Head Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal

Eaton Veterinary Practice; Norwich; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Norwich is seeking a Head Veterinary Nurse to lead their dedicated nursing team. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical skills and leadership experience, ensuring high standards of patient care. This role offers a competitive salary of up to £34,500 and a supportive, collaborative work environment with great professional development opportunities.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

£550 CPD allowance

Company pension scheme

Discounted pet treatment

Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with strong clinical skills.
• Proven leadership experience or desire to grow into a leadership position.
• Excellent organisational and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the nursing team.
• Deliver exceptional patient care and client communication.
• Oversee and coordinate nurse clinics and daily workflows.
• Ensure compliance with clinical protocols and practice standards.
• Create and manage nursing team rotas.

Skills

Strong clinical skills

Leadership experience

Excellent organisational abilities

Communication abilities

Compassionate approach

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

Job description

Head Veterinary Nurse - Eaton Veterinary Practice, Norwich

Salary: Up to £34,500 DOE

Hours: Full-time, 36-40 hours per week across 4 or 5 days - no OOH

Are you an organised, compassionate, and motivated Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) ready to step into a leadership role? We’re looking for a confident and inspiring Head Veterinary Nurse to lead and support our dedicated nursing team while continuing to deliver outstanding clinical care.

You’ll play a key role in overseeing nursing standards, introducing new initiatives aligned with our practice ethos, and shaping the future of our friendly, forward-thinking team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the nursing team
• Deliver exceptional patient care and client communication
• Oversee and coordinate nurse clinics and daily workflows
• Ensure compliance with clinical protocols and practice standards
• Create and manage nursing team rotas, including holiday requests
• Set up and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Support and encourage CPD for the nursing team
• Collaborate with the wider leadership and veterinary teams to enhance patient care and operational efficiency
• Perform a variety of nursing duties, including surgery, consultations, and inpatient care
• Assist with stock control and other operational procedures

What We’re Looking For

A Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong clinical skills, proven leadership experience or a genuine desire to grow into a leadership position, excellent organisational and communication abilities, a compassionate approach to both patient care and team support, a drive to uphold and improve high clinical standards, a team player who thrives in a supportive, collaborative environment.

About Eaton Veterinary Practice

Eaton Vets is situated in a charming village setting on the edge of Norwich - a vibrant city with great access to the countryside, Norfolk coastline, and convenient links to Cambridge and London.

Our purpose-built surgery includes a large reception area, 4 consulting rooms, a dedicated theatre, a diagnostics room with digital and dental x-ray and ultrasound, plus a spacious prep area with a separate dental zone. A window into the cattery allows easy patient monitoring, with kennels and an isolation suite close by.

We’re proud to have a loyal client base, many of whom have trusted us for generations.

Our friendly, supportive team includes 4 experienced Veterinary Surgeons, 6 RVNs, a Dispenser, 4 Receptionists, and a Practice Manager. Many of our team have been with us for years, and we pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, strong clinical standards, and caring approach - treating every patient as if they were our own.

Benefits

• Work-life balance - 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays and additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• Wellbeing - Private Medical Insurance, Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline, Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay, Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
• Development - £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid CPD leave pro rata, Certificate support, Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy, Access to Vetlexicon, All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding, Infection Prevention and Control Programme, Quality Improvement Programme
• Professional Memberships - VDS cover, RCVS fees
• Colleague Benefits - Company pension scheme, IVC Evidensia contribution, Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, Voluntary benefits, Access to discounts/cashback, Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice

Up to £34,500 DOE