Head Veterinary Nurse

Posting date:	30 September 2025
Salary:	£40,000 to £44,000 per year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	30 October 2025
Location:	E10
Remote working:	On-site only
Company:	Purosearch
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	JOB-55297-20726

Summary

Head Registered Veterinary Nurse

• Leadership & Influence: Take ownership of the Head Nurse role, leading a large nursing team and shaping clinical standards across the practice.

  
  

• Clinical & Management Balance: Blend administrative leadership (≈75%) with hands-on clinical work (≈25%) across wards, theatre, and charge nurse duties.

  
  

• Professional Development: Drive in-house training, mentor staff, and implement performance reviews to support career growth of RVNs, SVNs, and VCAs.

  
  

• Innovative Opportunity: Bring fresh ideas to redefine and enhance the Head Nurse role within a dynamic 24-hour practice.

  
  

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: £40,000–£44,000 FTE, full-time with no weekends, generous leave, CPD support, healthcare perks, and opportunities for career growth.

  
  About the Role

  My client, a dynamic veterinary practice, is seeking a truly exceptional individual to step into the role of Head Nurse. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a pivotal leadership position and make it your own.

  As a key member of the practice leadership team, working closely with the Practice Manager and Head Vet, the Head Nurse will play a central role in driving operational excellence, delivering outstanding patient care, and supporting a talented nursing team across all experience levels.

  This role is perfect for an RVN with extensive experience in a busy practice environment who is either already a Head Nurse or a highly experienced nurse with a natural flair for leadership, ready to step into an official management position.

  Key Responsibilities

  • Schedule and lead Nursing and VCA team meetings.

    
    

  • Set and maintain clinical standards of care in collaboration with departmental heads.

    
    

  • Oversee in-house training programs delivered by vets and nurses to develop clinical skills.

    
    

  • Work clinical shifts across various RVN roles including wards, theatre, and charge nurse duties.

    
    

  • Recruit, induct, and support new RVNs, SVNs, and VCAs (with administrative support).

    
    

  • Manage the nurse rota in conjunction with the Practice Manager and Practice Administrator.

    
    

  • Ensure staff with additional responsibilities meet expected standards, providing guidance and training where needed.

    
    

  • Collaborate with leadership to improve the patient journey from reception to discharge.

    
    

  • Conduct performance reviews and maintain clear reporting structures.

    
    

  • Manage colleague TOIL, overtime, and on-day resource planning.

    
    

    This role is approximately 75% management and administration, 25% clinical, though flexibility is key in a practice setting. My client is looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas to reshape the Head Nurse role, inspire their team, and drive positive change.

    About the Practice

    My client’s veterinary practice provides a diverse and challenging caseload, meaning no two days are the same. You’ll be part of a large, talented team.

    The practice offers excellent diagnostic support, including CT and ultrasound scanners, a visiting specialist in diagnostic imaging, and a commercial laboratory. The team provides advanced first opinion, emergency, and critical care services, with experienced surgeons performing complex orthopaedic, soft tissue, and minimally invasive procedures onsite.

    What’s on Offer

    • Salary: £40,000–£44,000 FTE depending on experience, with growth opportunities.

      
      

    • Annual Leave: 6.6 weeks including bank holidays.

      
      

    • CPD: Annual CPD budget plus up to 2 days paid CPD leave.

      
      

    • Additional Benefits: Paid 30-minute lunch breaks, optional private medical healthcare scheme with cashback incentives, and relocation assistance where applicable.

      
      

      This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated RVN to take on a leadership role, shape the future of a busy veterinary practice, and make a real difference for patients, clients, and colleagues.

      To apply please contact Luke on 01904 570056 or email a copy of your up-to-date CV to l.stewart@purovets.com

      To view all our vacancies, please visit https://purovets.com/veterinary-jobs/

      And don't forget, if this position is of no interest to you but you know someone who may be interested, please pass on our details. We offer £250* for every successful candidate referral. Terms and conditions apply.

      Ref no: JOB-55297