Head Veterinary Nurse

IVC Evidensia; Cherwell District; On-site; GBP 34,200 - 41,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks annual leave plus birthday off

Private Medical Insurance

£550 CPD allowance plus 24hrs paid leave

Pension scheme

Discounted veterinary care

Job summary

IVC Evidensia is looking for a Head Registered Veterinary Nurse at Hart Veterinary Centre in the Cherwell District. This full-time role offers the opportunity to lead a passionate nursing team while upholding high standards of animal care.

The successful candidate will provide clinical leadership and mentor a capable team within a supportive environment. Ideal for an experienced RVN dedicated to excellence and nursing standards, the position includes competitive benefits and a salary of up to £38,000 DOE.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in clinical practice with advanced surgical nursing skills.
• Proven experience leading, mentoring, and developing nursing teams.
• Strong understanding of clinical governance and quality improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the nursing team.
• Deliver hands-on nursing care across theatre and inpatient care.
• Mentor and guide colleagues, including students.

Skills

Leadership capability

Advanced medical nursing skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS

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 an enthusiastic, team-orientated Head Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Hart Veterinary Centre on a full‑time basis, with a £1,000 welcome bonus.

Hart Veterinary Centre is a long‑established and growing practice, caring for pets since 1993. With modern surgeries in Bicester and Waddesdon, we are dedicated to providing high‑quality veterinary care with compassion, building strong relationships with clients and delivering the very best care to their pets.

Our Bicester Hospital is an RCVS Accredited surgery, well‑equipped with DR x‑ray, Idexx diagnostic machines, a dental suite, modern anaesthetic monitoring equipment, and dedicated inpatient facilities. We are also a Silver Standard ISFM accredited Cat Clinic, with separate areas for cats and dogs to help create a calm and welcoming environment.

Our out‑of‑hours care is provided by our own 24‑hour veterinary team, with dedicated night nurses caring for inpatients throughout the night. This means our patients receive the same high standard of care overnight as they do during the day, while also allowing us to support local practices with emergency and inpatient care.

How You’ll Make a Difference

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

You’ll be responsible for setting and maintaining nursing standards, leading clinical governance and quality improvement activity, 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.

This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced RVN who wants to shape, support, and lead a professional nursing team. With two Deputy Head Nurses in place to support you, you’ll have the opportunity to bring the team with you, promote high standards, and contribute to the ongoing development of the practice.

This is a full‑time role working 40 hours per week. Rota details can be discussed at interview.

General Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the nursing team, promoting high clinical standards
• Support the smooth day‑to‑day running of back‑of‑house clinical areas
• Deliver hands‑on nursing care across theatre, inpatient care, and nurse consultations
• Help mentor and guide colleagues, including students and less experienced team members

You Might Be a Great Fit If

You Are An Experienced And Confident Registered Veterinary Nurse With Strong Leadership Capability And a Passion For Clinical Excellence.

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Significant experience in clinical practice with advanced medical and surgical nursing skills
• Proven experience of 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

• A senior leadership role with accountability for nursing standards and team development
• Clear career pathways 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 plus your birthday off
• 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 24hrs paid leave
• Certificate support
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you - including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts/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.

Up to £38,000 DOE