At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate nursing team and ensure outstanding patient care across two sites.
- Company: Join Strachan Veterinary Group, an independent practice with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 4-day work week, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team that values wellbeing and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in veterinary care while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified RVN with at least 3 years of experience.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 37000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our friendly team at Strachan Veterinary Group. As Head RVN, you will lead our nursing team across two sites and play a central role supporting the directors and practice manager in the smooth day-to-day running of the practice. You will be a confident, compassionate leader with a strong commitment to excellent patient care, team development, and high clinical standards.
This is a varied and rewarding role where you will:
- Lead and support the nursing team across both branches
- Oversee day-to-day nursing operations, ensuring outstanding patient care
- Work closely with the veterinary surgeons to support clinical efficiency
- Foster a positive, collaborative, and supportive working environment
- Take an active role in developing protocols, training, and quality improvement initiatives
About you
- You must be a qualified veterinary nurse registered with the RCVS
- At least 3 years post qualification experience
- Proven experience in a veterinary leadership or supervisory role
- Strong organisational, communication, and people management skills
- Confident in all aspects of clinical nursing, anaesthesia, and patient care
- Passion for mentoring and developing others
About Us
Strachan Veterinary Group is a proudly independent practice with branches in Heaton and Tynemouth. Our growing team currently includes 4 vets, 3 RVNs, 1 SVN, and 3 receptionists. We are a small but supportive team and genuinely value staff wellbeing. We understand the pressures faced by clinical teams and focus on realistic workload management, present and approachable leadership, and the factors that truly influence wellbeing.
We aim to develop and nurture trusting relationships with our clients, setting expectations by being as upfront and transparent as possible. We see a varied caseload of both medical and surgical cases, and pride ourselves on taking a team approach to developing our standard of care.
What we offer
- Competitive salary of £34,000-£37,000/year
- 4 day working week, with 1 in 4 Saturday mornings
- 5 weeks annual leave, plus bank holidays
- CPD actively encouraged with flexible funding
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- Employee discount for staff pets
- Social events throughout the year, and lunch ordered in for the team each Friday
For more information or to apply please e-mail your CV and a covering letter.
Head Registered Veterinary Nurse employer: Strachan Veterinary Group
At Strachan Vets, we pride ourselves on being an independent small animal practice that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a focus on employee well-being, we offer a 4-day work week, competitive pay, and full CPD support, all while encouraging your ideas and contributions. Join our passionate team in Newcastle Upon Tyne, where you can grow professionally and personally in a friendly environment dedicated to animal care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Registered Veterinary Nurse
✨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
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to veterinary nursing. Show off your leadership skills and how you handle team dynamics, as this role is all about collaboration and support.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings at Strachan Veterinary Group, where you can find a supportive environment that prioritises staff wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the position and remind them of your passion for excellent patient care and team development.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Registered Veterinary Nurse
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for veterinary nursing shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for patient care and team development, so share specific examples of how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head RVN role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant skills that match what we're looking for. This helps us see how you fit into our friendly team at Strachan Veterinary Group.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be personal, be genuine, and don’t forget to mention your RCVS number! We love hearing about your journey and what drives you in your career.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Strachan Veterinary Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing a nursing team and how you've contributed to patient care. This role is all about leading with confidence, so show them you know what you're talking about!
✨Show Your Passion for Mentoring
As a Head RVN, you'll be expected to develop and support your team. Prepare examples of how you've mentored others in the past. Share specific instances where your guidance made a difference, as this will highlight your commitment to team development.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Strachan Veterinary Group values a supportive working environment. Be ready to talk about how you've fostered collaboration in previous roles. Discuss any initiatives you've led that improved teamwork or communication among staff, as this aligns perfectly with their ethos.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the practice's approach to patient care and team wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in their values and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you too.
