We’re looking for a passionate and proactive Head Veterinary Nurse to join our friendly and experienced team on a maternity cover basis.
Step into a leadership role
As Head Veterinary Nurse, you’ll play a key role in overseeing our nursing team and ensuring best practice across the board. You’ll lead by example, driving high standards of care, creating nursing team shift and role rotas, setting up and reviewing SOPs, supporting CPD development, and supporting the nursing team and wider practice team.
Key responsibilities
*Lead and manage the nursing team, providing guidance and support.
*Create nursing team shift and role rotas and manage holiday requests.
*Oversee patient care, ensuring best practice in all aspects of nursing care.
*Assist in the management of clinical and operational procedures, including stock control and clinical protocols.
*Perform a wide range of nursing duties, including surgeries, consultations, and inpatient care.
*Work closely with the Practice Manager, Clinical Directors and veterinary team to improve operational efficiency and patient care.
About us
We are a friendly, two-site mixed practice based in North Devon, just a short drive from Exmoor and the stunning North Devon beaches. Our practice boasts modern, well-equipped facilities and a diverse range of clinical interests among our team, including exotics and orthopaedics.
We strongly encourage our nurses to pursue their individual areas of interest, and many have gone on to achieve certificates in their chosen fields. Our equipment includes an in-house diagnostic laboratory, digital x-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, dental radiography, therapeutic laser (used in nurse-led clinics), and multiparameter monitors in theatre, enabling us to deliver high-quality, progressive care.
About the team and culture
Across our two sites, we have a mix of full- and part-time team members, including 14 vets, 11 nurses, 2 student nurses, and 11 members of our dedicated admin team. Our clinical staff bring a wealth of experience, with vets holding certificates in surgery and exotics, and nurses qualified in feline nursing, exotics, and anaesthesia.
We actively support and encourage individual interests that align with the goals and values of the practice, fostering a culture of professional growth. We’re also proud to work closely with local charities, including our partnership with a local branch of Cats Protection.
Who we are looking for
We’re looking for a Head Veterinary Nurse who is proactive, enthusiastic, and approachable. The ideal candidate will be a strong team player who thrives in a collaborative environment but is also confident working independently and using their own initiative.
A positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and a genuine passion for patient care are essential. If you're someone who enjoys a varied role and is keen to contribute to a supportive and forward-thinking team, we’d love to hear from you.
Shift pattern
This is a fixed term contract position, working 37.5 hours per week. We will be happy to consider a part time application from the right candidate. Weekday shifts vary, with the earliest start at 8:00am and the latest finish at 6:15pm. The current rota includes working 1 in 7 Saturdays from 8:30am to 5:00pm, with time off in lieu that week.
You’ll also be part of the second on-call rota, covering 6:00pm to 7:00pm approximately once every 7 weeks. This comes with a paid retainer fee, call-out fee, and 1. 5x hourly rate for any time worked on-site. In addition, our nurses participate in late-night inpatient checks, currently 3 evenings in every 7 weeks, with appropriate compensation provided.
Because our employees matter
We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from -
Work-life balance
*6.6 weeks annual leave
*Additional annual leave for your birthday
Wellbeing
*Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
*Private Medical Insurance
*Cycle to Work scheme
*Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership
*Non-accidental injury support
Development
*£550 CPD allowance
*Certificate support
*Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
*Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider
*All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
*Infection Prevention and Control Programme
*Quality Improvement Programme
Professional Memberships
*VDS cover
*RCVS fees
Additional
*Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers
*Pension 5% Employee/3% Employer
*Discounted staff pet care
Up to £34,125 DOE
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