At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic nursing team while providing exceptional veterinary care.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider, Inspiring Vet Care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.6 weeks' annual leave, private medical insurance, and a £550 CPD allowance.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with clear career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in animal care and shape the future of veterinary nursing.
- Qualifications: Experience in veterinary nursing and leadership skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 47993 - 58659 £ 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. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Registered Veterinary Nurse to join the team at Oakham Veterinary Hospital, part of Inspiring Vet Care.
With a varied hospital caseload, a dedicated out-of-hours team providing inpatient care, and a large, experienced nursing team, this role offers the perfect blend of clinical nursing and leadership. We are open to applications from experienced Head Nurses as well as ambitious Senior RVNs who are ready to take the next step in their career.
Oakham Veterinary Hospital is a long-established small animal practice on the outskirts of Oakham, Rutland. Our purpose-built hospital offers extensive facilities and diagnostic equipment, providing a varied and rewarding environment for nurses who enjoy being involved in all aspects of veterinary nursing. We have a clinical association with the University of Nottingham Vet School, giving us access to leading specialists. Across the clinical team, we have certificate holders in small animal surgery, medicine, cardiology and advanced nursing, including anaesthesia. While we are a first opinion practice, we also offer referral services for cardiology and have a visiting orthopaedic surgeon which enables us to accept a wider range of complex cases.
Practice Highlights
- Long-established small animal hospital on the outskirts of Oakham, Rutland
- Purpose-built premises with extensive facilities and diagnostic equipment
- Equipment includes CT, ultrasonography, dental radiography and diathermy
- Opportunity to support procedures including laparoscopic bitch spays and complex orthopaedic surgeries
- Clinical association with the University of Nottingham Vet School
- Certificate holders across surgery, medicine, cardiology, orthopaedics and advanced nursing
How You’ll Make a Difference
This is a highly visible role where you'll have the opportunity to shape the culture, development and success of a nursing team of 14 RVNs, student nurses and out-of-hours colleagues. Working closely with three experienced Senior RVNs, you'll lead by example, supporting and motivating the team while ensuring exceptional patient care remains at the heart of everything we do.
The role is split between clinical and leadership responsibilities, although the balance will flex to meet the needs of the team and hospital. Alongside hands-on nursing, you'll oversee rotas, stock management, performance and team development, while maintaining a strong presence across all areas of the practice.
Working Pattern
- 40 hours per week over 4 or 5 days
- Shifts will typically be between 7:30am and 8:30pm
- Occasional weekend and OOH cover will be required to support with absence and also to ensure visibility across the whole nursing team.
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
We're looking for a positive, proactive and emotionally intelligent leader who enjoys bringing people together, communicating clearly and creating an environment where teams can thrive. You'll be confident in making decisions, keen to drive improvements and committed to supporting colleagues to achieve their full potential. Experience in a leadership role would be advantageous, but just as important is the enthusiasm, resilience and ambition to step into a position where you can make a lasting impact.
With the support of an experienced senior nursing team and the wider Inspiring Vet Care network, this is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a thriving veterinary hospital while continuing to develop your own career.
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
- Increasing holiday allowance based on 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 employer: IVC Evidensia
At inspiring vet care, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the veterinary field, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the wellbeing and development of our staff. As a Head Veterinary Nurse at our Fair City Vets location, you will enjoy a senior leadership role with clear career progression opportunities, generous annual leave, and a commitment to ongoing professional development, all within a friendly community-focused environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact on animal care while benefiting from a range of employee perks and a strong emphasis on work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Veterinary Nurse
✨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 IVC Evidensia for the Head Veterinary Nurse role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Veterinary Nurse
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with IVC Evidensia, 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 IVC Evidensia, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at IVC Evidensia
✨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 IVC Evidensia.
✨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 IVC Evidensia appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how IVC Evidensia 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.
