At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a passionate nursing team while delivering top-notch veterinary care.
- Company: Join Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgeons, a trusted name in Essex for over 40 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and CPD support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive network that values teamwork and professional growth.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make a real difference in pet care and community health.
- Qualifications: Must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse with experience in small animal practice.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 37000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Head RVN to join our team at Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgeons in Saffron Walden.
With over 40 years of heritage and a trusted reputation across Essex, we combine high-quality veterinary care with strong community relationships and a supportive team environment.
You'll be joining a well-established practice where colleagues are encouraged to develop, collaborate and deliver outstanding care to pets and their owners.
As part of Kin Vet Community, a small collective of like-minded community veterinary practices, we benefit from the support, shared expertise and collaborative approach that comes from working alongside teams who share our commitment to exceptional veterinary care.
Whilst every practice retains its own culture, leadership and way of working, being part of Kin Vet creates greater opportunities to learn from one another, invest in our people and facilities, and continue evolving the services we provide to pets and their owners.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced RVN ready to take the next step into a leadership role, or for an existing leader seeking a new challenge within a supportive network.
Our Head Nurses are an important part of our practice leadership teams and are given a significant degree of autonomy to work with their Clinical Director to shape their practices in a way that works for their team, their patients, and their local communities.
They also participate in our quarterly Leadership Meetings, which gather together Clinical Directors, Head Nurse and Practice Managers from across our group to help shape our clinical and operational direction as a group.
Responsibilities
- Leading and managing the nursing team, consisting of Registered Veterinary Nurses, Student Veterinary Nurses, and Patient Care Assistants, and building a positive culture that supports and encourages every member.
- Developing and maintaining high, evidence-based clinical standards of nursing care across the practice, including clinical governance and quality improvement initiatives, in consultation with the Clinical Director.
- Participating in all aspects of the nursing rota, including consultations, anaesthetics, theatre, and inpatient care.
- Managing the clinical aspects of practice operations, such as anaesthetic and surgical equipment, surgical instruments, laboratory equipment, and pharmacy stock, in consultation with the Clinical Director.
- Providing mentorship and clinical guidance to the nursing team, including as a Clinical Coach when needed, and managing their ongoing CPD and training.
- Advising the Clinical Director on the practice’s strategic direction as a business, helping to strengthen its commercial performance and improve its operational efficiency.
Qualifications
- Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) experienced in small animal general practice.
- Required Skills
- Confident in a range of different nursing contexts, including consulting, theatre, and inpatient care.
- Excellent communication and team-building skills.
- Passionate about clinical excellence and team development.
- Preferred Skills
- Previous leadership and mentoring experience, including as a Clinical Coach, is preferred.
- Previous experience with the business side of a veterinary practice is an advantage.
- Pay range and compensation package
Salary up to £37,000 (pro-rata) DOE.
Additional scaling bonus, dependent on practice’s financial performance.
Generous CPD allowance, including support for certificate study.
RCVS fees & VDS cover paid by practice. 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (pro rata).
Private medical insurance, including cover for pre-existing medical conditions. 15 days occupation sick leave (pro-rata).
Enhanced pension contributions.
Enhanced maternity/paternity leave.
Generous colleague discount scheme for up to 5 registered pets.
Relocation assistance available.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Our Group Kin Vet Community is a network of 22 practices across the South and East of England.
We are committed to clinical excellence, teamwork and continuous professional development.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head RVN employer: Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery
Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture in the picturesque town of Saffron Walden. As a Head Nurse, you will not only lead a dedicated team but also benefit from ample opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that your contributions to veterinary care are both meaningful and rewarding.
Contact Details:
Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head RVN
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Dive into local health initiatives or volunteer at community health events. This not only boosts your practical experience but also gets you noticed among professionals in human medicine who may have leads on full-time positions like Head RVN at Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery.
✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise Online
Build a personal website or a professional blog where you can share your insights on human medicine topics. This portfolio can catch the eye of recruiters looking for dedicated individuals for full-time roles like Head RVN.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in or recently graduated from university, don’t hesitate to use your career services. They often have exclusive listings and contacts in the human medicine field that can help you land a full-time gig at places like Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery.
We think you need these skills to ace Head RVN
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Head RVN at Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Head RVN at Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
