This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse ready to take the next step in their career, support a Head Nurse, and help shape a high-performing team.
Join us as a Deputy Head Nurse and play a vital role in keeping people and pets together when times are tough. We operate as close to private practice care standards as possible, but with one meaningful difference: our heart is 100% in charity work.
Why Join Us? (The Perks & The Reality)
- Focus on team leadership, high clinical standards, and pet wellbeing rather than corporate bureaucracy.
- Guide a team of Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Care Assistants, helping them grow through coaching, clear feedback, and leading by example.
- Work in well-equipped hospitals featuring separate dog/cat wards, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases, and extensive orthopaedic equipment.
- Enjoy a supportive rota designed to balance your career with life outside of work, alongside a 1-hour lunch break.
- Support the Head Nurse by coordinating daily hospital workflows, embedding proactive preventative healthcare, and driving our mission forward.
Rewards & Benefits
- Salary includes a 5% increase reflecting additional responsibilities, with a formal review scheduled after 2 years of service.
- A rewarding leadership role with clear professional development pathways.
- 3 days and £500 per year CPD allowance, plus full payment of your RCVS fees.
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, with the option to buy or sell an extra 5 days.
- Dedicated annual days for Volunteering, Celebration, and Wellbeing.
- AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 wellbeing support, and life assurance providing 4x your annual salary.
- Generous pension options with employer contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.
- Fetch employee discount platform, staff pet service discounts, enhanced family leave, and inclusive flexible working policies.
What the Role Involves
This is a fast-paced, testing, and deeply rewarding leadership role. You’ll be helping people facing financial hardship who love their pets dearly.
Your day-to‑day will cover:
- Assisting the Head Nurse in managing and developing the nursing and VCA team.
- Stepping in to deputise for the Head Nurse when needed.
- Coordinating day-to‑day workflow, hospital hygiene, and equipment standards.
- Championing Pet Wellbeing services and a culture of proactive, preventative education.
About You
- RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse with a strong track record of performance and great customer service.
- A confident, supportive leader who enjoys coaching others and leading by example.
- Passionate about high clinical standards, teamwork, and getting things done in a busy environment.
- Ready to embrace change and help shape a future-focused, community-centered charity.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Deputy Head Registered Veterinary Nurse in England employer: PDSA
PDSA is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their owners, particularly in Bournemouth. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer flexible working options, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive team culture that values individuality and collaboration. Join us to be part of a passionate team where you can grow professionally while contributing to a vital cause that helps those in financial hardship.
