Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse

purovets; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary referral hospital in Somerset seeks an experienced Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse to lead the out-of-hours nursing team. This role combines hands-on nursing with leadership, ensuring high standards of care and team support during twilight and night shifts. Candidates should be a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with strong mentoring skills. The role offers a competitive salary, fully funded CPD, enhanced OOH pay, and generous leave benefits.

Benefits

Fully funded CPD

5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays

Enhanced sickness pay

E-car salary sacrifice scheme

Wellbeing benefits including EAP

Recruitment referral reward scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in a referral veterinary nursing environment.
• Capability to lead and mentor a team during out-of-hours.
• Strong communication skills to ensure continuity of care.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the OOH nursing team.
• Maintain high clinical standards and patient care.
• Manage workloads during twilight and night shifts.
• Promote a positive nursing culture.

Skills

Leadership skills

Mentoring abilities

Excellent patient care standards

Ability to manage workloads

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

Job description

Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse (OOH)

Somerset, South West England
Full-Time or Part-Time | Flexible Twilight & Night Shifts

Salary: From £35,000 per annum (FTE) plus enhanced pay for unsociable hours

A multi-disciplinary specialist veterinary referral hospital in Somerset is seeking an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) to join the team as an Out-of-Hours Head Nurse. This senior role combines hands‑on referral nursing with leadership and mentoring in a supportive, well‑equipped hospital environment.

The hospital offers advanced facilities including CT, MRI, digital and dental X‑ray, ultrasound, and fully equipped operating theatres, supporting a wide range of complex referral cases.

The Role

As Out‑of‑Hours Head Nurse, you will lead and support the OOH nursing team, acting as a key link between day and night services to ensure continuity of care and high clinical standards.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and mentoring the Out‑of‑Hours nursing team
• Supporting the development of the Night Head Nurse
• Maintaining excellent standards of patient care in a referral setting
• Managing workloads during twilight and night shifts
• Promoting a positive, collaborative nursing culture

This role offers clear progression within referral nursing leadership.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary from £35,000 FTE with enhanced OOH pay
• Fully funded CPD and support for advanced qualifications
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Enhanced sickness pay and equal family leave
• E‑car salary sacrifice scheme
• Wellbeing benefits including EAP, eyecare vouchers, flu vaccination, and cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Recruitment referral reward scheme

To apply, contact Luke on 01904 570056 or email your CV to [e-mail]

View all vacancies at https://purovets.com/veterinary-jobs/

Know someone suitable? We offer £250 for every successful referral (terms and conditions apply).

Reference: JOB-56879