Head Veterinary Nurse | Surrey

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head Veterinary Nurse to take a key leadership role across one of two established small animal practices in Surrey. Offering a salary of up to £42,000, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced RVN looking to step into leadership, or an existing Head Nurse seeking a position where they can genuinely influence the development of a practice.

With a new Partner and Lead Vet, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to become an important part of the local community, take ownership of the nursing function and help lead the practice forward.

Key Highlights

• Salary up to £42,000.
• Permanent, full-time Head Veterinary Nurse position.
• 40 hours per week.
• Opportunity to be based at one of two practices in Surrey.
• Work closely with a new Partner and Lead Vet.
• Genuine opportunity to shape and develop the nursing team.
• Community-focused first opinion practices.
• 1 in 4 weekends, working an 8-hour hospital shift.
• Weekend shifts alternate between Saturday and Sunday.
• Participation in an on-call rota.
• Access to a nearby 24-hour hospital.
• £750 CPD allowance plus 2 paid CPD days.
• Funded certificates and internal development opportunities.
• RCVS and VDS fees paid.

The Practice

This opportunity is available across two closely linked small animal practices in Surrey, both under new clinical leadership.

The practices have a strong community focus and the new Partner is looking for a Head Nurse who wants to become an integral part of the team, take ownership of nursing standards and work alongside the Lead Vet to help move the practice forward.

This isn't simply a senior nursing position. You'll have the opportunity to influence how the practice develops, support and motivate the nursing team and contribute to creating a positive clinical culture.

The practices also benefit from links with a nearby 24-hour veterinary hospital, providing access to a larger clinical team, advanced diagnostics and support with more complex cases.

The Role

Working 40 hours per week, you'll take responsibility for the clinical leadership and development of the nursing team while remaining actively involved in patient care.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading and supporting the nursing team.
• Maintaining high clinical and nursing standards.
• Nurse-led consultations and clinics.
• Schedule 3 procedures.
• Theatre and surgical nursing.
• Anaesthesia and patient monitoring.
• Inpatient nursing and patient care.
• Admissions and discharges.
• Supporting consultations, surgery and procedures.
• Coaching and developing nursing colleagues.
• Helping improve the day-to-day running of the practice.
• Working alongside the Partner and Lead Vet to develop the practice and its services.

You'll also undertake an 8-hour shift at a nearby 24-hour hospital every fourth weekend, alternating between Saturdays and Sundays, and participate in the hospital on-call rota.

The hospital element provides exposure to a broader and more complex caseload while working alongside an experienced emergency and hospital team.

Facilities & Clinical Development

The practices provide a varied first opinion small animal caseload with access to modern diagnostic and surgical equipment.

Facilities across the practices and wider clinical network include access to:

• Digital X-ray.
• Dental facilities.
• Ultrasound.
• In-house laboratory facilities.
• Modern anaesthetic monitoring.
• Nurse consultation facilities.
• Surgical and inpatient facilities.
• Advanced diagnostics through the nearby 24-hour hospital.
• Wider clinical support for complex cases.

There is a strong emphasis on allowing RVNs to use and develop their clinical skills, with funded certificates and structured development opportunities available.

The Candidate

You must be an RCVS-registered Veterinary Nurse with the confidence and experience to provide clinical leadership to a nursing team.

Applications are welcomed from both existing Head Veterinary Nurses and experienced RVNs ready to take their first formal leadership position.

You'll ideally be someone who:

• Enjoys leading, motivating and supporting colleagues.
• Wants autonomy and responsibility within the practice.
• Takes pride in maintaining excellent clinical standards.
• Enjoys coaching and developing other nurses.
• Is organised, proactive and comfortable taking ownership.
• Values a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Wants to continue developing both clinically and as a leader.
• Is passionate about excellent patient and client care.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary up to £42,000.
• Permanent, full-time position.
• 40 hours per week.
• 5 weeks' annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service.
• Additional paid 'Day for You' each year.
• £750 annual CPD allowance.
• 2 days' paid CPD leave.
• Funded certificate opportunities.
• Access to Clinical Communities and internal CPD.
• Access to a 24-hour hospital and wider clinical network.
• Health Cash Plan from day one.
• 24/7 counselling and wellbeing support.
• Life Assurance at 3x salary.
• RCVS and VDS fees paid.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Season Ticket Loan.
• Employee discounts on veterinary products and services.

If you would like further information about this Head Veterinary Nurse opportunity in Surrey, or would like to arrange a confidential and informal discussion, please get in touch with the Vet Seekers team today.

Interested?

CLICK APPLY NOW to submit your application.

If you have any questions before applying, or you're exploring other permanent or locum veterinary opportunities, contact the Vet Seekers team for a confidential discussion.

Please quote Job Reference: 26-00548

T: 0333 014 7374
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