Head Veterinary Nurse (HVN)

Job Description

Introduction
Our Client is an independently owned, not-for-profit veterinary hospital preparing to launch a brand-new 24-hour facility in Cwmbran, serving Torfaen and the surrounding areas. Due to open in early 2027, the hospital will provide accessible, affordable, high-quality veterinary care with a strong focus on continuous patient care and emergency services. Its transparent pricing structure and commitment to removing barriers to veterinary treatment create a varied and rewarding caseload, offering excellent opportunities for professional development.

Working Hours / Rota
This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week across a four-day week. The role includes a shared weekend rota of 2 in 9 weekends, with time off in lieu provided for weekend work.

Role Description
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to take on a Lead RVN position within a brand-new hospital. As well as delivering high-quality clinical nursing, you will play a central role in developing and supporting the nursing team while helping to establish the hospital from its opening. Responsibilities include mentoring colleagues, conducting one-to-one meetings, supporting staff development, overseeing rota management, ensuring compliance with Health & Safety and RCVS Practice Standards Scheme requirements, managing stock, leading regular team meetings and contributing to the continued growth of the hospital’s client base. You will also have the opportunity to become or continue as a Clinical Coach with full support.

Team Size
You will become part of a growing multidisciplinary team of veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses and support staff, working collaboratively to build a supportive, high-performing hospital environment focused on delivering exceptional patient care.

Practice Details
The hospital is a brand-new, purpose-built 24-hour veterinary facility scheduled to open in early 2027. It will provide first opinion, emergency and inpatient care while maintaining a strong commitment to affordable veterinary services. The combination of free daytime consultations, affordable out-of-hours care and transparent pricing will generate a diverse clinical caseload, enabling the team to develop their skills across a wide range of medical and surgical cases.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a Registered Veterinary Nurse with previous leadership or senior nursing experience and a passion for developing others. You will be confident in all aspects of veterinary nursing, possess excellent communication and organisational skills, and enjoy mentoring colleagues. Experience with rota management, compliance and stock control would be advantageous, although support will be available for those looking to expand their leadership skills. A proactive attitude, commercial awareness and a genuine commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality veterinary care are essential.

This is just some of the information about the job and company, but there will be more questions. Tempus Veterinary Recruitment is happy to get those questions answered for you during the recruiting process. Tempus Veterinary Recruitment is here to make the recruiting process simple and stress free.

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