Head Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal

The Tern Veterinary Group, Newport; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive veterinary practice in the UK seeks a Head Nurse to lead a dedicated nursing team. The role includes mentorship, support for clinical interests, and a commitment to high-quality patient care. This position offers a competitive salary of up to £36,000, generous leave, and development opportunities. Ideal for an experienced or aspiring leader in veterinary nursing.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Birthday as a paid day off

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Private Medical Insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

CPD allowance of £550

Pension plan with employer contribution

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Nurse with experience in a hands-on role.
• Proactive mindset with a passion for patient care and teamwork.
• Leadership experience preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the nursing team including RVNs and student nurses.
• Support and encourage clinical interests within the team.
• Ensure high standards of care and teamwork.

Skills

Leadership

Team Collaboration

High Standards of Patient Care

Job description

Overview

Are you a Registered Veterinary Nurse ready to step into a leadership role? This is a brilliant opportunity to join Tern Vets as our new Head Nurse, where you’ll guide and grow a motivated and close-knit nursing team in a progressive and supportive environment.

Role Details

This is a hands-on leadership role offering the chance to make a real difference. You’ll support and mentor a nursing team that includes 3 experienced RVNs and fantastic student nurses, with full encouragement to pursue your own areas of clinical interest along the way.

Work Schedule

• 40 hours per week across 4 days
• 1 in 4 Saturday mornings (8.30am-12.30pm)
• Time off in lieu for weekend work
• No out-of-hours or on-call

About the Practice

Tern Vets is based in the heart of North Shropshire, offering the best of rural living while being within reach of Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool. Our dual-site practice is fully equipped with consulting rooms, two operating theatres at each location, an imaging suite including x-ray, ultrasound and endoscopy, laparoscopic spay equipment, dental facilities and Tonopen. Our team includes vets with certificates in Feline Medicine, Dermatology, and Advanced Veterinary Practice (ECC and soft tissue modules). We are proud of our collaborative approach and our ongoing drive to learn, improve and grow together.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for an experienced and proactive RVN with a passion for high standards, great teamwork and patient care. Whether you’ve led a team before or are ready to step up, you’ll be supported to make this role your own.

Because Our People Matter

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary of up to £36,000 DOE, you will benefit from:

Work Life Balance

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Your birthday as a paid day off

Wellbeing

• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership
• Non-accidental injury support

Development

• £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid pro rata
• Certificate Support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider
• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme

Professional Memberships

• VDS cover
• RCVS fees

Additional

• Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers
• Pension - 5% Employee/3% Employer
• Discounted staff pet care
• Up to £36,000 DOE