Head Veterinary Nurse – Maternity Cover | Oxfordshire

An opportunity has arisen for an RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse to step into a Head Veterinary Nurse maternity cover position with an established small animal practice in Oxfordshire.

Offering a salary from £32,500 per annum, this role combines hands-on clinical nursing with responsibility for leading and developing an experienced nursing and support team. It could suit an established Head Nurse or an experienced RVN ready to progress into their first leadership position.

Key Highlights

• Salary from £32,500 per annum
• Maternity cover position
• 40 hours across 4 or 5 days
• 1 in 6 weekends at a nearby 24-hour hospital
• Established 2-Vet practice
• Nursing team of 4 RVNs and 2 VCAs
• Additional Client Care Assistant support
• Experienced Partner
• Clinical leadership and team development responsibilities
• High level of clinical freedom and autonomy
• £750 CPD allowance plus 2 days' paid CPD leave
• Funded certificates and ongoing development
• RCVS and VDS fees paid

The Role

As Head Veterinary Nurse, you'll take responsibility for the clinical leadership of the nursing team while remaining actively involved in day-to-day patient care.

You'll help maintain high clinical and operational standards, support the development of nursing colleagues and work closely with the veterinary and wider practice team.

Responsibilities will include:

• Providing clinical leadership to the nursing team
• Supporting, developing and inspiring nursing colleagues
• Leading nurse-led appointments
• Carrying out Schedule 3 activities
• Supporting consultations, surgeries and procedures
• Patient monitoring and inpatient care
• Managing admissions and discharges
• Maintaining high clinical, regulatory and operational standards
• Delivering excellent client care
• Helping develop nursing services within the practice

Rota

The role is based around 40 hours per week, with flexibility over the working pattern:

• 4 or 5-day working week
• 1 in 6 weekends at a nearby 24-hour hospital

Facilities & Team

You'll join an established small animal practice with a loyal client base and a strong clinical team consisting of:

• 2 Veterinary Surgeons
• 4 Registered Veterinary Nurses
• 2 Veterinary Care Assistants
• 1 Client Care Assistant
• Experienced Partner support

The practice offers a supportive environment with scope to develop both your clinical interests and leadership experience, while access to a nearby 24-hour hospital provides additional clinical support.

About You

You'll need to be an RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong clinical skills and an interest in nursing leadership.

Applications are welcomed from:

• Existing Head Veterinary Nurses looking for a maternity cover opportunity, or
• Experienced RVNs who are ready to take the next step into leadership.

You'll ideally be confident supporting and motivating colleagues, maintaining clinical standards and taking ownership of the nursing function while remaining hands-on clinically.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary from £32,500 per annum
• 5 weeks' annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service
• Additional paid 'Day for You'
• £750 CPD allowance
• 2 days' paid CPD leave
• Funded certificate opportunities
• Internal CPD and Clinical Communities
• 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

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: 26-00557

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