Deputy Head Nurse - Small Animal

British Veterinary Association; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Axminster, Devon, offers a full-time Deputy Head Nurse position for an experienced RVN. The role includes clinical coaching, managing patient care standards, and supporting the smooth operation of the hospital. Ideal candidates will have at least 3 years of relevant experience and be able to lead and motivate a dedicated nursing team. Competitive salary and excellent benefits are provided.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Private Medical Insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

£550 CPD allowance

Qualifications

• 3 years or more experience as a Deputy Head Nurse or experienced RVN.
• Ability to inspire, lead and motivate staff.
• Proficient in clinical governance and auditing.

Responsibilities

• Deputise in the absence of the Head RVN.
• Ensure the highest standard of patient care.
• Support the Head RVN in managing the hospital.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Patient care

Clinical coaching

Communication

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

Job description

Overview

Coombefield Veterinary Hospital are delighted to open applications for a confident, motivated Deputy Head Nurse to join our team on a full time basis. If you are looking to develop your career in a busy, well-equipped RCVS accredited Veterinary Hospital in Axminster Devon, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

The Role

We are looking for someone to join our team for up to 40 hours per week, including a weekend rota, as a Deputy Head Nurse. Our ideal candidate would be an existing Deputy Head Nurse or experienced RVN, preferably with 3 years or more experience, and you will be working alongside our Head Nurse and one other existing Deputy Head Nurse.

This role will involve clinical and administrative work. The roles and responsibilities of this position include:

• Deputise in the absence of the Head RVN, managing all aspects of the nursing team
• Set standards in terms of professional conduct
• Ensure the highest standard of patient care is delivered and maintained
• Role model and advocate excellent teamwork
• Support the Head RVN in the smooth running of the hospital, being available to direct the team and allocate duties appropriately
• Support the Head RVN in other projects involving the nursing team and running of the hospital
• Support the Head RVN and ensure job standards and SOPs are current and followed at all times
• Support the Head RVN to ensure the Practice Standards Scheme and Health & Safety Folder are reviewed regularly and updated as necessary and that all new policies are instigated
• Lead, inspire and manage our student nurses and VCAs, ensuring competencies are reached and work is allocated appropriately
• Support new starters to the VN team with their induction and clinical competencies
• Clinical coaching of SVNs and support of other clinical coaches in the practice as needed
• Clinical governance and auditing
• Oversee and ensure the efficient daily running of the in-house laboratory
• The ability to inspire, lead and motivate staff is essential

Who We Are

Our main site is an RCVS accredited, large, purpose-built hospital practice in Axminster, with a branch practice in Seaton. We have a separately staffed, dedicated OOH night service called Three Counties Veterinary Emergencies, working out of our Axminster site with surrounding practices feeding into this service.

We are the only RCVS accredited hospital with 24-hour care in the area, with the facilities and equipment to match.

Being in beautiful East Devon, the world-famous Jurassic Coast is on our doorstep and there are numerous outdoor activities both on and off the water.

The hospital has two bright and airy operating theatres, a large prep area, self-contained dental suite, imaging suite, separate cattery, kennels and isolation wards. There is also an internal laboratory, pharmacy and five consult rooms (one of which is a dedicated nurse consult room). There are also separate dog and cat waiting areas.

Our Team and Culture

Our nursing team currently consists of 11 RVNs, 3 night VNs, 3 SVNs and 5 VCAs. The nursing team are friendly, vibrant and welcoming who all work well together. They are instrumental in delivering the patient care we are extremely proud of at Coombefield.

We currently have 17 vets with certificates/special interests in Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Feline Medicine, Imaging, ECC, Dentistry and Surgery. RATA also visit regularly delivering orthopaedic surgery. The workload is, therefore, busy and varied, with plenty of opportunity to explore your interests. As part of a rotational rolling rota you will get the opportunity to work within all areas of the practice, and more importantly using all of your nursing capabilities. We are currently in the process of moving to staged dental procedures and offering nurse Schedule III procedural afternoons. It is important that our nurses are able to be fully utilised and offer their specialised skills for improved job role satisfaction.

We pride ourselves in our culture of inclusivity and respect. Every member of our team is valued, working collaboratively to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients. As a senior leadership team, we have an open-door policy, our priority being the well-being of our team as well as our clinical duties. To ensure our teams have the opportunity to be heard, bringing new ideas to the practice is actively encouraged.

With a large team we are well practiced in flexible working, understanding that you may have priorities outside your career, and enabling this balance helps our staff work to their full potential. Our family values are at the heart of how we look after and treat one another. Our supportive culture is reflected in our staff, some having been with Coombefield for many years and others choosing to return.

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

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Your birthday as a paid day off

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 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