Description
Head Veterinary Nurse / Senior RVN – Small Animal Practice
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 DOE | Leadership Role | Clinical & Operational Balance
Key Highlights:
- Up to £40,000 DOE + CPD, leadership exposure & career progression
- Mix of clinical nursing and management responsibility
- Training practice with Clinical Coach opportunity
- Varied caseload with inpatient care, surgery, and leadership duties
Hours & Rota
- Full-time position (approx. 38–40 hours per week)
- Monday – Friday shifts between 8:00am – 6:30pm (flexibility required)
- Participation in rota planning and occasional clinical shift cover
- Night duties and weekend shifts shared across the team:
- Weeknights: inpatient care only after 9pm
- Weekends: inpatient focus after 5pm
- On-site accommodation provided for night/weekend duties
Salary & Benefits
- Salary £35,000 – £40,000 DOE
- Generous CPD allowance with leadership development opportunities
- Training practice with Clinical Coach potential
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Supportive, team-focused environment
- Opportunity to shape and develop the nursing team
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Veterinary Nurse / Senior RVN to take on a key leadership role within a busy, first-opinion small animal practice. This is a highly varied position combining hands-on clinical work with team leadership, rota management, and operational oversight.
This role is ideal for an experienced RVN ready to step into management or an established Head Nurse seeking a dynamic and rewarding environment.
The Role
You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the nursing team, while maintaining high clinical standards and supporting practice growth.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading, mentoring, and managing the nursing team
- Overseeing rotas, staffing, and day-to-day operations
- Supporting and developing student nurses (training practice environment)
- Maintaining clinical standards, SOPs, and compliance
- Stock control, ordering, and supplier liaison
- Supporting clinical duties including theatre, inpatient care, and nurse consults
- Organising CPD, appraisals, and team development
- Assisting with recruitment, performance management, and team wellbeing
Clinical Environment
- Busy first-opinion practice with varied caseload
- Strong focus on inpatient care and surgical nursing
- Night duties focused on inpatients only (reduced OOH pressure)
- Training practice with student nurse development opportunities
- Modern, spacious hospital environment
Apply Now
For more information or a confidential discussion:
01904 570056
l.stewart@purovets.com
Know someone suitable? Ask about our £250 referral bonus (T&Cs apply).
Ref: JOB-57794