Head Registered Veterinary Nurse – Barnes, South West London

Salary £32,000–£35,000 DOE
Fixed-term contract | Full-time (part-time & flexible hours considered)
Community-focused first-opinion practice in SW London

The Opportunity

We’re recruiting for an experienced Head Registered Veterinary Nurse to lead a dedicated nursing team within a well-established, first-opinion small animal practice in Barnes, South West London.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident Head Nurse—or an RVN ready to step into leadership—who enjoys combining hands-on clinical work with mentoring, team development, and maintaining high clinical standards. The practice has a strong community feel, a loyal client base, and a supportive leadership structure that gives you real autonomy day to day.

This position is offered on a fixed-term contract, with part-time and flexible working options available for the right candidate.

The Practice Environment

This modern, well-equipped practice is designed to support high-quality nursing care and a broad range of clinical interests. Facilities include:

• Two bright consultation rooms

• Separate dental and surgical suites

• Digital and dental radiography

• In-house laboratory facilities

• Dedicated cat and dog wards

• Advanced anaesthetic and patient monitoring equipment

You’ll be working alongside an experienced nursing team and knowledgeable reception staff in a collaborative, positive environment led by a locally invested practice leader.

The Role

As Head RVN, you’ll take responsibility for clinical leadership within the nursing team while remaining actively involved in day-to-day nursing duties. You’ll work closely with the veterinary and leadership teams to ensure excellent patient care, efficient workflow, and a supportive culture where nurses can thrive.

What We’re Looking For

• RCVS-registered Veterinary Nurse

• Proven experience in a senior, mentoring or leadership role (or ready to step up)

• Strong clinical skills across first-opinion nursing

• Confident leading nurse clinics and Schedule 3 procedures

• Excellent communication and team leadership skills

• A proactive, supportive approach to coaching and development

Salary & Benefits

• £32,000–£35,000 DOE

• Health Cash Plan from day one (dental, optical & physio)

• 24/7 private GP and counselling support

• Life assurance (3× salary)

• 5 weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with service

• Additional paid "Day for You”

• £750 CPD allowance plus 2 paid CPD days

• Internal CPD and clinical communities

• Funded certificate opportunities

• RCVS and VDS fees paid

• Interest-free season ticket loan

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Staff discounts on products and services

What You’ll Be Doing

• Providing clinical leadership to the nursing team

• Leading and developing nurse-led clinics and Schedule 3 procedures

• Supporting surgeries and procedures, including pre- and post-operative care

• Monitoring inpatients and managing admissions and discharges

• Dispensing and checking medications

• Maintaining high clinical, regulatory and operational standards

• Coaching, mentoring and inspiring nursing colleagues

• Sharing best practice and supporting continuous improvement

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: 26-00207

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