Head Registered Veterinary Nurse - South West London

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Registered Veterinary Nurse (Head RVN) to join a progressive and supportive small animal veterinary hospital in South West London. Offering a salary of up to £48,000 DOE, a 4-day working week, generous CPD funding and excellent opportunities for leadership development, this position is ideal for an experienced veterinary nurse seeking to progress their career within a modern hospital environment.

This full-time, permanent position combines hands-on clinical nursing with leadership responsibilities, allowing the successful candidate to support and develop the nursing team while remaining actively involved in patient care. The role offers a varied clinical caseload, with opportunities to work across theatre, anaesthesia, inpatient wards, consultations and complex medical and surgical cases. With access to funded certificates, advanced clinical training and career progression opportunities, this position provides an excellent environment for veterinary nurses looking to develop their leadership skills and clinical expertise.

This established small animal veterinary hospital provides a welcoming and collaborative working environment where veterinary nurses are valued as essential members of the clinical team. The hospital benefits from modern diagnostic and surgical facilities, including advanced imaging technology, ultrasound, digital radiography, well-equipped operating theatres and dedicated inpatient care areas. Working alongside experienced veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses and colleagues with additional clinical qualifications, the successful candidate will benefit from a supportive multidisciplinary environment.

The hospital encourages veterinary nurses to take an active role in clinical decision-making, patient care and professional development, with opportunities to expand their knowledge across a broad range of veterinary disciplines. There is a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, clinical excellence and career progression, ensuring nursing professionals have the support required to thrive. Located in South West London, the hospital offers convenient access to transport connections, local amenities and green spaces, providing an attractive balance between city living and outdoor recreation.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and motivate the veterinary nursing team while maintaining hands-on clinical responsibilities.
• Deliver high-quality nursing care to small animal patients within a busy veterinary hospital.
• Coordinate nursing activities across clinical areas, including theatre, inpatient wards and consultations.
• Assist veterinary surgeons with surgical procedures, diagnostic investigations and medical treatments.
• Monitor anaesthesia and provide appropriate perioperative nursing support.
• Oversee inpatient care, including patient monitoring, medication administration and recovery.
• Support the management of complex medical and surgical cases.
• Mentor and develop veterinary nursing colleagues, encouraging continued professional development.
• Promote best practices in nursing procedures, clinical standards and patient welfare.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and uphold excellent nursing standards.
• Encourage effective communication and collaboration across the veterinary team.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, infection control and clinical governance.
• Contribute to improvements in clinical workflows, patient care and team performance.

Candidate Profile

• The ideal candidate will hold a recognised Veterinary Nursing qualification and be registered with the RCVS.
• Have substantial experience working as a Registered Veterinary Nurse in small animal practice.
• Demonstrate strong clinical nursing skills and a genuine passion for animal welfare.
• Have previous senior nursing or leadership experience, or demonstrate the ability to progress into a Head RVN position.
• Be confident supporting anaesthesia, surgical procedures and inpatient care.
• Possess excellent leadership, communication and organisational abilities.
• Enjoy mentoring and developing veterinary nursing colleagues.
• Be comfortable balancing clinical responsibilities with team leadership.
• Demonstrate a positive, compassionate and approachable leadership style.
• Have an interest in hospital nursing and developing additional clinical skills.
• Show enthusiasm for continuing professional development and maintaining high clinical standards.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: Up to £48,000 per annum DOE.
• Permanent, full-time position.
• Working schedule: 4 days per week.
• Weekend rota: Approximately 1 in 4 weekends, with time off in lieu.
• Generous CPD allowance and advanced clinical training opportunities.
• Support towards funded certificates and further professional qualifications.
• Accommodation assistance may be available if required.
• Healthcare scheme and employee wellbeing support.
• Leadership development and management progression opportunities.
• Access to modern diagnostic equipment and advanced veterinary facilities.
• Opportunities to develop additional clinical interests and advanced nursing skills.
• Collaborative working environment with experienced veterinary professionals.
• Ongoing support for clinical development and professional growth.

This opportunity provides an excellent combination of competitive remuneration, a 4-day working week, clinical leadership responsibilities and professional development for veterinary nurses looking to progress their careers in South West London.