Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse | Portsmouth, Hampshire

An excellent opportunity for an experienced and motivated Registered Veterinary Nurse to step into a Deputy Head Nurse role within a busy, well-equipped small animal practice in Portsmouth. This position is ideal for an RVN who enjoys leadership responsibility alongside hands-on clinical work, and who is keen to support governance, standards and team development within a growing nursing team.

The Role

This is a full-time Deputy Head Nurse position supporting the Head Nurse in the day-to-day clinical and operational running of the practice. The role combines clinical nursing duties with leadership, mentoring and governance responsibilities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Head Nurse in driving clinical standards, efficiency and continuous improvement

• Acting as a clinical coach and mentor to the nursing team

• Assisting with rota management, workflow efficiency and clinical governance

• Supporting consulting, inpatient and surgical nursing duties

• Ensuring compliance with clinical protocols, SOPs and regulatory standards

• Promoting excellent client communication and patient care

• Supporting training and development of nursing colleagues

This is a varied role offering both leadership exposure and hands-on clinical involvement.

Working Pattern

• Full-time position

• Typically worked across a 4-day week

• 9-hour shifts

• Weekend rota of 1 in 4

• Duty nights included on a rotational basis

• Flexible working patterns considered

What We’re Looking For

• RCVS-registered Veterinary Nurse

• Previous experience in a busy small animal practice

• Confidence supporting or leading a nursing team

• Strong communication and organisational skills

• Passion for clinical excellence, governance and team development

• Enjoys a varied caseload and working collaboratively

Location Highlights

• Based in Portsmouth, Hampshire

• Coastal city offering excellent lifestyle balance

• Easy access to beaches, countryside and South Coast destinations

• Strong transport links, including rail and motorway access

Salary & Benefits

• Salary range £29,000 – £35,000 DOE

• Profit share bonus scheme

• Enhanced maternity pay and compassionate leave

• Income protection

• CPD allowance and professional development support

• Retail and lifestyle discounts

• Health and wellbeing support programmes

• Opportunities for career progression within a growing organisation

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: 26-00162

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