Head Registered Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal

Vet Record Careers; oThongathi; On-site; ZAR 710,000 - 948,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern veterinary practice is seeking an experienced Head Nurse to lead a friendly, supportive team. This role involves managing a diverse caseload of small animals and exotics, fostering a collaborative working environment, and supporting the team's professional development. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership and clinical skills. Competitive salary and benefits including flexible working arrangements and CPD support are offered.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Private Medical Insurance

Competitive CPD allowance

Discounted gym membership

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Experience in a veterinary nursing role, ideally as a Head Nurse.
• Strong leadership qualities and ability to lead a team.
• Ability to manage a diverse caseload including small animals and exotics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee nursing team and provide leadership support.
• Manage a varied caseload with both small animals and exotic species.
• Encourage ongoing professional development and training within the team.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Clinical skills

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Trinity Vets, a modern and well-equipped first and second opinion practice in Maidstone, Kent, for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to step into a Head Nurse role. We also welcome applications from experienced Head Nurses with strong leadership qualities and a proven ability to lead teams effectively. Our supportive and friendly team is happy to discuss both pathways to find the best fit for you. The successful candidate will join a supportive and collaborative team of experienced vets, nurses, and animal care assistants, all committed to delivering outstanding care to our patients and clients. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a team-oriented environment and enjoys taking initiative in a leadership capacity.

Role and responsibilities

The caseload is split approximately 50/50 between small animals and exotics, offering a varied and engaging working environment. While experience with exotics is welcomed, it is by no means essential; our dedicated Exotics Lead provides expert guidance and mentorship to support development in this area. Our nurses manage a diverse and stimulating caseload, with excellent opportunities to expand and refine clinical skills. The role involves leadership responsibilities within the team and supporting CPD and ongoing learning. True to our motto, activities may vary day to day.

Hours and flexibility

This is typically a full-time role, working 40 hours over 4 or 5 days, with participation in a weekend rota and no out-of-hours shifts. We also welcome part-time applications and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements to suit individual needs.

What we offer

Established over 10 years ago, Trinity Vet Centre is highly regarded for its expertise in exotic medicine. We handle a varied small animal and exotics caseload and work within a recently refurbished facility. Our practice is equipped with four consulting rooms, an exotic ward, small animal cages, a surgical theatre, a prep room, radiography and ultrasonography, as well as in-house clinical pathology and dental facilities. We pride ourselves on providing a welcoming, friendly atmosphere with great transport links.

People and culture

At Trinity, we have fostered a family-like culture and positive working environment. Our team includes several full and part-time Registered Veterinary Nurses, many with additional training in exotic species, a student nurse, and experienced reception staff. We actively encourage and support further training, including certificates and areas of interest, to help our team continue to grow professionally.

Benefits and development

Beyond a competitive base salary, you will benefit from:

• Work-life balance
  • 6.6 weeks annual leave
  • Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• 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 CPD leave 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