At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team of veterinary nurses in providing exceptional patient care.
- Company: Join Linnaeus, part of Mars Veterinary Health, a leader in pet care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mental health support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive, inclusive team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while advancing your veterinary career.
- Qualifications: 2 years experience in a referral hospital; Emergency & Critical Care certificate preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36500 - 41500 £ per year.
London Vet Specialists are seeking a Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our team as a Lead Wards RVN in our multi-disciplinary referral hospital in Hammersmith. It’s an exciting opportunity to shape our inpatient care and wards as we continue to grow our team. The ideal candidate will have 2 years of experience in a referral hospital, with a further certificate in Emergency & Critical Care advantageous.
The Lead Wards RVN will be responsible for working collaboratively with the Head of Nursing Services (HoNS), Lead RVNs, Clinical Director and Clinicians across the hospital to ensure the efficient delivery of outstanding patient care, particularly within the wards & ICU. Your work will remain primarily clinical, to include wards nursing and care for inpatients across all disciplines, upholding clinical quality standards in relation to IV catheter, fluid therapy, feeding tube, central line, urinary catheter, wound drain and trach tube maintenance & care, nutritional management, anaesthesia recovery, physiotherapy and critical care nursing.
Your leadership responsibilities will include providing line management and training to team members, conducting performance reviews and inductions, SOP development and coordination for all relevant personnel working within your team. This position will also share patient flow responsibilities to schedule and coordinate case throughput across all departments of the hospital alongside the other Lead RVNs.
You will join the LVS Nursing Leadership Team of 6 referral experienced RVNs, who are responsible for the overall direction, development and leadership of our nursing team, including RVNs, SVNs, PCAs and theatre technicians.
Key Responsibilities- Provision of a high and sustainable quality of patient care by you and your team, primarily within the wards & ICU services.
- Prioritise inpatient care and the implementation of nursing care plans.
- Ensure the comfort and safety of patients undergoing investigations, hospitalisation and surgery.
- Take responsibility for the management of infectious cases, including educating other members of the team about infectious diseases, zoonotic diseases and barrier nursing.
- Provide leadership within the nursing team, and line management to those working within the wards, ICU & multi-disciplinary teams, to include recruitment, performance management, hosting meetings and rota coordination.
- Liaise with our Lead Twilight RVN on management of our wards throughout a 24-hour period, to include SOP development, protocol implementation and policy updates.
- Ensure accurate record keeping is undertaken, especially regarding anaesthetic and hospitalisation records in SmartFlow.
- Ensure equipment is appropriately maintained and serviced.
- Ensure effective communication is maintained within the surgery & anaesthesia teams.
- Work with the Lead Nurses, Team Leaders and HoNS where required to help develop a skills matrix for nursing requirements within wards, ICU & OOH (night).
- Assist with stock management within your department and co-ordinate with the pharmacy & purchasing assistant.
- Participate in team briefings and meetings to ensure effective and efficient communication.
- Take part in team reflections of incidents and near misses, to continually improve our patient care and safety, including Halo reporting.
- As a cat-friendly clinic, you will support the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) cat-friendly standards across the hospital.
- As a dog-friendly clinic, you will support the Dogs Trust and British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA) dog-friendly standards across the hospital.
- Take part in a range of team committees such as our Sustainability, Culture & Wellbeing or Dog/Cat-Friendly committees, to both explore areas of personal interest and help to shape our impact, culture and standards as a hospital.
- Seek opportunities to maintain competence in other areas of nursing to ensure a strong level of general nursing capabilities are still achieved.
At Linnaeus, we are committed to supporting the physical and mental health of all our Associates. We have an amazing team of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) across our practices and central support office in addition to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme which is available for everyone.
We are proud to be Linnaeus, part of Mars. Linnaeus is a forward-thinking group of highly respected primary care and specialist referral practices in the UK and Ireland. Being family owned and part of Mars Veterinary Health, the largest veterinary company in the world, allows us to focus on advancing the veterinary profession to provide industry-leading pet care and unique career opportunities for our people.
Lead Wards Registered Veterinary Nurse employer: VCA Inc.
Linnaeus, part of Mars Veterinary Health, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its Associates. Located in Hammersmith, our multi-disciplinary referral hospital fosters a collaborative work culture, offering unique opportunities for leadership development and involvement in sustainability initiatives. With a strong commitment to mental health support and a focus on high-quality patient care, we empower our team to thrive in a rewarding environment dedicated to advancing the veterinary profession.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Wards Registered Veterinary Nurse
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, especially those at Linnaeus. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your clinical skills and leadership experience. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've excelled in patient care and team management.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for animal care! During interviews, let your love for pets shine through. Talk about your experiences and how they align with Linnaeus's values and commitment to high-quality service.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Linnaeus family.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Wards Registered Veterinary Nurse
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the Lead Wards RVN role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise in inpatient care and leadership!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for veterinary nursing shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely excited about providing outstanding patient care and contributing to our team culture. A personal touch can make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your information logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at VCA Inc.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your clinical skills and knowledge related to inpatient care, especially in areas like IV catheter maintenance and anaesthesia recovery. Being able to discuss specific cases or experiences will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Wards RVN, you'll be expected to manage and train your team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or handled performance reviews in the past. This will demonstrate your capability to take on leadership responsibilities.
✨Understand the Hospital's Values
Familiarise yourself with Linnaeus's commitment to sustainability, mental health, and high-quality patient care. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role, the team dynamics, and the hospital's future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
