Registered Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal - Deputy Head Nurse
Powderham Vets are excited to open applications for a Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse to join our experienced and supportive team. We’re looking for a confident, motivated individual who is either an existing Deputy Head Nurse or an experienced RVN ready to take the next step in their career.
This role is ideal for someone seeking a new challenge within a progressive, patient-focused environment. You will play a key role in both the clinical and administrative aspects of our practice, contributing to high standards of patient care and team leadership.
About the role
In this role, you will deputise in the absence of the Head RVN, managing all aspects of the nursing team and ensuring high standards of professional conduct are upheld throughout. You will be responsible for maintaining the consistent delivery of exceptional patient care, while acting as a role model and advocate for effective teamwork and communication.
Supporting the Head RVN, you will assist in the smooth day-to-day running of the practice and contribute to the implementation of nursing-related projects. You will maintain and update SOPs, ensuring full compliance at all times, and support adherence to the Practice Standards Scheme and Health & Safety protocols. A key part of the role includes leading, mentoring, and supporting SVNs and VCAs, including providing clinical coaching and guidance to fellow coaches where required. You will also play an active role in clinical governance and auditing processes, and take responsibility for overseeing the efficient operation of the in-house laboratory.
Working hours/rota
This is a full-time position of up to 40 hours per week, with participation in a 1:8 Saturday morning rota based at South Devon Veterinary Hospital. While we are ideally looking for a full-time candidate, we recognise the importance of work-life balance and are happy to explore flexible rota patterns to suit individual needs.
Our out-of-hours care is covered by dedicated providers, ensuring our team can enjoy well-earned downtime without on-call responsibilities. With the beautiful South Devon coast on our doorstep, we want our team to have the time and balance to truly enjoy it.
What we are looking for
We’re seeking a qualified RVN with strong clinical experience and a passion for delivering exceptional patient and client care. The ideal candidate will either have previous leadership experience or demonstrate a clear readiness to step into a leadership role. You should be confident in managing and motivating a team, with a proactive, organised, and adaptable approach to your work.
Excellent communication skills are essential, as is a commitment to maintaining high clinical and professional standards. A Clinical Coach qualification is desirable, though we welcome candidates who are willing to train for this as part of their development.
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 weeks annual leave
* Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
* Your birthday as a paid day off
* 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 with 24 hours paid pro rata
* 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
Powderham Veterinary Group, Torquay
Unit 1, The Willows Village Centre, Torquay, TQ2 7TG, United Kingdom
At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.
Any questions before applying?
Speak to Lovell Varcoe from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.
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