Overview
We are seeking a confident, knowledgeable Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Rufford Vets, Southport on a full-time basis. Part-time applications will be considered. Take the next step in your nursing career within a supportive, forward-thinking team where you can develop both your clinical and leadership skills.
Rufford Veterinary Group provides a high-quality first opinion service supported by advanced diagnostics and procedures. Our team cares for a wide range of patients including dogs, cats, rabbits, and a variety of avian and exotic species, alongside a busy and engaging emergency caseload. You’ll primarily be based at our Southport site, with occasional opportunities to support our other branches in Rufford and Tarleton. You’ll be joining a friendly, collaborative team with a strong focus on delivering gold-standard patient care and excellent client service.
IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners.
At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse, you will play a key role in delivering high standards of nursing care while supporting and developing colleagues within the practice. You’ll work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons and the wider practice team to support excellent patient and client care. You\'ll also act as a source of guidance for the nursing team, and contribute to maintaining and improving clinical standards, workflows and patient outcomes.
4 or 5 day week with shifts between 7:00am and 9:00pm
1 in 5 weekend rota
No out-of-hours work after 7:00pm
General responsibilities include:
* Support the Head Nurse in the day-to-day leadership and organisation of the nursing team
* Step into a leadership role in the absence of the Head Nurse
* Deliver high-quality clinical care across theatre, inpatient and consulting settings
* Support and mentor team members, including involvement in clinical coaching
* Assist with rota planning, stock control and organisational tasks
* Help maintain clinical standards, protocols and health and safety compliance
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
You are an experienced and confident Registered Veterinary Nurse who enjoys supporting others and leading by example. You\'ll bring:
* Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
* Significant experience in clinical practice with strong medical and surgical nursing skills
* Experience and aptitude for supporting, mentoring or informally coaching colleagues
* Strong communication and organisational skills
* A proactive approach to quality improvement, learning and professional development
How We’ll Support You
At IVC Evidensia, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
* A senior nursing role with opportunities to influence clinical standards and ways of working
* Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into leadership or specialist nursing roles
* Ongoing learning and development supported by experienced colleagues and practice teams
* A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
* 6.6 weeks\' annual leave plus your birthday off
* Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
* Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
* Private Medical Insurance
* Employee wellbeing initiatives including - Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
* £550 CPD allowance plus 24hrs paid leave
* Certificate support
* RCVS and VDS fees covered
* Pension scheme
* Discounted veterinary care
* Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you - including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
Up to £34,000 DOE
#J-18808-Ljbffr