Deputy Head Nurse - Small Animal

British Veterinary Association; Reading; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in veterinary care is seeking a passionate Deputy Head Nurse to join their exceptional team in Reading. This role offers the chance to lead a dedicated nursing team while ensuring compassionate care remains at the core of practice operations. With state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on professional development, this position allows you to make a real difference in the lives of pets and their families. Enjoy a supportive work environment that values your contributions and promotes work-life balance, alongside competitive benefits and opportunities for growth.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Pension 5% Employee/3% Employer

Discounted staff pet care

CPD allowance

Certificate support

Research funding opportunities

Pawsome Benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience in veterinary nursing and leadership roles.
• Strong commitment to patient care and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Nurse in managing the nursing team effectively.
• Ensure high standards of patient care and client service.

Skills

Veterinary Nursing

Leadership

Client Care

Teamwork

Patient Care

Education

RCVS Accredited Qualifications

Tools

Digital Radiography

Ultrasound

CT Scanner

In-house Laboratory

Job description

Salary up to £34,000 DOE plus Welcome Bonus and Relocation Allowance

We have a fantastic opportunity for Deputy Head Nurse at Small Animal Hospital - Castle Vets Reading.

Find a place to excel

Are you ready to take the next step in your veterinary nursing career? Castle Vets in Reading is looking for a passionate and proactive Deputy Head Nurse to join our exceptional team. This is your chance to become part of a practice that puts compassionate care, teamwork, and patients at the forefront of everything we do.

At Castle Vets, we pride ourselves on being more than just a workplace - we are a community. You will have the opportunity to work alongside talented and dedicated professionals, making a real difference in the lives of pets and their families every day. If you're looking for a role that offers responsibility, support, and the chance to lead from the front, this is the opportunity for you.

Located in the heart of Reading, Castle Vets is a modern, well-equipped practice with a long-standing reputation for excellence in patient care and client service. We are proud of our inclusive and supportive work environment, fostering a culture where every team member feels valued and empowered to grow.

Our state of the art equipment

An RCVS accredited small animal veterinary hospital with state-of-the-art facilities, including digital radiography, brand new ultrasound, CT, dental radiography within a separate suite, in-house laboratory, and separate cat/dog surgical suites. We are committed to delivering the highest standards of veterinary medicine, which can be seen in our 3 separate wards separating exotics, cats, and dogs, alongside our silver rabbit friendly status and gold cat friendly status. We have certificate holders in imaging, ophthalmology, feline behaviour and a visiting ECVS consultant specialist on Wednesdays who does soft tissue, orthopaedic and neurology.

What we can offer

We're seeking a Deputy Head Nurse who will be a proactive and approachable leader throughout the practice. Your primary focus will be supporting the Head Nurse in fostering a positive and efficient nursing team, ensuring that patient care remains at the core of what we do. This role is designed for someone who thrives on being hands-on and engaged, leading by example and being an inspiration to others.

Flexible hours and shifts 35 - 40 hours per week. 1 in 3 Saturday mornings and no out of hours. We are a Vets Now host practice so are able to hand over cases to the separate overnight team.

Because our people 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

1. 6.6 weeks annual leave
2. Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday

Wellbeing

1. Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
2. Private Medical Insurance
3. Cycle to Work scheme
4. Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership
5. Non-accidental injury support

Development

1. £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid pro rata
2. Certificate support
3. Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
4. Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider
5. All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
6. Infection Prevention and Control Programme
7. Quality Improvement Programme

Professional Memberships

1. VDS cover
2. RCVS fees

Additional

1. Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers
2. Pension 5% Employee/3% Employer
3. Discounted staff pet care

Castle Vets Pet Healthcare Centre, Reading

1 Tilehurst Road, Reading, RG1 7TW, United Kingdom

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Animals treated: Small animals

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