Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse

Medmatch; Basildon; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice near Basildon is seeking a Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse for a 12-month maternity cover. This full-time role requires a passionate individual with leadership experience and excellent skills in veterinary nursing. You will support the Head Nurse, mentor the team, and ensure high-quality patient care in a state-of-the-art facility. The position offers a salary of up to £34,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years' experience as a Registered Veterinary Nurse.
• Previous leadership or senior nursing role is desirable.
• Confidence in mentoring and supporting a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example in a clinical setting.
• Support the Head Nurse in daily operations.
• Conduct team meetings and assist with training.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Job description

Overview

Join us as a Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse (Mat Cover) at a busy veterinary hospital near Basildon.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced RVN to step into a leadership role, supporting a large, dynamic team within a state-of-the-art hospital. With advanced facilities, varied caseloads, and a strong focus on professional development, this 12-month maternity cover role is perfect for someone looking to grow their management and clinical skills.

Responsibilities

• Fixed-term maternity cover – 12 months
• Full-time role, 1 in 4 weekends
• Up to £34,000 per annum (D.O.E.)
• Primarily clinical, leading by example “on the floor”
• Support the Head Nurse in daily coordination of the nursing team
• Conduct team meetings and assist with return-to-work processes
• Support induction, teaching, and clinical coaching of the team (training provided)
• Update the clinical team on new protocols and process changes

About the Practice

• Advanced facility including CT, MRI, hydrotherapy, and physiotherapy
• High caseload including emergency, critical care, soft tissue, and orthopaedic surgery
• Dedicated wards for cats, dogs, exotics, outpatients, and isolation cases
• Fully equipped dental area with dental X-ray
• Passionate about pain control and anaesthesia – working towards zero-pain practice accreditation
• Veterinary Nurse training practice with regular EMS placements
• Collaborative team environment supported by non-clinical staff

About You

• Registered Veterinary Nurse with 3–4 years’ experience
• Previous leadership or senior nursing role desirable
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills
• Confident leading by example and mentoring others
• Passionate about patient care and team collaboration

To Apply, either click “Apply” or send in your CV to [e-mail].

For more information please also do not hesitate to call Amira on 07742071867 and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have about this great opportunity.

If you are interested in any other roles across the UK, please feel free to visit us on medmatch.co.uk/jobs.