Deputy Head Registered Veterinary Nurse

Pdsa; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary uplift after 2 years

CPD allowance £500/year

RCVS fees paid

25 days holiday + BH

Pension scheme

Life assurance 4x salary

Flexible working

Volunteer days

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Pdsa is seeking an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to step into a Deputy Head Nurse role, supporting the Head Nurse and shaping a high-performing, charity-focused team. You will lead clinical standards, mentor a team of VNs and VCAs, and uphold compassionate care for pets in difficult times.

This is a fast-paced leadership position in our well-equipped hospitals, with a supportive rota, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to public service through veterinary

Qualifications

• RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse with a strong track record of performance and great customer service.
• Experience leading or mentoring veterinary nursing teams is advantageous.
• Commitment to high clinical standards and patient welfare.
• Ability to work in a busy hospital and adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Nurse in managing and developing the nursing and VCA team.
• Act as deputy for the Head Nurse when required.
• Coordinate day‑to‑day workflow, hospital hygiene, and equipment standards.
• Champion Pet Wellbeing services and preventative care education.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Teamwork

Customer focus

Clinical excellence

Education

RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse ready to take the next step in their career, support a Head Nurse, and help shape a high-performing team.

Join us as a Deputy Head Nurse and play a vital role in keeping people and pets together when times are tough. We operate as close to private practice care standards as possible, but with one meaningful difference: our heart is 100% in charity work.

Why Join Us? (The Perks & The Reality)

• Focus on team leadership, high clinical standards, and pet wellbeing rather than corporate bureaucracy.
• Guide a team of Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Care Assistants, helping them grow through coaching, clear feedback, and leading by example.
• Work in well-equipped hospitals featuring separate dog/cat wards, in-house radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, piped gases, and extensive orthopaedic equipment.
• Enjoy a supportive rota designed to balance your career with life outside of work, alongside a 1-hour lunch break.
• Support the Head Nurse by coordinating daily hospital workflows, embedding proactive preventative healthcare, and driving our mission forward.

Rewards & Benefits

• Salary includes a 5% increase reflecting additional responsibilities, with a formal review scheduled after 2 years of service.
• A rewarding leadership role with clear professional development pathways.
• 3 days and £500 per year CPD allowance, plus full payment of your RCVS fees.
• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, with the option to buy or sell an extra 5 days.
• Dedicated annual days for Volunteering, Celebration, and Wellbeing.
• AXA Health Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 wellbeing support, and life assurance providing 4x your annual salary.
• Generous pension options with employer contributions starting at 5% and rising to 10%.
• Fetch employee discount platform, staff pet service discounts, enhanced family leave, and inclusive flexible working policies.

What the Role Involves

This is a fast-paced, testing, and deeply rewarding leadership role. You’ll be helping people facing financial hardship who love their pets dearly.

Your day-to‑day will cover:

• Assisting the Head Nurse in managing and developing the nursing and VCA team.
• Stepping in to deputise for the Head Nurse when needed.
• Coordinating day-to‑day workflow, hospital hygiene, and equipment standards.
• Championing Pet Wellbeing services and a culture of proactive, preventative education.

About You

• RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse with a strong track record of performance and great customer service.
• A confident, supportive leader who enjoys coaching others and leading by example.
• Passionate about high clinical standards, teamwork, and getting things done in a busy environment.
• Ready to embrace change and help shape a future-focused, community-centered charity.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds.