At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire nursing teams in a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital.
- Company: Join Veterinary Specialists Scotland, part of the largest family-owned veterinary company.
- Benefits: Enjoy a £1000 welcome bonus, 5 weeks holiday, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse culture that prioritises your wellbeing and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient care and shape the future of nursing services.
- Qualifications: Must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse with leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Nursing Services to lead and inspire our referral nursing teams at Veterinary Specialists Scotland, our purpose-built, multi-disciplinary referral hospital in Livingston. Our nursing team includes Team leaders, Lead nurses, experienced RVNs, Patient care assistants and Student veterinary nurses.
This is an exciting opportunity for a nurse leader ready to step into a highly strategic position within a 24/7 state-of-the-art facility. With recent expansions in the medicine and surgery teams and continued growth of the neurology service, the role offers the chance to influence clinical standards, operational performance, and service development at a senior level while contributing meaningfully to the hospital's continued growth and success.
The Role
As Head of Nursing Services, you will form a key part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), shaping the clinical, operational and financial performance of the hospital. You will provide strong, visible leadership to our nursing teams, ensuring the highest standards of patient and client care, while driving service development, operational excellence and strategic growth aligned with practice and group objectives. This is a role where your influence will extend beyond day-to-day operations — you will help shape the future direction of nursing services within a growing, ambitious referral hospital.
Main Purpose & Goals
- Act as a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, advising on the nursing impact of strategic and operational decisions
- Contribute to the development and delivery of the hospital's strategic vision and nursing strategy
- Ensure continuous improvement initiatives support operational effectiveness and business needs
- Oversee the quality of patient care and clinical assistance provided to Veterinary Surgeons
- Ensure nursing services align with practice and group strategy, meeting agreed KPIs and performance targets
- Lead recruitment, induction, training, development and performance management across the nursing teams
- Foster a positive, collaborative and high-performing culture
Key Responsibilities
- Represent the nursing function at Senior Leadership Team level
- Lead and manage referral nursing teams, ensuring efficient running of all clinical services
- Support and develop Nursing Team Leaders, enabling them to deliver effective rota management, performance reviews and team development
- Oversee patient flow systems to ensure efficient case management across the hospital
- Promote excellence in clinical governance, incident reporting and quality improvement initiatives
- Ensure compliance with RCVS, health & safety, GDPR and group policy requirements
- Collaborate closely with Veterinary Surgeons and non-clinical teams to maintain strong communication and operational cohesion
- Contribute to budget management, financial planning and identification of efficiency opportunities
- Support marketing initiatives such as open evenings and events
- Maintain exceptional clinical standards, stepping into hands-on nursing duties when required
About You
You will be:
- A Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with 5+ years' experience within a leadership position, preferably within a busy, multi-disciplinary environment, however 5+ years of experience in leadership/management is most critical, the referral aspect of the role can be taught.
- An experienced leader with a proven track record managing large, complex nursing teams
- Skilled in rota planning and resource management within a 24/7 setting
- Experienced in recruitment, induction, performance management, mentoring and coaching
- Knowledgeable in clinical governance, quality improvement and professional standards
You will also demonstrate:
- Strong leadership and team management capability
- The ability to inspire across professional boundaries
- Financial awareness and an understanding of business performance
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Calm, confident decision-making under pressure
- A clear commitment to delivering outstanding patient and client care
Desirable qualifications include post-registration certificates, management qualifications, Clinical Coach experience or Mental Health First Aid training.
Benefits
- £1000 Welcome bonus- for direct applicants only
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- Funded external CPD
- Enhanced Equal Family Leave
- Wellness programme including: Employee assistance program, Eyecare voucher scheme, Free annual Flu jab, Cycle to work scheme
Veterinary Specialists Scotland is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits.
At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You'll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritises your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best – care for pets.
We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose.
All applications with the relevant skills and qualifications will be carefully considered. If you need any support in completing your application or simply want to find out more about Veterinary Specialists Scotland, Linnaeus or the role please contact our TA partner Rebecca Coleman.
Head of Nursing Services *£1000 Welcome Bonus* in Livingston employer: Linnaeus
At Veterinary Specialists Scotland, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that empowers our nursing teams to excel. With a focus on professional growth, we provide extensive training opportunities, a comprehensive wellness programme, and a generous benefits package, including a £1000 welcome bonus and enhanced family leave. Join us in Livingston, where you can make a meaningful impact in a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to delivering outstanding patient care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Nursing Services *£1000 Welcome Bonus* in Livingston
✨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 Linnaeus for the Head of Nursing Services *£1000 Welcome Bonus* role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Nursing Services *£1000 Welcome Bonus* in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Linnaeus, 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 Linnaeus, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Linnaeus
✨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 Linnaeus.
✨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 Linnaeus appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Linnaeus 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.
