Head Veterinary Nurse Fixed-Term Contract

Veterinary Staff; Forest Row; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected small animal practice in Forest Row is seeking a passionate and experienced Head Veterinary Nurse for a 12-month fixed-term contract. This full-time role involves leading a dedicated team, ensuring exceptional patient care, and maintaining clinical standards in a supportive environment. If you're ready to advance in your veterinary nursing career, this opportunity aligns perfectly with your skills and aspirations.

Benefits

Private medical insurance from day one

Health cash plan

Life Assurance (3x salary)

5 weeks' annual leave plus Bank Holidays

CPD allowance: £750 plus 2 days' paid leave

Cycle to Work scheme

Staff discounts on products and services

Access to wellbeing support services

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of UK-qualified experience required.
• Previous leadership or Head Nurse experience (minimum 1 year) preferred.
• Confident in mentoring and developing others essential.

Responsibilities

• Clinical leadership of the nursing team to drive standards of patient care.
• Support surgical and medical procedures, and conduct nurse-led appointments.
• Manage compliance with veterinary regulations and practice policies.

Skills

Client care

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

RCVS-registered Veterinary Nurse

Clinical Coach qualification

Job description

Head Veterinary Nurse Fixed-Term Contract

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Full-Time | Fixed-Term (12 months)

A respected small animal practice in

Forest Row, East Sussex

Full-Time | Fixed-Term (12 months)

A respected small animal practice in Forest Row, East Sussex is seeking a passionate and experienced Head Veterinary Nurse to join their friendly and collaborative team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident RVN looking to lead a well-established nursing team in a vibrant, community-focused village on the edge of the stunning Ashdown Forest.

This full-time role involves 40 hours per week with participation in a 1:6 weekend rota at a nearby 24-hour hospital. The practice benefits from a varied caseload and excellent facilities including 3 consult rooms, separate cat and dog wards, a large prep area, theatre, and on-site parking.

About The Role

The Head Veterinary Nurse will take clinical leadership of the nursing team, helping to drive the highest standards of patient and client care, while supporting a team of 3 vets, 1 RVN, 2 student nurses, and client care assistants. The ideal candidate will be a natural leader with at least one year of experience in a head nurse position and a minimum of three years UK-qualified RVN experience.

The position involves a balanced mix of clinical duties, leadership responsibilities, and operational oversight. The successful candidate will be pivotal in setting the tone of the practice, fostering team engagement, and ensuring a caring and efficient working environment.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Patient Care

• Support surgical and medical procedures
• Conduct nurse-led appointments
• Oversee patient monitoring, admission, and discharge
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date clinical records
• Dispense and check medications in accordance with protocols
• Coordinate patient transfers when necessary
  
  
  

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and support the nursing team in day-to-day operations
• Coordinate clinical activities with daily briefings and communications
• Conduct team meetings and briefings
• Provide coaching and mentorship, including support for student nurses
• Promote nurse-led clinics and Schedule 3 procedures
  
  
  

Clinical Standards & Compliance

• Maintain high standards in line with veterinary regulations and practice policies
• Implement improvements to clinical processes and workflows
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety protocols
  
  
  

Administration & Operational Oversight

• Manage stock control and lab samples
• Ensure prep areas and operating spaces are ready and maintained
• Liaise with Practice Manager and veterinary team regarding escalations
  
  
  

Candidate Profile

Essential:

• RCVS-registered Veterinary Nurse
• Minimum 3 years of UK-qualified experience
• Previous leadership or Head Nurse experience (minimum 1 year)
• Confident in mentoring and developing others
• Clinical Coach qualification or willingness to obtain
• Skilled in planning, coordinating, and managing clinical workflow
• Committed to delivering exceptional client and patient care
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Able to lead by example and build positive team culture
  
  
  

Benefits Package

• Private medical insurance from day one
• Health cash plan (includes dental, physio, optical & 24/7 GP access)
• Life Assurance (3x salary)
• 5 weeks' annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing with service
• Additional Day for You paid day off for personal use
• CPD allowance: £750 plus 2 days' paid leave
• Funded certificate opportunities
• VDS and RCVS fees paid
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Season Ticket Loan (interest-free)
• Staff discounts on products and services
• Access to wellbeing support services
  
  
  

If you're ready to lead a dedicated nursing team and make a real impact in a supportive and well-respected practice, this role offers the perfect next step in your veterinary nursing career.

Send your CV to [e-mail] REF: Head Vet Nurse

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Veterinary Services

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