Head Veterinary Nurse

Posting date:	22 April 2026
Salary:	£35,000 to £40,000 per year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	22 May 2026
Location:	Slough
Remote working:	On-site only
Company:	Purosearch
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	JOB-57794-20726

Summary

Head Veterinary Nurse / Senior RVN – Small Animal Practice
Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 DOE | Leadership Role | Clinical & Operational Balance

Key Highlights:

• Up to £40,000 DOE + CPD, leadership exposure & career progression
  
• Mix of clinical nursing and management responsibility
  
• Training practice with Clinical Coach opportunity
  
• Varied caseload with inpatient care, surgery, and leadership duties
  Hours & Rota
  • Full-time position (approx. 38–40 hours per week)
    
  • Monday – Friday shifts between 8:00am – 6:30pm (flexibility required)
    
  • Participation in rota planning and occasional clinical shift cover
    
  • Night duties and weekend shifts shared across the team:
    • Weeknights: inpatient care only after 9pm
      
    • Weekends: inpatient focus after 5pm
      
      
    • On-site accommodation provided for night/weekend duties
      Salary & Benefits
      • Salary £35,000 – £40,000 DOE
        
      • Generous CPD allowance with leadership development opportunities
        
      • Training practice with Clinical Coach potential
        
      • Pension scheme
        
      • Holiday allowance
        
      • Supportive, team-focused environment
        
      • Opportunity to shape and develop the nursing team
        The Opportunity

        An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Veterinary Nurse / Senior RVN to take on a key leadership role within a busy, first-opinion small animal practice. This is a highly varied position combining hands-on clinical work with team leadership, rota management, and operational oversight.

        This role is ideal for an experienced RVN ready to step into management or an established Head Nurse seeking a dynamic and rewarding environment.

        The Role

        You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the nursing team, while maintaining high clinical standards and supporting practice growth.

        Key responsibilities include:

        • Leading, mentoring, and managing the nursing team
          
        • Overseeing rotas, staffing, and day-to-day operations
          
        • Supporting and developing student nurses (training practice environment)
          
        • Maintaining clinical standards, SOPs, and compliance
          
        • Stock control, ordering, and supplier liaison
          
        • Supporting clinical duties including theatre, inpatient care, and nurse consults
          
        • Organising CPD, appraisals, and team development
          
        • Assisting with recruitment, performance management, and team wellbeing
          Clinical Environment
          • Busy first-opinion practice with varied caseload
            
          • Strong focus on inpatient care and surgical nursing
            
          • Night duties focused on inpatients only (reduced OOH pressure)
            
          • Training practice with student nurse development opportunities
            
          • Modern, spacious hospital environment
            Apply Now

            For more information or a confidential discussion:
            01904 570056
            l.stewart@purovets.com

            Know someone suitable? Ask about our £250 referral bonus (T&Cs apply).
            Ref: JOB-57794