An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head Registered Veterinary Nurse to lead the nursing team within a brand-new, purpose-built small animal practice in Feltham. This permanent full-time position offers the rare opportunity to build and shape a nursing team from day one, working within one of the most advanced first opinion veterinary practices in the group.

Rather than stepping into an established structure, you’ll have genuine influence over clinical standards, nursing utilisation, team development and the day-to-day running of the practice, supported by one of the UK’s largest independent, family-owned veterinary groups.

Key Highlights

• Salary from £42,000 per annum depending on experience.
• Salary reviewed annually.
• Monthly recognition payment based on performance.
• £2,000 relocation allowance.
• £1,500 Golden Hello.
• £1,500 Golden Thank You after 18 months.
• Permanent full-time position.
• Average 39-hour working week.
• 4-day working week with 9-hour shifts.
• 1 in 4 weekend rota.
• Nurse care nights on rotation with accommodation provided where required.
• Flexible working options considered.
• Opportunity to lead the nursing team within a brand-new flagship veterinary practice.

The Practice

This exciting new small animal practice has been purpose-built to deliver exceptional veterinary care within a spacious, modern and thoughtfully designed environment. Opening in August, this will become one of the group’s flagship surgeries and has been designed around patient care, clinical workflow and colleague wellbeing.

The impressive facilities include:

• Spacious reception with separate dog, cat and small mammal waiting areas.
• Children’s play area and client refreshments.
• 8 consultation rooms.
• Dedicated cat-only consultation room.
• St Francis consultation suite.
• Double dental theatre.
• 2 operating theatres.
• Dedicated orthopaedic theatre.
• Digital X-ray suite.
• Ultrasound suite.
• CT suite with CT scanner planned for installation in early 2027.
• Large separate dog and cat wards.
• Dedicated small mammal and reptile wards.
• Spacious preparation and treatment areas.
• Modern in-house laboratory facilities.

The practice has been designed to allow Registered Veterinary Nurses to work to the full extent of their qualifications and clinical interests. Depending on experience, nurses are encouraged to undertake and develop skills including:

• Schedule 3 surgical procedures.
• Dentistry.
• Diagnostic radiography.
• Nurse consultations.
• Behaviour clinics.
• Physiotherapy.
• Chemotherapy.
• Inpatient care.
• Anaesthesia and theatre nursing.

This is a genuine opportunity to create a nursing culture where clinical skills are recognised, utilised and continually developed.

The Location

Located in Feltham, Greater London, the practice benefits from excellent transport links and easy access from Ashford, Sunbury, Hounslow, Twickenham, Richmond, Staines and Heathrow. The area offers excellent commuter connections together with a wide range of shops, restaurants, green spaces and local amenities.

The Role

As Head Registered Veterinary Nurse, you will work alongside the Head Veterinary Surgeon to establish the nursing team and clinical standards from the very beginning.

This is a hands-on leadership role, combining clinical nursing with responsibility for developing colleagues, maintaining high clinical standards and ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the nursing department.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Leading, mentoring and developing the nursing team.
• Supporting recruitment and induction of new nursing colleagues.
• Delivering exceptional patient and client care.
• Maintaining high standards within theatre, wards and nurse consultations.
• Promoting full utilisation of nursing skills, including Schedule 3 procedures.
• Supporting Student Veterinary Nurses and Clinical Coaches.
• Managing clinical governance and nursing protocols.
• Supporting rota planning and day-to-day organisation of the nursing team.
• Working collaboratively with the veterinary leadership team.
• Driving continuous improvement across the practice.
• Creating a positive, supportive and collaborative working culture.

This role offers genuine autonomy and influence, making it ideal for an experienced Head Nurse or an ambitious Deputy Head Nurse ready to take the next step.

About You

• RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse.
• Previous Head Nurse, Deputy Head Nurse or senior nursing experience.
• Passionate about delivering exceptional patient care.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.
• Committed to developing colleagues and promoting clinical excellence.
• Enthusiastic about maximising nursing utilisation.
• Positive, proactive and adaptable.
• Excited by the opportunity to help build a brand-new practice.

What’s On Offer

• Salary from £42,000 depending on experience.
• Annual salary reviews.
• Monthly recognition payments.
• £2,000 relocation allowance.
• £1,500 Golden Hello.
• £1,500 Golden Thank You after 18 months.
• Permanent full-time position.
• Average 39-hour working week.
• 4-day working week.
• 1 in 4 weekend rota.
• Nurse care nights with accommodation provided where required.
• Flexible working options considered.
• CPD allowance with excellent career development opportunities.
• Funded professional fees.
• Income protection.
• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Compassionate leave.
• Monthly recognition scheme.
• Help at Hand wellbeing support.
• Staff discounts on treatments and products.
• Free consultations for your own pets.
• Retail, travel and lifestyle discounts.
• Long service recognition.
• Overseas charity work opportunities.
• Leadership development and excellent long-term career progression.
• Opportunity to build and lead the nursing team within one of the group’s flagship veterinary practices.

If you would like further information about this Head Registered Veterinary Nurse role in Feltham, Greater London, or would like to arrange a confidential and informal discussion, please get in touch.