Head Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal

British Veterinary Association; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in North Shropshire is seeking a Head Nurse to lead a motivated team of nurses. This role includes guiding the team, promoting clinical interests, and ensuring a positive work-life balance with no on-call requirements. The ideal candidate is a proactive RVN who enjoys high standards of patient care and teamwork. A competitive salary of up to £36,000 and various benefits, including annual leave and professional development, are offered.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

CPD allowance of £550

Discounted gym membership

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
• Experience in a leadership role is preferred but not essential.
• Passion for high standards and patient care.

Responsibilities

• Guide and mentor a nursing team.
• Support team members in clinical interests.
• Maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Patient Care

Job description

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.

Working across a four-day week (40 hours), you'll also be part of our 1 in 4 Saturday rota (8.30am-12.30pm), with time off in lieu. There's no out-of-hours or on-call requirement, allowing you to maintain a healthy balance around your clinical commitments.

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