Head Veterinary Nurse

Virginia Water Vets
- Virginia Water, South East

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, team-orientated Head Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Virginia Water Veterinary Clinic on a full-timebasis.

We are a friendly, newly established small animal practice based in the beautiful surroundings of Virginia Water, Surrey. Conveniently located right by the train station, we offer excellent transport links to London, as well as easy access to the local woodland and surrounding countryside. Staff parking is also available.

Our brand-new practice is currently home to a small, close-knit team, including one Vet, a Head Nurse, RVN, Practice Director and two Receptionists, with exciting plans to expand the team as the practice continues to grow. We are well equipped with an on-site laboratory, X-ray and ultrasound, alongside visiting specialist surgeons who provide laparoscopic spays, orthopaedic procedures and ophthalmology services.

We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our clients and patients, which has helped us develop an excellent local reputation and a loyal client base. As we grow, we are looking to introduce an Animal Nursing Assistant and offer SVN placement opportunities, making this an exciting time to join the team. We would particularly welcome an RVN with an interest in clinical coaching, or someone who already holds Clinical Coach training, to help support the development of future student nurses.

As a Head Veterinary Nurse, you will provide senior clinical and professional leadership for the nursing team, overseeing all nursing aspects of the practice and supporting the delivery of high-quality patient and client care.

You’ll be responsible for setting and maintaining nursing standards, leading clinical governance and quality improvement activity, and developing a capable, confident nursing team. Working closely with the wider practice leadership team, you'll play a key role in shaping culture, performance and ways of working.

Working Pattern

• 40 hours per week
• Working either 4/5 days, covering shifts between 8:30 am - 7:30 pm on a rota basis
• 1:4 Saturdays 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, with TOIL

General Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the nursing team, promoting high clinical standards
• Support the smooth day-to-day running of back-of-house clinical areas
• Deliver hands-on nursing care across theatre, inpatient care, and nurse consultations
• Help mentor and guide colleagues, including students and less experienced team members
• Insurance claim processing

You are an experienced and confident Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong leadership capability and a passion for clinical excellence. You’ll bring:

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Significant experience in clinical practice with advanced medical and surgical nursing skills
• Proven experience of leading, mentoring and developing nursing teams
• Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement and professional standards
• Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

• A senior leadership role with accountability for nursing standards, team development and service improvement
• Structured leadership pathways through our dedicated Nurse Academy, empowering you to shape the future of nursing care within our practice
• Clear career development with progression…