Head Veterinary Nurse

VC Evidensia UK; Shenley; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks' annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

£550 CPD allowance

RCVS and VDS fees covered

Job summary

Wellpet Vets, part of inspiring vet care, is seeking a Head Veterinary Nurse to join our supportive team at Shenley and Edgware. You’ll lead nursing care for first opinion cases, work with surgeons, and help develop patient care standards in a friendly practice.

RCVS registration, strong clinical and surgical nursing, and excellent communication are essential. The role offers a senior nursing path, weekend shifts at Edgware, and opportunities for professional development within a collaborative,

Qualifications

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS.
• Experience in clinical practice with growing confidence in medical and surgical nursing.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage workload effectively.
• A proactive approach to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Nurse consults
• Assisting vets in theatre and operations
• Ensuring high standards of patient care
• Sharing expertise and skills with other members of the nursing team

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 Wellpet Vets on a full‑time basis. We are open to accepting applications from experienced nurses or skilled RVNs looking to take the next step in their career.

At Wellpet Vets, you’ll be joining a close‑knit and supportive team of three receptionists, three vets, one RVN, and three SVNs. We take pride in fostering a friendly, collaborative environment where everyone works well together and enjoys both the day‑to‑day practice life and regular social events outside of work.

Work is shared evenly across the team, and we aim to tailor appointments and surgical cases to individual interests within our vet and nursing teams wherever possible. Our practice is well‑equipped, with facilities including ultrasound, digital x‑ray, and IDEXX in‑house laboratory machines.

This role is primarily based at our main site in Shenley, with weekend shifts at our consult‑only branch in Edgware.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Head Veterinary Nurse, you will be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering high‑quality nursing care to patients while supporting excellent client experiences.

You’ll work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons and the wider practice team, taking responsibility for the nursing care of a range of first opinion cases, contributing to clinical standards, and supporting the ongoing development of patient care within the practice.

Working Pattern

• Worked across 4 or 5 days
• Shifts between 8:30am and 8:00pm
• Saturdays at Shenley (9:15am – 1:15pm)
• Sundays at Edgware (9:15am – 1:15pm)
• Availability to work Wednesdays is required

General Responsibilities

• Nurse consults
• Assisting vets in theatre and operations
• Ensuring high standards of patient care
• Sharing expertise and skills with other members of the nursing team

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

You are an experienced and confident Head Veterinary Nurse with strong clinical capability and a passion for delivering high standards of patient care. You'll bring:

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Experience working in clinical practice, with growing confidence in medical and surgical nursing
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage workload effectively
• A proactive approach to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement

This role is open to both nurses already working in a senior role, or experienced RVNs looking to take the next step in their career.

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 nursing opportunity with scope to influence clinical 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
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you, including 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.

Orchard Villa, Porters Park Drive, Shenley, WD7 9DS, 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.