Head Nurse - Small Animal

British Veterinary Association; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Head Nurse to lead a passionate team at a top veterinary hospital. This full-time role involves driving high standards of patient care, managing staff performance, and fostering a positive work environment. With a focus on leadership and operational efficiency, you will play a key role in shaping the practice's vision. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a range of benefits designed to support your well-being and professional development. If you're ready to make a significant impact in a thriving practice, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Pension scheme

Discounted staff pet care

CPD allowance

Certificate support

Research funding opportunities

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading and managing a veterinary nursing team.
• Strong commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the nursing team to ensure high standards of care.
• Collaborate with Head Vet and Practice Manager to implement efficient workflows.

Skills

Leadership

Nursing Management

Patient Care

Regulatory Compliance

Staff Performance Management

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse Qualification

CPD Certification

Tools

Vetlexicon

Job description

Are you a dedicated and enthusiastic nurse seeking a new challenge?

We are looking for a dynamic individual to join us as Head Nurse and lead our passionate nursing team at Alma Veterinary Hospital. This is a full-time position, offering 38 hours per week.

The role

The role will involve working closely with the Head Vet and Practice Manager to help drive the vision of establishing Alma Veterinary Hospital as one of the top first-opinion practices in the country. This position focuses on leadership, maintaining high standards, and driving performance to ensure the practice operates efficiently and profitably, while fostering a positive environment for both the team and clients.

What you'll bring

As Head Nurse at Alma Veterinary Hospital, you will be fully responsible for leading and managing the nursing team, ensuring high standards of patient and client care are maintained. You will collaborate closely with the Head Vet and Practice Manager to drive the practice's vision, implement efficient workflows, and foster a positive, team-focused environment. This role involves overseeing rota planning, managing staff performance, supporting clinical skills development, and ensuring compliance with regulations. You will also manage inventory, equipment, and stock, while driving financial efficiency. Your leadership will extend to mentoring the nursing team, facilitating training, and promoting continuous professional development. This position is ideal for a dynamic, driven individual ready to make a real difference in a busy and thriving practice.

Hours

The practice operates between 07:30 AM and 7:00 PM, with varied shift options available, including 08:00 AM - 4:00 PM and 07:30 AM - 3:30 PM. While the practice currently functions as a 24-hour hospital for inpatient care, the vision is to reintegrate emergency services, providing essential support to local practices. Flexibility in shifts will be offered to ensure efficient coverage while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Because our employee's 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 with service, and 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.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives, including discounted gym membership.
• Support for non-accidental injury cases.

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.
• Research funding opportunities for Vets & Nurses.
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme.
• Quality Improvement Programme.

Professional Memberships

• VDS cover.
• RCVS fees.

Additional Benefits

• Pawsome Benefits – discounts and cashback with retailers.
• Pension scheme – 5% Employee / 3% Employer.
• Discounted staff pet care.

At IVC Evidensia, we are committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion, and Belonging. We encourage candidates from all minority and diverse groups to apply. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.