At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a passionate nursing team while ensuring top-notch patient care.
- Company: Join McMurtry & Harding Vets, a supportive mixed veterinary practice in Ashbourne.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.6 weeks annual leave, private medical insurance, and a £550 CPD allowance.
- Other info: Be part of a values-led culture focused on community and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while enjoying a fantastic work-life balance.
- Qualifications: RCVS registered Veterinary Nurse with leadership experience and advanced nursing skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 € per year.
We are seeking a knowledgeable, confident Head Veterinary Nurse to join our team at McMurtry & Harding Vets, Ashbourne on a full time, permanent basis. We are a mixed veterinary practice providing excellent care to small animal, farm, and equine patients. Our team values collaboration, high-quality patient care, and a family-friendly atmosphere. We have a strong track record of staff retention and believe in supporting our employees just as we support our clients and their pets. Located in the heart of the Peak District, Ashbourne is a charming market town steeped in history and tradition. The area offers a fantastic work-life balance with opportunities for rock climbing, cycling, walking, and angling, all on your doorstep.
IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners. At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment at every stage of their career.
How You’ll Make a Difference
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 role is 37.5 hours per week on a rota basis Monday‑Friday with 1:9 Saturdays.
You Might Be a Great Fit If…
- 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
How We’ll Support You
At IVC Evidensia, 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 and team development
- Clear career pathways 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 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
Head Veterinary Nurse in Compton employer: McMurtry & Harding Veterinary Practice, Ashbourne
At McMurtry & Harding Vets, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the picturesque town of Ashbourne, nestled in the Peak District. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through clear career pathways, ongoing learning opportunities, and a strong focus on wellbeing, ensuring that our Head Veterinary Nurse can thrive both professionally and personally. With generous benefits including 6.6 weeks of annual leave, enhanced family-friendly policies, and a culture that values community and continuous improvement, we are dedicated to fostering a fulfilling career for our team members.
Contact Detail:
McMurtry & Harding Veterinary Practice, Ashbourne Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Veterinary Nurse in Compton
✨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. Show off your leadership skills and how you can contribute to the team at McMurtry & Harding Vets. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that align with your values and career goals. We recommend checking out our website for opportunities at IVC Evidensia, where you can find roles that truly resonate with you.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in making a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Veterinary Nurse in Compton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership abilities, clinical governance knowledge, and any relevant veterinary nursing experience to show us you’re the perfect fit for the Head Veterinary Nurse role.
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 team. Don’t forget to mention your commitment to high-quality patient care and team development.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership and mentoring skills. We love to see examples of how you’ve improved nursing standards or contributed to team success in 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. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at McMurtry & Harding Veterinary Practice, Ashbourne
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical knowledge and nursing standards. Be ready to discuss your experience with advanced medical and surgical nursing skills, as well as how you've led and developed nursing teams in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or improved nursing practices. Highlight your understanding of clinical governance and quality improvement, as these are key aspects of the Head Veterinary Nurse role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Good communication is essential for this role, so be prepared to demonstrate how you can effectively lead and mentor your team while maintaining high-quality patient care.
✨Embrace the Culture
Familiarise yourself with the values and culture of McMurtry & Harding Vets. Show that you align with their commitment to collaboration and community, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a family-friendly atmosphere in the practice.
