Deputy Head Nurse - Small Animal

Coombefield Veterinary Hospital; Axminster; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Coombefield Veterinary Hospital is seeking a confident and motivated Deputy Head Nurse to join their RCVS-accredited team in Axminster. This full-time role involves clinical and administrative responsibilities, ensuring the highest standards of care and supporting a collaborative team environment. The position offers competitive salary and various benefits, promoting professional development and work-life balance.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Paid day off for your birthday

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Private medical insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

£550 CPD allowance

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as an RVN or Deputy Head Nurse.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Experience in clinical governance and auditing.

Responsibilities

• Manage the nursing team and ensure high standards of patient care.
• Support the Head RVN in daily operations and team management.
• Provide clinical coaching and oversee training of new staff.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Clinical Coaching

Patient Care

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

Job description

Coombefield Veterinary Hospital is 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 seeking a Deputy Head Nurse to work 32 hours per week, including a weekend rota. Our ideal candidate would be an existing Deputy Head Nurse or an experienced RVN, preferably with 3 or more years of experience. You will work alongside our Head Nurse and another Deputy Head Nurse.

This role involves both clinical and administrative responsibilities, including:

1. Deputising in the absence of the Head RVN, managing all aspects of the nursing team
2. Setting standards for professional conduct
3. Ensuring the highest standards of patient care are maintained
4. Role modeling and advocating for excellent teamwork
5. Supporting the Head RVN in the smooth running of the hospital, directing the team, and allocating duties
6. Supporting projects involving the nursing team and hospital operations
7. Ensuring job standards and SOPs are current and followed
8. Reviewing and updating Practice Standards Scheme and Health & Safety policies
9. Leading, inspiring, and managing student nurses and VCAs, ensuring competencies are met
10. Supporting new team members with induction and clinical competencies
11. Providing clinical coaching to SVNs and supporting clinical coaches
12. Engaging in clinical governance and auditing
13. Overseeing the efficient daily operation of the in-house laboratory
14. Inspiring, leading, and motivating staff

Who We Are

Our main site is an RCVS-accredited, large, purpose-built hospital in Axminster, with a branch in Seaton. We operate a dedicated OOH night service, Three Counties Veterinary Emergencies, based at our Axminster site. We are the only RCVS-accredited hospital with 24-hour care in the area, equipped with modern facilities.

Located in East Devon, near the Jurassic Coast, our hospital features two operating theatres, a prep area, dental suite, imaging suite, separate cattery, kennels, isolation wards, an internal laboratory, pharmacy, and five consult rooms, including a dedicated nurse consult room.

Our Team and Culture

Our nursing team comprises 11 RVNs, 3 night VNs, 3 SVNs, and 5 VCAs. We foster a friendly, vibrant, and collaborative environment. Our team works across various specialties, including Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Feline Medicine, Imaging, ECC, Dentistry, and Surgery, with regular orthopaedic visits from RATA.

We promote an inclusive and respectful culture, with an open-door leadership approach and a focus on staff well-being. We support flexible working arrangements and value work-life balance, with many staff members having long tenures or returning to us.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary up to £32,400 DOE, benefits include:

• 6.6 weeks annual leave, increasing with service
• Paid day off for your birthday
• Enhanced family-friendly policies and private medical insurance
• Cycle to Work scheme and employee wellbeing initiatives
• £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid
• Certificate support and development opportunities via IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon and research funding opportunities
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme and Quality Improvement Programme
• VDS cover and RCVS fees
• Pawsome Benefits discounts and cashback
• Pension scheme (5% employee, 3% employer)
• Discounted staff pet care