At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate nursing team and ensure high-quality care for equine patients.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider, dedicated to animal health and happiness.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.6 weeks' annual leave, CPD allowance, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth opportunities and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in equine veterinary care while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong leadership and clinical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we’re trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners. We are seeking a knowledgeable, confident Equine Head Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Donnington Grove Vets on a full-time basis. The ideal person will be a team player who has a passion for leadership and can manage our fantastic team to a high standard.
Donnington Grove Vets is a large equine hospital and ambulatory practice based in Newbury, providing first opinion, referral and emergency services. Our impressive facilities include a full surgical suite, advanced diagnostic imaging including MRI, CT, bone scan and an on-site laboratory. With a strong reputation for clinical excellence and specialist-led care, we manage a varied caseload ranging from sports and leisure horses through to racehorses and foals. Our nursing team is a huge part of what makes the practice special. You’ll work alongside colleagues at a range of experience levels, from pre-trainees through to fully qualified RVNs, as well as dedicated yard and theatre support teams. This structure provides an excellent environment for collaboration, mentoring and continued professional development.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As an Equine Head Veterinary Nurse, you will provide senior clinical and professional leadership for the nursing team, overseeing all nursing aspects of the practice and supporting the delivery of high-quality patient and client care. You’ll be responsible for setting and maintaining nursing standards, leading clinical governance and quality improvement activity, and developing a capable, confident nursing team. Working closely with the wider practice leadership team, you'll play a key role in shaping culture, performance and ways of working.
Working Pattern
- 40 hours per week
- Monday - Friday working shifts between 8 am - 8:30 pm with a one-hour lunch
- No weekend work
- Participation in the OOH rota when required is essential; this will include both summer bank holidays and Christmas/New Year
Key Responsibilities
- Act as go-to person for nursing team, whilst also overseeing the ECA's and Yard Team - covering rotas, holding 121 meetings, leading practice standards
- Assist vets with queries and support students with admin duties
- Daily drug ordering, equipment maintenance and act as RPS for scintigraphy and radiography
- Clinical work as required
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
You are an experienced and confident Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong leadership capability and a passion for clinical excellence. You’ll bring:
- Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
- Significant experience in clinical practice with advanced medical and surgical nursing skills
- Proven experience of leading, mentoring and developing nursing teams
- Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement and professional standards
- Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills
- Ability to handle challenging conversations when required
How We’ll Support You
At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
- A senior leadership role with accountability for nursing standards, team development and service improvement
- Structured leadership pathways through our dedicated Nurse Academy, empowering you to shape the future of nursing care within our practice
- Clear career development with progression opportunities into wider practice leadership roles
- Ongoing learning and development to support leadership, governance and strategic growth
- A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
- 6.6 weeks' annual leave
- Additional annual leave for your birthday, which will be added to your holiday allowance
- Increasing annual leave accrued through length of service
- Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
- £550 CPD allowance plus 24hrs paid leave
- RCVS and VDS fees covered
- Pension scheme
- Discounted veterinary care
- Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you, including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world‑class learning resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
Head Veterinary Nurse - Equine in Newbury employer: Inspiring Vet Care
Inspiring Vet Care is an excellent employer for those seeking a fulfilling role in veterinary care. Located in King's Lynn, we offer a supportive team environment where you can thrive and develop your career, all while enjoying competitive pay and a range of employee benefits, including annual leave and wellbeing initiatives. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their owners in our community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Veterinary Nurse - Equine in Newbury
✨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 Inspiring Vet Care for the Head Veterinary Nurse - Equine role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Veterinary Nurse - Equine in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Inspiring Vet Care, 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 Inspiring Vet Care, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiring Vet Care
✨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 Inspiring Vet Care.
✨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 Inspiring Vet Care appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Inspiring Vet Care 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.
