Head Veterinary Nurse - Equine

IVC; Newbury; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks’ annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Pension scheme

CPD allowance (£550) and paid leave

RCVS and VDS fees covered

Discounted veterinary care

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

inspiring vet care in Newbury seeks an Equine Head Veterinary Nurse to lead the nursing team at Donnington Grove Vets. The role involves senior clinical and professional leadership, setting nursing standards and developing a capable team, with a focus on high-quality patient and client care.

You will oversee governance, participate in teaching and support students, with a 40-hour week, no weekend work, and rotation involvement as needed.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Act as go-to person for nursing team, overseeing ECA’s and Yard Team; cover rotas and 121 meetings.
• Lead nursing standards, clinical governance and quality improvement activities.
• Daily drug ordering, equipment maintenance and act as RPS for scintigraphy and radiography.
• Clinical nursing work as required.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical governance

Team development

Communication

Education

RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse

Tools

Digital radiography

Ultrasound with color Doppler

Endoscopy

Arthroscopy

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 Equine Head Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Donnington Grove Vets on a full-time basis. The ideal person will be a team player who has a passion for leadership and can manage our fantastic team to a high standard.

Our main Hospital has RCVS Tier 3 hospital status and is based in Newbury, which is a thriving town in West Berkshire, with many restaurants and only a 45-minute train journey to London Paddington. Situated on the edge of the North Wessex Downs AONB, it also provides beautiful local countryside for long walks with our canine friends. Having been established for decades, and with two branch practices in Thatcham and Tadley, we have a huge client base which comes with lots of variety in our caseload.

We have facilities for imaging and surgery at any time of day or night. Our equipment includes Digital radiography, digital dental radiography, ultrasound with colour Doppler, endoscopy, Enseal, arthroscopy, operating microscope, microsurgical equipment, slit lamp and Tonovet.

Donnington Grove has a high caseload dealing with routine and emergency cases on a daily basis. We are also a training hospital with several student Nurses working towards their Level 3 Diploma in Equine Nursing. The ideal candidate needs to be highly organised, with good leadership skills and also a passion for coaching and supporting our next generation of Nurses.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As an Equine 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.

Working Pattern

* 40 hours per week

* Monday - Friday working shifts between 8 am - 8:30 pm with a one-hour lunch

* No weekend work

* Participation in the OOH rota when required is essential; this will include both summer bank holidays and Christmas/New Year

Key Responsibilities

* Act as go-to person for nursing team, whilst also overseeing the ECA’s and Yard Team - covering rotas, holding 121 meetings, leading practice standards

* Assist vets with queries and support students with admin duties

* Daily drug ordering, equipment maintenance and act as RPS for scintigraphy and radiography

* Clinical work as required

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. 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 of leading, mentoring and developing nursing teams

* Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement and professional standards

* Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills

*Ability to handle challenging conversations when required

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 our 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 annual leave accrued through 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

* 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 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.

£0 - £0 a year

Up to £40,000 DOE