Head Veterinary Nurse - Maternity Cover

CVS UK Ltd; Okehampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice is seeking a Head Veterinary Nurse for maternity cover starting June 2025. This full-time role involves team leadership, clinical responsibilities, and ensuring high standards of care. The position offers professional development opportunities and a supportive environment for career growth.

Benefits

Funding for professional memberships

Encouragement for CPD and further studies

Workplace pension scheme

Health Shield cash plan

Private Medical insurance scheme

Mental health first aiders

Maternity/Adoption Pay

Paternity Pay and Shared Parental Leave

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted pet treatments and products

Qualifications

• Must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse.
• Experience in clinical nursing and team leadership required.
• Strong mentoring and communication skills necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Registered Veterinary Nurses and Patient Care Assistants.
• Oversee clinical nursing duties and maintain high standards.
• Conduct 1:1 meetings and manage staff shift patterns.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical nursing

Mentoring

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Job description

Head Veterinary Nurse (Maternity Cover) at Okeford Vets

Are you looking for the next step in your career? Would you like the opportunity to gain management experience in a supportive environment?

At Okeford Vets, we have an exciting opportunity for a Registered Veterinary Nurse to join the practice for maternity cover as a Head Veterinary Nurse from June 2025.

The practice has a friendly team of vets and nurses working at our Okehampton and Chagford locations, handling a varied caseload. Our services include first opinion consultations and surgeries, with certificate holders in dermatology, surgery, and general practice.

The role involves leading a team of Registered Veterinary Nurses, a Student Veterinary Nurse, and Patient Care Assistants to deliver high standards of care. This full-time, fixed-term position includes 1:5 Saturday shifts. A generous handover period can be arranged to ensure a smooth transition, working alongside the current Head Veterinary Nurse.

Responsibilities include:

• Clinical nursing duties (nurse consultations, general anaesthesia, inpatient care, etc.)
• Leading the nursing team to maintain high clinical standards
• Overseeing equipment maintenance and stock control
• Mentoring the student veterinary nurse
• Conducting 1:1 meetings with team members
• Creating rotas and managing staff shift patterns
• Holding regular nurse meetings
• Participating in management meetings with the Clinical Director, Practice Manager, and Head Receptionist
• Keeping up with professional development and identifying team and practice growth areas
• Preparing for upcoming RCVS Practice Standards Scheme inspection with the team

In return, we offer:

• Funding for professional memberships (RCVS & VDS)
• Encouragement for CPD and further studies
• Workplace pension scheme
• Health Shield cash plan
• Private Medical insurance scheme
• Mental health first aiders
• Maternity/Adoption Pay – 10 weeks full pay and 10 weeks half pay
• Paternity Pay and Shared Parental Leave
• Fertility & pregnancy loss policy
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted pet treatments and products
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 helpline)
• Access to our benefits hub with discounts on various services
• In-practice Performance Bonus scheme
• Save as you Earn Scheme (SAYE)
• Internal career progression opportunities within our network of over 500 practices

We support career development in leadership, management, or remote roles through initiatives like the CVS Nursing Career Pathway. Learn more at: https://vimeo.com/904977057/532bcae978?share=copy

CVS is committed to inclusivity, celebrating diversity, and building a workforce reflective of our communities.

For more information, contact Leanne Walker at 07585 673443 or [e-mail], or click Apply Now.