At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate nursing team and deliver exceptional patient care in a modern practice.
- Company: Established small animal practice in vibrant South West London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, CPD support, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Step into leadership while making a real difference in animal care.
- Qualifications: RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong clinical and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 39000 £ per year.
Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse – South West London
Salary: £35,000–£39,000 DOE | Full-Time | No On-Call | Leadership Opportunity
Are you an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse looking to take the next step into a leadership role? This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established small animal practice in South West London, where you'll lead an experienced nursing team, mentor future talent and help deliver exceptional patient care in a modern, well-equipped practice.
Working alongside a supportive and experienced clinical team, you'll have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills while maintaining a varied and hands-on clinical role.
The Role
As the Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse, you'll play a key role in the day-to-day running of the practice, supporting both the clinical team and clients while ensuring consistently high standards of patient care. You'll work closely with the Veterinary Surgeons, supervise the nursing team and help create a positive, collaborative working environment where everyone can thrive.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support the nursing team
- Mentor Student Veterinary Nurses as a Clinical Supervisor
- Assist Veterinary Surgeons during consultations and surgical procedures
- Deliver outstanding inpatient nursing care
- Utilise Schedule 3 nursing skills
- Oversee equipment maintenance and clinical standards
- Complete Controlled Drug audits and maintain compliance
- Support the smooth running of reception
- Provide exceptional client communication and customer service
- Help maintain an efficient, well-organised practice
The Practice
You'll be joining a busy, well-established first-opinion small animal practice with a strong and supportive team including:
- 3 Veterinary Surgeons
- Experienced Registered Veterinary Nurses
- Student Veterinary Nurses
- Dedicated Reception Team
The practice is equipped with excellent facilities, including:
- Modern imaging suite
- In-house laboratory and blood diagnostics
- Fully equipped theatre
- Excellent surgical and medical facilities
The team also benefits from the support of a nearby 24-hour veterinary hospital for referrals and out-of-hours patient care, alongside guidance from an experienced Regional Manager.
Working Pattern
Full-time – 40 hours per week
- Monday to Friday
- 1 in 4 Saturdays at the branch
- 1 in 10 Saturdays at the supporting hospital
- One bank holiday per year
- No on-call requirements
About You
You'll be an experienced RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse with excellent clinical skills and a passion for supporting both patients and colleagues. You'll ideally have:
- RCVS registration
- Previous experience within a busy small animal practice
- Strong organisational and leadership skills
- Confidence mentoring colleagues and Student Veterinary Nurses
- Excellent communication and client care skills
- A proactive, positive approach to teamwork
- A passion for delivering exceptional patient care
Leadership experience is welcomed but not essential, with full leadership training available to help you transition into a senior role.
Salary & Benefits
Salary: £35,000–£39,000 depending on experience.
Benefits include:
- 6.6 weeks annual leave including bank holidays
- Annual CPD budget
- Up to 2 days' paid CPD leave
- Paid 30-minute lunch breaks
- Private medical healthcare scheme (reduced colleague rates)
- Leadership and management training
- Genuine career progression opportunities
- Access to a leading 24-hour referral hospital
- Friendly, collaborative working environment
Location
Situated in South West London, this practice enjoys an excellent location close to green open spaces, popular cafés, restaurants and fantastic transport links. With nearby rail and Underground stations, commuting is straightforward while offering the opportunity to enjoy everything this vibrant part of London has to offer.
Senior RVN – Leadership Opportunity – Established Team in London employer: Chattyvets
Chattyvets in Colchester is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its team members while fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture. With a unique opportunity for Veterinary Surgeons to transition into co-ownership, employees benefit from clinical leadership roles, profit-sharing, and equity growth, all within a community-focused environment that values high standards of care and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior RVN – Leadership Opportunity – Established Team in London
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at Chattyvets for the Senior RVN – Leadership Opportunity – Established Team role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior RVN – Leadership Opportunity – Established Team in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Chattyvets, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at Chattyvets, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chattyvets
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at Chattyvets.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like Chattyvets appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Chattyvets supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.