Head Veterinary Nurse

IVC Evidensia; Surrey; On-site; CAD 71,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks annual leave

Birthday leave

Private Medical Insurance

Pension scheme

CPD allowance 550

Job summary

Virginia Water Veterinary Clinic, part of IVC Evidensia, is seeking a Head Veterinary Nurse to provide senior clinical leadership for the nursing team and to uphold high standards of patient and client care in a modern small-animal practice.

You will set nursing standards, drive clinical governance and quality improvement, and develop a capable, confident nursing team in collaboration with the practice leadership. Opportunities to mentor students and lead clinical coaching are included.

Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Significant clinical experience with advanced nursing skills
• Proven leadership and mentoring ability

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the nursing team while upholding high clinical standards
• Oversee day-to-day back-of-house clinical operations
• Deliver hands-on nursing care in theatre, inpatient care, and clinics
• Mentor students and junior staff

Skills

Leadership

RCVS Registration

Clinical Nursing Skills

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

Tools

X-ray

Ultrasound

On-site laboratory

Job description

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, team-orientated Head Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Virginia Water Veterinary Clinic on a full-timebasis.

We are a friendly, newly established small animal practice based in the beautiful surroundings of Virginia Water, Surrey. Conveniently located right by the train station, we offer excellent transport links to London, as well as easy access to the local woodland and surrounding countryside. Staff parking is also available.

Our brand-new practice is currently home to a small, close‑k­nit team, including one Vet, a Head Nurse, RVN, Practice Director and two Receptionists, with exciting plans to expand the team as the practice continues to grow. We are well equipped with an on‑site laboratory, X‑ray and ultrasound, alongside visiting specialist surgeons who provide laparoscopic spays, orthopaedic procedures and ophthalmology services.

We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our clients and patients, which has helped us develop an excellent local reputation and a loyal client base. As we grow, we are looking to introduce an Animal Nursing Assistant and offer SVN placement opportunities, making this an exciting time to join the team. We would particularly welcome an RVN with an interest in clinical coaching, or someone who already holds Clinical Coach training, to help support the development of future student nurses.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Head Veterinary Nurse, you will provide senior clinical and professional leadership for the nursing team, overseeing all nursing aspects of the practice and supporting the delivery of high‑quality patient and client care.

You’ll be responsible for setting and maintaining nursing standards, leading clinical governance and quality improvement activity, and developing a capable, confident nursing team. Working closely with the wider practice leadership team, you'll play a key role in shaping culture, performance and ways of working.

Working Pattern

• 40 hours per week
• Working either 4/5 days, covering shifts between 8:30 am - 7:30 pm on a rota basis
• 1:4 Saturdays 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, with TOIL

General Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the nursing team, promoting high clinical standards
• Support the smooth day‑to‑day running of back‑of‑house clinical areas
• Deliver hands‑on nursing care across theatre, inpatient care, and nurse consultations
• Help mentor and guide colleagues, including students and less experienced team members
• Insurance claim processing
• Stock level controls

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are an experienced and confident Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong leadership capability and a passion for clinical excellence. You’ll bring:

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Significant experience in clinical practice with advanced medical and surgical nursing skills
• Proven experience of leading, mentoring and developing nursing teams
• Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement and professional standards
• Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• A senior leadership role with accountability for nursing standards, team development and service improvement
• Structured leadership pathways through our dedicated Nurse Academy, empowering you to shape the future of nursing care within our practice
• Clear career development with progression opportunities into wider practice leadership roles
• Ongoing learning and development to support leadership, governance and strategic growth
• A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.6 weeks' annual leave
• Additional annual leave for your birthday, which will be added to your holiday allowance
• Increasing annual leave accrued through length of service
• 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
• 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 and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world‑class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.