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: Competitive salary, paid vet fees, bonuses, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative community that values growth and excellence.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make a real difference in pet care.
- Qualifications: Must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse with leadership experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Saffron Walden
Hours: 38 hours (1 in 8 weekends)
Salary: Competitive + vet fees paid + bonus
We are looking for a Head Nurse 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.
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.
You will be responsible for:
- 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.
About You:
- Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) experienced in small animal general practice.
- 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.
- 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.
If you are an ambitious and motivated RVN looking to lead a supportive and forward-thinking team, we would love to hear from you.
Registered Nurse - Medical (Temporary) employer: Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery
At Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgeons in Saffron Walden, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our mentorship programmes and leadership opportunities, allowing you to thrive in your career while making a meaningful impact on the community. With competitive salaries, paid vet fees, and a bonus structure, we ensure that our team members are well-rewarded for their dedication to providing exceptional veterinary care.
Contact Details:
Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Nurse - Medical (Temporary)
✨Get In Touch with Local Health Services
Start by reaching out to local hospitals, clinics, and care homes directly. They often have temporary nursing roles that may not be advertised online. Don’t hesitate to pop by for a quick chat or to ask about current openings!
✨Join Nursing Community Groups
Look for local nursing community groups or online forums where temp roles are frequently shared. Whether it’s Facebook groups or platforms like Nursing Times, these can be great places to connect with fellow nurses and discover temp roles through word of mouth.
✨Reach Out to Recruitment Agencies
Get in touch with recruitment agencies specialising in nursing. They often have a list of temporary positions that need filling quickly, and many health services prefer to hire through agencies for short-term roles. Make sure your availability is clear!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the nursing field, flexibility is key, especially for temporary roles. Highlight your willingness to work different shifts and locations when applying through our website. This will make you more attractive to employers looking for quick cover!
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Nurse - Medical (Temporary)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Skills in Patient Care:When applying for a temporary nursing role, make sure to spotlight your specific skills in patient care. This includes any training or certifications you've received, such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or specific nursing specialisations. We want to see how you've applied these skills in real-world situations, so share relevant experiences in your CV.
Reflect Your Adaptability:Temporary roles often require you to hit the ground running, so it’s essential to convey your adaptability. In your cover letter, mention examples of how you’ve quickly adjusted to new environments or challenges in patient care settings. This shows that you're ready to step in and provide support from day one!
Emphasise Availability and Flexibility:For temporary positions, your availability is key! Make sure to state your flexible working hours in your CV and cover letter so Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery knows when you're ready to jump in. This helps them see that you’re committed and prepared to meet their immediate needs.
Personalise Your Application for Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery:Finally, take the time to tailor your application for Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery specifically. Research their values and any recent initiatives they may have. Mention these in your cover letter to show that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in working with them in patient care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery
✨Show Your Passion for Patient Care
As a temporary nursing role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your genuine passion for patient care. Talk to the interviewer about experiences where you went above and beyond for patients and how you handle emotional situations – this shows your soft skills are as strong as your technical knowledge.
✨Be Ready for Clinical Scenarios
Expect to face some clinical scenario questions during your interview. You might be asked how you would handle specific patient situations or emergencies. Brush up on your clinical skills and think through a few scenarios so you can talk through your thought process confidently.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Temporary roles often mean you're filling in where needed, so emphasise your adaptability during the interview. Share examples of times you’ve quickly adjusted to new teams or practices, which shows you can hit the ground running at Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
In nursing, being a great team player is essential. Don't just talk about your individual achievements; share instances where you effectively collaborated with other healthcare professionals. This will show how you’ll fit into the team at Mercer & Hughes Veterinary Surgery and contribute positively to patient care.
