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- Tasks: Support clinical operations and maintain high standards of patient care in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Progressive small animal practice in Portsmouth with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share, CPD allowance, and health support.
- Why this job: Gain leadership experience while making a real impact on animal care.
- Qualifications: Experienced veterinary nurse with strong communication and organisational skills.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for overseas charity work.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 35000 £ per year.
A busy and progressive small animal practice in Portsmouth is seeking a motivated and proactive Deputy Head Nurse to join its nursing team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced veterinary nurse looking to take the next step in their leadership career within a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
The Deputy Head Nurse will work closely with the Head Nurse to support the efficiency, governance, and continuous improvement of clinical operations, while maintaining high standards of patient care and customer service.
The ideal candidate is a team-oriented individual who:
- Is confident, approachable, and keen to support colleagues
- Enjoys a varied caseload including consulting, inpatient care, and theatre work
- Has strong communication and organisational skills
- Is motivated to contribute to clinical governance and team development
- Has a genuine interest in ongoing learning and professional growth
This role is ideal for a nurse who enjoys responsibility, thrives in a dynamic clinical environment, and is keen to develop leadership skills.
Working hours & flexibility
- Full-time role based on a 4-day working week
- 9-hour shifts
- 1 in 4 weekends
- Duty nights on a rotational basis
The practice is open to discussing flexible working arrangements and is committed to finding a setup that supports a healthy work–life balance.
Whats on offer
- A competitive salary is offered alongside an attractive benefits package, including:
- Profit share bonus scheme
- Long service recognition
- Income protection
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Compassionate leave
- Staff and retail discounts
- Opportunities for overseas charity work
- CPD allowance
- Health and wellbeing support programme
The practice environment
The successful candidate will join a well-equipped, modern veterinary practice with extensive facilities, including multiple operating theatres, a dental suite, digital imaging, ultrasound equipment, separate wards for different species, isolation facilities, an in-house laboratory, and advanced patient monitoring. The caseload includes a growing number of exotic patients.
The team is supportive, collaborative, and committed to delivering high-quality care while continuously developing clinical skills and services.
Why apply
This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop leadership experience while remaining hands-on clinically. It is ideal for a veterinary nurse seeking career progression, professional development, and long-term stability within a well-resourced and supportive practice.
Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse | Portsmouth | 29K-35K employer: Veterinary Staff
Contact Detail:
Veterinary Staff Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse | Portsmouth | 29K-35K
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend local 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 veterinary nursing. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using mock interview tools to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for veterinary care during interviews. Share stories about your experiences, especially those that highlight your leadership skills and commitment to patient care. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse | Portsmouth | 29K-35K
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant clinical skills to show us you're the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for veterinary nursing and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention why you're excited about this specific opportunity in Portsmouth.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love a team player! In your application, share examples of how you've supported colleagues or contributed to team development in previous roles. This will help us see how you'd fit into our collaborative environment.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Veterinary Staff
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around small animal care and the specific procedures mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss your experience with various cases, including exotic patients, will show that you're not just a good fit but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves supporting the Head Nurse and contributing to team development, be prepared to share examples of how you've led or supported a team in the past. Think about times when you’ve taken initiative or helped improve processes – this will highlight your readiness for a leadership position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the practice's approach to clinical governance or how they support ongoing learning. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also in contributing to the practice’s growth and success.
✨Be Yourself
The practice is looking for someone who is approachable and team-oriented, so let your personality shine through. Share your passion for veterinary nursing and your commitment to high standards of patient care. Authenticity can make a big difference in how you connect with the interviewers.
