At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a dynamic nursing team while delivering high-quality veterinary care.
- Company: Join the UK's leading veterinary care group with a focus on happier animals and owners.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.6 weeks annual leave, private medical insurance, and a £550 CPD allowance.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make a real impact in a growing practice.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered veterinary nurse with strong leadership and clinical skills.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 37000 € per year.
Here at the Lake View Veterinary Group, we’re looking for a knowledgeable, confident Head Veterinary Nurse to join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract. Our group is composed of 3 surgeries in Northamptonshire, a 100% small animal practice with a varied caseload. The practices have all the equipment you will need: ultrasound with colour, digital x‑ray, full in‑house Idexx laboratory, gold standard anaesthesia using Humphrey ADE circuits, multiparameter monitors, patient warming, oxygen generators and more. Our team comprises 5 vets and 8 nurses plus dedicated support team members. Based primarily at our main Thrapston branch, this is an exciting opportunity to step into a leadership role within a growing practice. This role combines clinical nursing with leadership and administrative duties to ensure the smooth running of the nursing function across the Lake View Group.
As a 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. The shift pattern is 08:30-19:00 four days per week, along with no more than 1 in 3 Saturday mornings (with time off in lieu provided), primarily at Thrapston with some cover at our Rushden practice as well.
General Responsibilities
- Lead and support the nursing team across multiple sites, ensuring high clinical standards
- Manage nursing rotas and contribute to the smooth day‑to‑day running of the practice
- Deliver high standards of nursing care across a varied caseload
- Support surgical procedures, including anaesthesia monitoring and theatre nursing
Qualifications & Experience
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
Benefits & Support
- 6.6 weeks’ annual leave plus your birthday off
- 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
- Certificate support
- 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/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
Salary: Up to £37,000 DOE.
Head Veterinary Nurse - Fixed Term Contract in Thrapston employer: IVC Evidensia
At Lake View Veterinary Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises both professional development and employee wellbeing. As a Head Veterinary Nurse, you will benefit from a generous annual leave package, comprehensive training support, and a range of family-friendly policies, all while working in a state-of-the-art facility in Thrapston, Northamptonshire. Join us to lead a dedicated team in delivering high-quality veterinary care, where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Veterinary Nurse - Fixed Term Contract in Thrapston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to veterinary nursing. Role-play with a friend or use our resources to boost your confidence and showcase your leadership skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications after a week or so. A quick email expressing your continued interest can set you apart from other candidates and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Head Veterinary Nurse position. We love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our practice!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Veterinary Nurse - Fixed Term Contract in Thrapston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Head Veterinary Nurse role. Highlight your leadership capabilities and any relevant clinical experience to show us you’re the perfect fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about veterinary nursing and how you can contribute to our practice. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; showcase your achievements! Whether it’s leading a successful project or improving patient care, we want to see how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles.
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 from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at IVC Evidensia
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical knowledge and leadership skills. Familiarise yourself with the latest veterinary practices, especially in anaesthesia and surgical nursing, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or improved nursing standards in your previous roles. This is crucial for a Head Veterinary Nurse position, so be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring and developing others.
✨Understand the Practice's Culture
Research Lake View Veterinary Group and IVC Evidensia to understand their values and culture. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to shaping a positive work environment and enhancing team performance.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the practice. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you. Consider asking about their approach to clinical governance and quality improvement initiatives.
