At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in providing exceptional care for hospitalised patients.
- Company: Join Hamilton Specialist Referrals, a leader in veterinary excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse with experience in high-dependency care.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with a focus on team wellbeing and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Hamilton Specialist Referrals are seeking a Senior HDU & Wards Nurse to become an integral part of our passionate, friendly team. If you are looking to take the next step in your career, and develop valuable leadership skills and experience, we would love to hear from you.
We are seeking an experienced and confident Senior HDU & Wards Nurse to join our referral hospital and provide support to our Clinical Team Leader in a leadership role within our inpatient services. This position is ideal for an RVN with strong clinical experience in high-dependency and ward-based nursing who enjoys a mixture of providing hands-on clinical care and supporting teams, coordinating patient flow and working closely with clinicians in a fast-paced referral environment.
As a Senior HDU & Wards RVN, you will provide excellent inpatient care and clinical leadership. On a rota with the HDU & Wards Clinical Team Leader you will provide operational oversight across the HDU and inpatient wards, supporting the nursing team to deliver exceptional standards of care while ensuring safe, efficient workflow throughout the hospital. Clinically, your role will focus on the recovery and ongoing care of hospitalised patients. You’ll collaborate closely with the veterinary team to maintain the highest standards of nursing care. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and takes pride in positively impacting the wellbeing of our patients.
Key responsibilities include:
- Deliver outstanding patient care across HDU and inpatient wards
- Maintain high clinical, professional and welfare standards at all times
- Maintaining accurate clinical records, supporting high standards of infection control, clinical governance and contribute to maintaining our wards and equipment to the highest standard.
- Shared rotation with the HDU/Wards Clinical Team Leader
- Support and guide the nursing team to deliver outstanding patient care across HDU and inpatient wards
- Contributing to a positive team culture focused on professionalism, communication, and clinical excellence
- Act as a central point of communication between the nursing team and referral clinicians, ensuring clear and effective information sharing
- Participate in and support clinician ward rounds, contributing nursing insight and ensuring treatment plans are implemented and monitored
- Coordinate and support the nursing team with breaks and lunch cover, maintaining continuity of care
- Work closely with the Workflow Coordinator to facilitate the acceptance of referral cases and optimise patient flow
- Liaise with the Patient Coordinator regarding admissions and discharges, supporting smooth transitions and excellent client communication
- Assist with prioritisation of cases in a high-acuity referral setting, escalating concerns appropriately
- Provide day-to-day leadership, mentorship and support to less experienced nurses, promoting development and confidence
Who we are looking for...
- Registered Veterinary Nurse (RCVS)
- Significant experience working within a referral, busy primary care or out of hours hospital, including HDU or inpatient ward settings
- Confident communicator with the ability to liaise effectively with clinicians, coordinators and multidisciplinary teams
- Organised, calm and adaptable, with strong situational awareness
- Passionate about delivering gold-standard patient care and supporting team wellbeing
- Leadership or senior nursing experience is desirable
- Advanced nursing qualification would be advantageous
Situated just outside of High Wycombe (J4, M40) Buckinghamshire, we deliver world-class exemplary clinical services, with a clear focus on the people that make that a reality. By nurturing our workforce we are able to offer the very best services to the pets entrusted into our care as well as to their owners.
Hamilton Specialist Referrals was born of the belief that there is room for a new wave of veterinary excellence across the UK. There is a strong focus on providing a personal and reassuring client experience from first contact through to discharge. Excellent clinical care delivered in a friendly and supportive manner to referring vets, is paramount to the team. The hospital is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is able to offer the most advanced treatment options available for orthopaedic, neurology, soft tissue, oncology, and internal medicine cases.
Curating and developing a friendly, close-knit team is a central part of our working environment. Further qualifications and certificates are encouraged and fully supported as we feel strongly about our employees' right to enjoy work and develop rewarding careers. We have a dedicated team of Specialists, RVNs, and a fantastic support team.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time position across a 4-day working week, between the hours of 07:00 and 20:30 on a rota basis. There is a 1 in 6 weekend rota (Saturday and Sunday), and you would ordinarily work 1-2 bank holidays per year.
Because our employees matter
We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary of up to £37,500 DOE you will benefit from:
- Work-life balance
- 6.6 weeks annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
- Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
- Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
- Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Private medical insurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
- Development
- Certificate support
- Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
- Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
- All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
- Infection Prevention and Control Programme
- Quality Improvement Programme
- Professional memberships
- VDS cover
- RCVS fees
- Additional Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers
- Pension – 5% Employee/3% Employer
- Discounted staff pet care
At IVC Evidensia we are committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.
Any questions before applying? Speak to Helen Paddison from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.
Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse - HDU & Wards in High Wycombe employer: VC Evidensia UK
Contact Detail:
VC Evidensia UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse - HDU & Wards in High Wycombe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend industry 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 the Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse role. Think about how you can showcase your leadership skills and clinical experience in high-dependency settings.
✨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 Hamilton Specialist Referrals and make sure to tailor your approach to fit their culture and mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role and keeping you top of mind for the hiring team. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse - HDU & Wards in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse role. Highlight your clinical experience in HDU and ward-based nursing, as well as any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for veterinary care and how you can contribute to our team. Mention specific examples of how you've delivered outstanding patient care in the past.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love a collaborative environment, so make sure to highlight your ability to work well with others. Share experiences where you've supported your team or contributed to a positive workplace culture.
Apply Through Our Website: To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at VC Evidensia UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical knowledge, especially around high-dependency and ward-based nursing. Be ready to discuss specific cases you've handled and how you contributed to patient care. This will show that you're not just experienced but also passionate about the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supporting and guiding a team, think of examples where you've taken the lead or mentored others. Prepare to share how you foster a positive team culture and ensure effective communication among team members and clinicians.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, like prioritising cases in a busy environment. Think through how you'd handle these scenarios, focusing on your organisational skills and calmness under pressure. This will demonstrate your situational awareness and adaptability.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the hospital's approach to patient care and team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and career goals.