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- Tasks: Lead and mentor a dynamic nursing team while providing hands-on clinical care.
- Company: Modern veterinary practice in Portsmouth with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, CPD support, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make a real difference in animal care.
- Qualifications: Must be a confident Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with leadership aspirations.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 35000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) to join a modern, well‑equipped veterinary practice in Portsmouth as a Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse. This role is ideal for a confident RVN looking to step into a leadership position while remaining hands‑on in a busy, progressive clinical environment.
Rota
- Full‑time position
- 4‑day working week
- 1 in 4 weekends
Salary & Benefits
- Competitive salary £29,000 – £35,000 DOE
- Generous holiday allowance
- Excellent CPD allowance and leadership development support
- Income protection
- Enhanced family policies
- Retail and employee discounts
- Long service recognition
- Profit share bonus scheme
- Overseas charity work opportunities
- Plus much more
Why Join This Portsmouth Veterinary Practice?
You’ll be working in an exceptionally well‑equipped small animal clinic, offering real clinical variety, professional development, and the chance to shape high clinical standards alongside a supportive leadership team.
Facilities include:
- Two fully equipped operating theatres
- Dedicated dental suite with digital and handheld dental X‑ray
- Digital X‑ray and ultrasound
- Multiparameter monitoring equipment
- Separate dog, cat, and small animal wards
- Walk‑in kennels and isolation unit
- In‑house laboratory
- Growing exotic and small mammal caseload
The Role – Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse
Working closely with the Head Nurse, you will play a key role in the day‑to‑day clinical and operational running of the practice. This is a hands‑on leadership role combining clinical nursing, mentoring, and governance responsibilities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting and mentoring the nursing team
- Maintaining and driving high clinical standards
- Assisting with rota management and workflow efficiency
- Contributing to clinical governance and continuous improvement
- Supporting inpatient, surgical, and emergency care
- Acting as a positive role model within the team
For more information or a confidential chat, please contact Luke.
Deputy Head Nurse - Portsmouth employer: Purosearch
Contact Detail:
Purosearch Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head Nurse - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow veterinary professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Deputy Head Nurse role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your clinical knowledge and leadership skills. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and show off your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for veterinary nursing! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've maintained high clinical standards or mentored others. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head Nurse - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in leadership and clinical settings, so we can see how you fit into our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about veterinary nursing and what excites you about this role. Share specific examples of your experience that align with our values and the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention any special skills or certifications you have that would make you a great fit for this position. Whether it’s your expertise in dental care or experience with exotic animals, we want to know!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Purosearch
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around the specific procedures and equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the latest practices in clinical governance and emergency care, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring and supporting the nursing team, be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or improved clinical standards, and be ready to share how you can bring that experience to the practice.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the practice's approach to professional development, the team dynamics, and how they maintain high clinical standards. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The practice is looking for someone who can be a positive role model, so being authentic and approachable will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate that you’d fit well within their team.
