Registered Veterinary Nurse - Out of Hours Team Leader - FTC

Hamilton Specialist Referrals; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Out of Hours Team Leader to join their team. This role promises a dynamic mix of responsibilities, including providing advanced care to referral inpatients and managing a team of skilled nurses. You'll work collaboratively in a supportive environment focused on delivering exceptional care to pets. With a commitment to staff development and well-being, this position offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about veterinary excellence. Join a team that values its members and strives for the highest standards in pet care.

Benefits

6.6 weeks' annual leave

Private medical insurance

CPD allowance

Discounted staff pet care

Pension - 5% Employee/3% Employer

Cycle to Work scheme

Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday

Pawsome Benefits - discounts with retailers

Qualifications

• Qualified RVN with strong communication and leadership skills.
• Experience in a referral hospital and ability to work collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-standard nursing care across all disciplines.
• Lead and manage the OOH Nursing team effectively.
• Engage in clear communication with clients about pet care.

Skills

Exceptional communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership skills

Team collaboration

Education

Qualified RVN with RCVS registration

Job description

We are delighted to open applications for a dedicated Out of Hours Team Leader to join our team at Hamilton Specialist Referrals on a 12-month fixed-term contract basis. Our successful candidate will work with medical, surgical, and high-dependency cases, as well as supporting and leading our team of OOH Nurses and VCAs.

Advanced care, around the clock

In this role, you will play a pivotal part in providing advanced care to our referral inpatients and handling out-of-hours emergencies with efficiency and compassion. As Team Leader, you will also line manage our established team of OOH Nurses and VCAs, with the support of our Senior HDU Vet who is a Diplomate in Emergency & Critical Care.

This role promises an exciting mix of cases, being part of a team that provides exceptional care to every patient across our medical, surgical, and high dependency services. You'll work collaboratively within an established team of clinicians, and with the support of your fellow RVNs and Auxiliary Nurses, you'll find a supportive and friendly atmosphere that truly puts our patients first.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Providing high-standard nursing care across all disciplines and wards
2. Collaborating effectively with clinicians and the clinical team
3. Engaging in clear communication with clients regarding their pet's care and treatment
4. Ensuring thorough handovers between day and night teams to maintain continuity of care
5. Covering anaesthesia of patients when required
6. Line management of the OOH Nursing team (facilitated with dedicated weekly admin hours)

Joining a team, you are proud to be a part of

Situated just outside of High Wycombe (J4, M40) Buckinghamshire, we deliver world-class exemplary clinical services, with a clear focus on the people that make that a reality. By nurturing our workforce, we are able to offer the very best services to the pets entrusted into our care as well as to their owners.

Hamilton Specialist Referrals was born of the belief that there is room for a new wave of veterinary excellence across the UK. There is a strong focus on providing a personal and reassuring client experience from first contact through to discharge. Excellent clinical care delivered in a friendly and supportive manner to referring vets is paramount to the team. The hospital is operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is able to offer the most advanced treatment options available for orthopaedic, neurology, soft tissue, oncology, and internal medicine cases. We have a dedicated Imaging suite, which includes a 16-slice CT scanner, 1.5 Tesla MRI, fluoroscopy, separate radiography and ultrasound room.

Our core ethos here at HSR is based on appreciation of our staff. Curating and developing a friendly, close-knit team is a central part of our working environment. Further qualifications and certificates are encouraged and fully supported as we feel strongly about our employees' right to enjoy work and develop rewarding careers. We have a dedicated team of Specialists, Referral clinicians, RVNs, and Support teams.

Experience and qualifications

1. Qualified RVN with RCVS registration
2. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
3. Ability to work collaboratively
4. Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to patient safety
5. Previous experience in a referral hospital and/or out of hours role
6. Comfortable leading, delegating, and organising a team
7. Leadership experience would be beneficial but is not essential

Working pattern

We're looking for someone to join us for an average of 38 hours per week, following a 4 on 8 off pattern (13hr shifts) along with some additional dedicated admin hours to make up the full 38hrs. Admin hours can be completed in the hospital, or can be from home once inducted and established in the role. This is a fixed-term contract position from June 2025 for 12 months.

Because our employees 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 salary up to £45,000 DOE pro-rata, you will benefit from:

Work-life balance

1. 6.6 weeks' annual leave
2. Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
3. Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service

Well-being

1. Private medical insurance
2. Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
3. Cycle to Work scheme
4. Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
5. Non-accidental injury support

Development

1. CPD allowance
2. Certificate support
3. Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
4. Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider
5. All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
6. Infection Prevention and Control Programme
7. Quality Improvement Programme

Professional Memberships

1. VDS cover
2. RCVS fees

Additional

1. Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers
2. Pension - 5% Employee/3% Employer
3. Discounted staff pet care

Up to £45,000 DOE pro-rata