Head Canine Medicine Nurse

Langford Vets; Lower Langford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Lower Langford seeks an experienced veterinary nurse to lead the Canine Medicine Nurse team. The role involves managing nursing staff, assisting with diverse medical procedures, and ensuring high standards of patient care. Candidates should have at least 1 year of veterinary nursing experience and be RCVS registered. Benefits include generous holidays, CPD allowance, and a pension scheme.

Benefits

5 weeks holiday

Employee discounts

Generous pension scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience as a qualified veterinary nurse.
• Management experience preferred.
• Confidence in animal handling.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Canine Medicine Nurse team.
• Assist with medical procedures and care.
• Manage staff performance and rotas.

Skills

Team leadership

Effective communication

Animal handling

Clinical skills

Education

Advanced diploma in veterinary nursing

Job description

We are looking for a dynamic, motivating, and proactive veterinary nurse to lead our Canine Medicine Nurse team. The successful candidate will work alongside our Nursing manager, Nursing Management team, head nurse team, and clinician leads to support, develop, and guide the Canine Medicine team in caseload management, nursing care, training and HR whilst still working as a clinical nurse. The role will be based in our canine medicine ward and dedicated procedures rooms alongside renowned specialist clinicians and a brilliant nursing and animal care assistant team. The successful candidate will manage staff, carry out regular reviews, performance management, rotas, and support progression of the team, while working closely with the Nursing Manager, Hospital Director and clinical leads. Flexibility will be necessary as the post will require participation in the OOH rota. The main purpose of the post is to support the smooth operation of the clinical activities within the SAH by assisting with medical procedures, promoting client communication and working within the Terms of the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct for Nurses. To be responsible for organising and participating in the clinical activities within the canine medicine ward and procedures, line‑managing the canine medicine nursing team and ACA's, and ensuring that H&S policies are adhered to and the area is maintained to a high standard throughout.

Responsibilities

• Organise the clinical activities within the canine medicine, ensuring appropriate support staff and equipment are available; liaise closely with clinicians to manage and support daily activities and attend rounds as required.
• Assist veterinary clinicians with medical procedures including endoscopy, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, cardiology work‑ups, dermatology and more as required.
• Line‑manage the nursing team and support staff within the Canine Medicine, including rotas, one‑to‑one, appraisals, holiday allowances, HR policies and procedures, and dealing with staff performance issues.
• Work as a clinical nurse and participate in the OOH rota as required.
• Ensure H&S policies are adhered to at all times, assist with fire drills and evacuation procedures, report accidents and incidents, assist with risk assessments and COSHH for the relevant areas.
• Maintain the building in a clean and well‑maintained manner, ensuring hygiene is upheld within the unit at all times.
• Raise any issues with the Nursing Manager and organise repair work as required, coordinating with the Operational Manager.
• Participate in Clinical Governance and Infection Control meetings and help instigate necessary changes to protocols/policies, ensuring that nursing and ACA teams adhere to them.
• Ensure relevant audits are carried out and records of in‑patients and procedures are documented; discuss any issues with appropriate personnel.
• Ensure adequate staffing at all times and discuss staffing issues and future planning for new staff requirements with the Nursing Manager.
• Ensure equipment within the area is used and maintained appropriately, and assist with monthly and annual audits as managed by the Purchasing Officer.
• Establishadequate nursing plans, including nutrition, and re‑assess as required for each patient’s needs.
• Assess BVSc and veterinary nursing and bio veterinary science undergraduates during their rotation through the wards.
• Dispense and administer medication to animals under the direct supervision of a veterinary surgeon, maintaining accurate stock control and following all protocols relating to drug handling.
• Maintain accurate patient records with regards to all clinical notes, treatment, diagnoses, client communication and patient information; this will require an in‑depth knowledge of our practice management system.
• Manage the OOH nurse rota for medicine alongside the Feline Head Nurse(s), liaising with staff and providing cover when required.
• Maintain a good working relationship with all team members and communicate in an effective and pleasant manner with clients and colleagues, including cascading appropriate company communications.
• Carry out all other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager.
• Maintain effective contact with the Clinical Governance Manager to identify and assist in resolving issues as they arise.
• Accountable for compliance with health and safety regulations within teams, implementing safety protocols and promptly addressing any safety concerns.
• Champion a continuous improvement culture, proactively identifying and acting upon opportunities for business improvement and supporting problem solving within your teams.
• Maintain a pleasant and professional communication style with clients and colleagues.
• Carry out all other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience as a qualified veterinary nurse and some management experience; advanced diploma or equivalent critical care qualification and RCVS listed veterinary nurse status preferred.
• Experience in a referral environment desirable.
• Experience of line‑managing.
• Confidence and experience in effective handling and restraint of animals.
• Clinical coach or similar designation preferred.
• Interest in advancing own qualifications and communicating effectively with clients.
• Ability to work within and lead a team, act independently, and maintain a flexible approach to work.
• Demonstrated high standard of nursing care, desire to learn, passion to lead by example, and capability to work under pressure.

Benefits

• 5 weeks holiday per year (plus bank holidays); long‑service wellbeing holiday entitlement.
• On‑site mental wellbeing champions and EDI committee.
• Employee forum, Menopause CAFE, wellbeing talks and events.
• Cycle to work scheme, family‑friendly policies, enhanced maternity and paternity pay (after 2 years service).
• SimplyHealth cash‑plan membership and free annual flu vaccination.
• Free Specsavers eye test voucher and onsite parking; U2 bus service link to Bristol.
• Annual CPD allowance and employee discount.
• Generous pension scheme – we match up to 8 % pension contributions; reimbursement of one professional membership fee per year.