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 and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make 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.
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 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
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
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✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior RVN – Leadership Opportunity – Established Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Senior RVN – Leadership Opportunity – Established Team at Chattyvets, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Senior RVN – Leadership Opportunity – Established Team at Chattyvets. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like Chattyvets will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chattyvets
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
