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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in delivering high-quality veterinary care and support clinical operations.
- Company: Respected independent veterinary group with a focus on teamwork and professional development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, generous holiday, and a £500 CPD allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in veterinary nursing leadership and RVN qualification required.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture that values work-life balance and continuous learning.
We are delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a respected, long-standing independent veterinary group. Operating across three sites, including a newly opened gold-standard cat-only clinic, this practice is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care with an emphasis on affordability, teamwork, and continuous professional development. With 38 staff members, including a dedicated nursing team of 17, the practice offers a supportive environment, strong management structures, and excellent facilities that allow the majority of cases to be handled in-house without referral. This is also a recognised teaching practice with an open, collaborative culture.
We are seeking an experienced, motivated Head Veterinary Nurse to lead clinical standards, support the nursing team, and drive the development of protocols and training across all three sites.
The Role
As Head Veterinary Nurse, you will be responsible for providing leadership, structure, and support across the nursing team and clinical operations. Working closely with the senior veterinary team, practice manager, and clinical manager, you will play a key role in maintaining high clinical standards and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on clinical standards and development of clinical protocols across all sites.
- Induct, supervise, and support all clinical staff across the three practices.
- Manage HR and resource-related responsibilities including contributing to overall clinical and practice management.
- Ensure compliance with all RCVS standards and requirements.
- Act as an experienced Clinical Coach, supporting student nurses and team development.
- Provide high-quality client care and consulting when required.
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a leadership role within veterinary nursing.
- RVN qualification is essential.
- Additional qualifications such as RPA, RLA or leadership/management training are desirable.
- Must be an experienced Clinical Coach.
- Strong consulting skills and excellent client communication.
- Ability to coach, mentor and inspire the wider veterinary team.
- Commitment to ongoing development—further qualifications are encouraged.
Desirable Personal Qualities
- Organised, efficient, and proactive.
- Passionate about animal welfare and clinical best practice.
- Compassionate communicator who supports clients and colleagues.
- Motivational team player who thrives in an open, supportive culture.
- Someone who values a healthy work–life balance and brings positive energy to the team.
Working Pattern & Benefits
- 4-day working week: 8:30am–7pm
- Additional 1 in 5 rota for hospitalised patient care
- No out-of-hours emergencies— OOH cover managed externally
- 5 weeks' holiday + bank holidays
- VDS & RCVS fees covered
- Generous employee discount
- Annual performance-based pay reviews
- Company pension scheme
- £500 CPD allowance
Head Veterinary Nurse in Swindon employer: Nurse Seekers
Contact Detail:
Nurse Seekers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Veterinary Nurse in Swindon
✨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
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your achievements, case studies, and any protocols you've developed. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your responses. Focus on how you can lead and inspire a team, as well as your commitment to high clinical standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find the right role. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and helps us get to know you better from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Veterinary Nurse in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Head Veterinary Nurse role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the perfect fit!
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 supportive culture. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Experience: We want to see your journey! Include details about your previous roles, especially those that demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor others. Don’t forget to mention any clinical protocols you've developed or implemented.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you as soon as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nurse Seekers
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical standards and protocols. Familiarise yourself with the latest veterinary practices and be ready to discuss how you can implement these in the role. Showing that you’re up-to-date will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Veterinary Nurse, you'll need to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed or mentored others in the past. Highlight your experience in developing training protocols and how you’ve supported your colleagues in their professional growth.
✨Communicate with Compassion
This role requires excellent client communication skills. Think about times when you've had to handle difficult conversations or provide support to clients. Be ready to demonstrate your compassionate approach and how it positively impacts both clients and the team.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
The practice values a collaborative culture, so be prepared to discuss how you work within a team. Share experiences where you’ve contributed to a positive team environment and how you’ve helped foster teamwork among your colleagues.
