Head Registered Veterinary Nurse

VC Evidensia UK; Bath; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks' annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work

£550 CPD allowance + 24 hours' paid CP

Job summary

VC Evidensia UK is seeking a knowledgeable Head Veterinary Nurse for Hungerford Vets on a full-time basis. You will lead the nursing team, uphold high clinical standards and collaborate with practice leadership to drive care and service improvements.

You will oversee governance, support development of nursing staff, and champion infection control in a 24-hour hospital environment with advanced diagnostics and out-of-hours service.

Qualifications

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS.
• Significant experience in clinical practice, with advanced nursing skills.
• Proven experience leading, mentoring and developing nursing teams.
• Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement and professional standards.
• Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire and develop the nursing and animal care team.
• Ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the nursing function while maintaining high clinical standards.
• Work closely with the Lead Vet, Client Care Manager, Practice Manager and Practice Director as part of the practice leadership team.
• Provide hands-on clinical leadership, combining patient care with mentoring and team development.
• Support Student Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Care Assistants through coaching and supervision.
• Champion infection control, clinical governance and continuous quality improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical governance

Communication

Mentoring

Education

RCVS registration

Job description

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

We are seeking a knowledgeable, confident Head Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Hungerford Vets on a full-time basis.

Our practices in Hungerford and Pewsey have long been recognised for delivering exceptional veterinary care. Established in 1976 by original owner Pip Pocock, our Hungerford practice has built a reputation for excellence that continues today.

We were one of the first veterinary hospitals in the UK to achieve RCVS Hospital accreditation, a mark of quality we have proudly maintained for over 20 years.

As a large 24-hour veterinary hospital with our own out-of-hours service, you'll be joining an experienced and supportive team of 14 Veterinary Surgeons and 18 Nurses, each bringing a wealth of clinical expertise and specialist interests.

Our hospital is equipped with two operating theatres, digital X-ray, dental X-ray, endoscopy, ultrasound, therapeutic laser and a wide range of advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment, providing an excellent environment for both patient care and professional development.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Head Veterinary Nurse, you will provide senior clinical and professional leadership for the nursing team, overseeing all nursing aspects of the practice while supporting the delivery of outstanding patient and client care.

You’ll be responsible for maintaining high nursing standards, leading clinical governance and quality improvement initiatives, and developing a capable, confident nursing team. Working closely with the wider practice leadership team, you'll play a key role in shaping culture, performance and ways of working.

Working Pattern

• 37.5 hours per week
• 4-day working week
• Weekend rota to be confirmed
• Out-of-hours commitment to be confirmed

General Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire and develop the nursing and animal care team
• Ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the nursing function while maintaining high clinical standards
• Work closely with the Lead Vet, Client Care Manager, Practice Manager and Practice Director as part of the practice leadership team
• Provide hands‑on clinical leadership, combining patient care with mentoring and team development
• Support Student Veterinary Nurses and Veterinary Care Assistants through coaching and supervision
• Champion infection control, clinical governance and continuous quality improvement

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

We’re looking for an experienced and confident Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong leadership capability and a passion for clinical excellence. You’ll bring:

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Significant experience in clinical practice, with advanced medical and surgical nursing skills
• Proven experience leading, mentoring and developing nursing teams
• Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement and professional standards
• Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• A senior leadership role with accountability for nursing standards, team development and service improvement
• Structured leadership pathways through our dedicated Nurse Academy, empowering you to shape the future of nursing care within the practice
• Clear career development with progression opportunities into wider practice leadership roles
• Ongoing learning and development to support leadership, governance and strategic growth
• A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

• 6.6 weeks' annual leave
• Additional annual leave for your birthday, which will be added to your holiday allowance
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee wellbeing initiatives, including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• £550 CPD allowance plus 24 hours' paid leave
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits, including the Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

The Veterinary Hospital, 4a Bath Road, Hungerford, RG17 0HE, United Kingdom

At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.