Head Veterinary Nurse (HVN)

Job Description

Introduction
Our Client’s practice is a well-established small animal veterinary group with a central hub in Saffron Walden and additional branches supporting a wide client base. The practice provides a high level of first opinion and advanced care, including orthopaedic and laparoscopic surgery, advanced diagnostics, and inpatient services, all within a supportive and collaborative network.

Working Hours / Rota
This is a full-time or part-time permanent position, with part-time applicants (minimum 3 days per week) welcome. The role includes participation in the nursing rota across consultations, theatre, and inpatient care. Specific rota details are flexible and designed to support a healthy work-life balance.

Role Description
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to step into a Head Nurse role, leading a dynamic and supportive nursing team.

You will be responsible for managing and developing the nursing team, including RVNs, Student Nurses, and Patient Care Assistants, fostering a positive and collaborative culture. You will work closely with the Clinical Director and Practice Manager to maintain and improve clinical standards, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based nursing care across all areas of the practice.

The role includes hands-on clinical duties, covering consultations, anaesthesia, theatre work, and inpatient care. You will also oversee clinical governance, quality improvement initiatives, and the management of equipment, instruments, laboratory facilities, and pharmacy stock.

Additionally, you will provide mentorship and training to the team, support CPD development, and contribute to the strategic direction and commercial performance of the practice.

Team Size
You will lead a diverse nursing team including Registered Veterinary Nurses, Student Veterinary Nurses, and Patient Care Assistants, working collaboratively with Veterinary Surgeons and management.

Practice Details
The practice operates as part of a larger group with a central hub and multiple branches, offering both routine and advanced veterinary services. Facilities include advanced diagnostic capabilities, orthopaedic and laparoscopic surgical equipment, and comprehensive inpatient care services. The group is committed to clinical excellence, continuous development, and a strong team ethos.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a Registered Veterinary Nurse with experience in small animal practice and a strong interest in leadership. You will be confident across all areas of nursing, including consultations, theatre, and inpatient care.

You will have excellent communication and team-building skills, with previous mentoring or leadership experience preferred. A passion for clinical excellence, team development, and continuous improvement is essential, alongside an interest in contributing to the operational and business success of the practice.

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.

Haven’t worked with a recruiter before? Not a problem, key things we want to highlight;

1. All communication is 100% private and confidential.
2. Our service is completely FREE for candidates looking for new roles
3. We have roles that aren’t being advertised, so even if you are actively applying the right role might not be available.