At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a nursing team in a brand-new veterinary surgery.
- Company: Join a family-owned veterinary group dedicated to exceptional care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, CPD support, flexible working, and 20 days holiday.
- Other info: Enjoy a positive, collaborative environment with great career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of veterinary nursing and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified and registered Veterinary Nurse.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We’re opening a brand-new veterinary surgery — and we’re looking for a Head Nurse to help build and lead the nursing team from day one. This is your opportunity to shape how nursing works in a practice — not just fit into an existing structure. Too often, Head Nurse roles are about maintaining. This one is about creating. You’ll have the opportunity to influence standards, and build a nursing team where skills are fully utilised and genuinely valued.
As Head Nurse, you’ll lead the nursing function within the surgery — ensuring high standards of clinical care, smooth day-to-day operations, and a positive, collaborative team environment.
You will:
- Lead, support and develop the nursing team
- Ensure excellent patient care and client experience
- Oversee nurse clinics, inpatient care and theatre standards
- Drive utilisation of nursing skills including Schedule 3 procedures
- Support student nurses and clinical coaching
- Help shape the culture and ways of working within the practice
This is a leadership role with real influence — both clinically and operationally.
Working pattern:
- Full-time rota with evenings and weekends 4 x 9 hour days, 1 in 4 weekend rotation
- Average working week of 39 hours
- Nurse care nights (with accommodation provided when required)
- Flexible working options considered
We believe great nursing teams deserve to be recognised, supported and rewarded.
- Monthly Nurse recognition scheme
- CPD support and development opportunities
- Funded professional fees
- Income protection
- Work-life balance & wellbeing
- 20 days holiday + bank holidays
- Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
About us:
We are part of a nationwide, independent, family‑owned veterinary group committed to delivering exceptional care in the communities we serve. Our surgeries are modern, spacious and designed to create a calm environment for pets and a positive, collaborative space for teams. We invest in our people, support development, and create workplaces where colleagues genuinely enjoy coming to work.
You’ll thrive in this role if you:
- Are a qualified and registered Veterinary Nurse
- Enjoy working collaboratively as part of a team
- Communicate confidently and compassionately
- Want to fully utilise and develop your nursing skills
- Are positive, proactive and adaptable
If you’re looking for a role where your voice is heard, your skills are valued, and you can help shape a brand-new practice, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Registered Veterinary Nurse employer: The Pet Vet
Contact Detail:
The Pet Vet Recruiting Team
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 and let them know you're on the lookout for a Head Nurse role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share examples of how you've led teams or improved processes in previous roles. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate that you can shape a nursing team from day one.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive and ask questions during interviews! Show your interest in the practice's culture and how they support their nursing staff. This not only helps you gauge if it's the right fit but also shows that you're genuinely invested in creating a positive environment.
✨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 are enthusiastic about joining our family-owned veterinary group and contributing to our mission of exceptional care.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Registered Veterinary Nurse
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for veterinary nursing right from the start! Share why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to building a fantastic team. A personal touch goes a long way!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to know how your background aligns with our vision of creating a supportive and high-standard nursing environment.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape a new practice.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Pet Vet
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary nursing knowledge, especially around Schedule 3 procedures. Be ready to discuss how you can influence standards and lead a team effectively. This role is about creating, so think about innovative ideas you can bring to the table.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a team in the past. Think about times when you supported and developed others, or improved patient care. This is a leadership role, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and motivate a team will be key.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this position requires a positive, collaborative environment, be ready to talk about your experiences working as part of a team. Highlight how you communicate confidently and compassionately with both colleagues and clients, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice's culture and how they envision the nursing team evolving. This shows your genuine interest in shaping the practice and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you too.