Head Veterinary Nurse - Newcastle upon Tyne

Head Veterinary Nurse – Newcastle, Tyne and Wear

About the Role

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) to step into a Head Veterinary Nurse position in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Salary: £35,000–£37,000 pro rata, depending on experience
Hours: Up to 37.5 hours per week
Working pattern: Flexible
Role: Head Veterinary Nurse / Nursing Leadership

This role would suit a Senior or Deputy RVN ready to progress into leadership, as well as an established Head Nurse seeking a more balanced and supportive working environment.

The successful candidate will lead a small nursing team, help drive clinical standards and support the development of newer members of the team. Previous experience in a formal Head Nurse position is not essential; experience supervising, mentoring or taking responsibility for colleagues is more important.

About the Practice

The practice is a small, established first-opinion GP surgery in Newcastle, offering a personalised approach to patient and client care.

The purpose-built surgery provides a high-quality clinical environment with modern facilities and equipment. The team places strong emphasis on building lasting relationships with clients and supporting them in keeping their pets healthy and happy.

The Head Veterinary Nurse will have direct access to practice leadership, providing a strong support network while developing their own management and leadership skills.

The role also offers exposure to a varied range of nursing responsibilities, including Schedule 3 procedures, complex inpatient care, clinical coaching, nurse clinics and emergency care.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the nursing team on a day-to-day basis.

• Help maintain and develop consistently high clinical standards.

• Supervise, mentor and coach nursing colleagues.

• Support the development of Student Veterinary Nurses and newer team members.

• Encourage and facilitate nurse-led clinics.

• Undertake Schedule 3 procedures where appropriately trained.

• Provide high-quality care for complex inpatients.

• Support emergency and critical patient care.

• Contribute to clinical coaching and team development.

• Help optimise nursing workflows and practice standards.

• Maintain excellent client communication and patient care.

• Work closely with practice leadership to support the continued development of the service.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a Registered Veterinary Nurse with previous experience of supervising, mentoring or leading colleagues.

They do not necessarily need to have held a Head Nurse position previously. The practice is particularly interested in an RVN who has already taken on additional responsibility and is ready to develop their leadership capabilities further.

Strong communication and client care skills are essential, alongside a supportive and collaborative approach to team management.

The role would suit an ambitious Senior RVN or Deputy Nurse looking for their first formal leadership position, or an experienced Head Nurse seeking greater flexibility and work-life balance.

Compensation & Benefits

• £35,000–£37,000 pro rata, depending on experience

• Up to 37.5 hours per week

• Flexible hours and rota

• 20% discount at the Vet Group, Pets at Home and The Groom Room

• Annual leave increasing with length of service

• Comprehensive CPD funding

• Financial support and allocated time for CPD and study

• Direct access to practice leadership

• Opportunity to lead an established nursing team

• Experience across Schedule 3 procedures, complex inpatient care, clinical coaching, nurse clinics and emergency care

• Paid RCVS and BVNA memberships

• Strong support for career progression and leadership development

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for an RVN looking for Head Veterinary Nurse jobs in Newcastle, with the chance to take genuine ownership of nursing standards and team development.

The practice is committed to supporting the successful candidate as they grow into the role, offering funded CPD, study time and direct access to leadership, alongside flexibility around working hours and rota arrangements.