Head Veterinary Nurse – Wanstead, London

We are recruiting for a Head Veterinary Nurse to join a leading 24-hour referral hospital in Wanstead, East London. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced RVN to step into a key leadership role within one of the busiest and most diverse veterinary hospitals in the region.

This full-time position is primarily a management and leadership role (around 75% admin/management, 25% clinical duties), with no routine weekends and only a 1:5 weekend manager on-call rotation (telephone support only, no need to attend the hospital).

Key details

• Type: 24-hour referral hospital, small animal

• Hours: Full-time

• Weekends: None (1:5 weekend manager on-call, remote only)

• OOH: Covered by hospital team

• Team: Approx. 25 vets, 30 RVNs, 15 SVNs, 7 VCAs, plus a large client care team

• Salary: £40,000 – £44,000 depending on experience

About the role
This is a senior leadership role working alongside the Hospital Manager and Head Vet to drive operational excellence, ensure the highest standards of patient care, and support a large and varied nursing team. You will work closely with two Deputy Head Nurses and five Senior Nurses to provide guidance, structure, and development opportunities across the RVN, SVN, and VCA team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Scheduling and leading team meetings

• Setting and maintaining high clinical standards in collaboration with departmental leads

• Overseeing in-house training for vets and nurses

• Working clinical shifts across wards, theatre, and charge nurse duties as required

• Recruitment, induction, and ongoing support for new team members

• Managing rotas, TOIL, and overtime with the Hospital Manager

• Conducting reviews and maintaining clear reporting structures

• Driving efficiency in patient journeys and hospital processes

• Supporting staff with additional responsibilities and training needs

This role would suit a confident RVN with previous leadership experience in a hospital or referral setting, or a senior nurse ready to step into formal management with the support of leadership training provided.

About them
Wanstead Veterinary Hospital is the largest in the group, supporting over 20 local branches and providing first opinion, emergency, critical care, and referral services. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities, including:

• CT scanner

• Ultrasound

• In-house laboratory and access to a commercial laboratory

• Visiting imaging specialists

• Advanced orthopaedic, soft tissue, and minimally invasive surgery

The team handles a diverse caseload, making this a dynamic environment for a Head Nurse who thrives on challenge and variety.

About you

• Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong experience in hospital or referral practice

• Existing Head Nurse or a highly experienced RVN ready to step into leadership

• Passionate about team development, training, and maintaining high clinical standards

• Organised, approachable, and able to inspire and support colleagues at all levels

• Positive, proactive, and excited to make the role your own

Package

• Salary: £40,000 – £44,000 depending on experience, with scope to grow in the role

• Hours: Full-time with no routine weekends (1:5 weekend manager on-call, phone support only)

• Holidays: 6.6 weeks annual leave including bank holidays

• CPD: Annual budget plus up to 2 paid CPD days

• Memberships: RCVS and VDS fees paid

• Additional benefits:

  • Paid 30-minute lunch breaks

  • Option to join private medical healthcare scheme at a reduced rate

  • Cashback and wellness incentives

Must Haves

• RCVS Registered (or soon to be)
• Possess the right to work in the United Kingdom
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

What Happens Next?

CLICK APPLY NOW or if you have any questions before applying, or if this role isn't quite right for you, feel free to contact the Vet Seekers team to chat through your veterinary career aspirations in confidence.

Quote job reference: 25-45345

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