifications and RCVS registration status. If you have any additional certifications or training, make sure to include those as they can set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Veterinary LGBT+
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around the latest practices and technologies. Familiarise yourself with the specific equipment and procedures mentioned in the job description, like digital X-ray and endoscopy, so you can confidently discuss how you would use them in your role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Head RVN, you'll be leading a team, so be ready to share examples of your leadership experience. Think about times when you've mentored or coached colleagues, and how you fostered a positive working environment. This will show that you're not just a great nurse, but also a supportive leader.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
This role is all about collaboration, so highlight your ability to work well within a team. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your teamwork skills, especially in high-pressure situations. Discuss how you’ve contributed to a supportive culture in previous roles, as this aligns perfectly with their values.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the hospital's approach to clinical governance or how they support ongoing professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the practice is the right fit for you.