Deputy Nursing Manager

Job Title: Deputy Nursing Manager Reporting to: Nursing Manager Department: Clinical Services About AURA Veterinary

AURA Veterinary is a world-renowned centre for excellence in oncology, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine and interventional radiology based in Guildford. Our focus is on delivering the best possible outcomes for the dogs and cats who are referred to us for treatment. We offer secondary and tertiary-level clinical expertise and exceptional animal care, rooted in a commitment to uphold the highest standards in veterinary science.

The facilities at AURA are state-of-the-art and include four operating theatres, 160 slice CT scanner, with Injector pump, brand new state of the art C-arm fluoroscopy unit, Cell-salvage autotransfusion unit, intraoperative imaging with Near-Infra Red Fluorescence (NIRF), Interventional Radiology suite, minimally invasive surgical equipment, cystoscopy/endoscopy/bronchoscopy, 2 chemotherapy rooms plus hood room, contrasten­hanced ultrasonography (CEUS), digital radiography and full in-house laboratory.

The Deputy Nursing Manager is a senior clinical leadership role at the heart of AURA’s nursing team. The post holder supports the Nursing Manager in providing strong, visible, and clinically credible leadership across the nursing and VCA teams - leading from the floor, setting the standard for care, and acting as the primary point of escalation for clinical matters in the Nursing Manager’s absence.

This role operates on an 80:20 ratio - 80% of the post holder’s time is spent as an active, hands‑on clinical nurse, working alongside the nursing team and demonstrating the standard of practice expected across AURA. The remaining 20% is dedicated to administrative, people management and operational responsibilities, carried out in close partnership with the Nursing Manager.

The Deputy Nursing Manager has direct oversight of the Lead VCA and, through them, the wider VCA team structure - including the two Senior VCAs (Prep and Wards). They work closely with the Hospital Co‑ordinator to ensure smooth day‑to‑day operational flow and with the nursing leadership team to drive standards, development, and performance across all clinical areas.

This role is primarily clinical. The Deputy Nursing Manager is expected to be present on the floor, working as a practising RVN for the majority of their time. Their leadership is demonstrated through clinical excellence, visible mentorship, and day‑to‑day presence within the team.

Clinical to Administration Split: 80% — Clinical & 20% Admin

• Maintain RCVS registration as an RVN and uphold the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses at all times.
• Work as an active, practising RVN for at least 80% of contracted hours, providing hands‑on patient care across all relevant clinical areas.
• Act as a highly visible clinical role model - leading by example, demonstrating best practice, and setting the standard for all nursing and VCA staff.
• Provide consistent, clear, clinical and professional leadership; act as a mentor for all nursing and VCA staff, demonstrating professional awareness and accountability in care.
• Be the primary clinical escalation point for the nursing and VCA team during shifts, supporting decision‑making and providing guidance where needed.
• Attend patient ward rounds and constructively contribute to enhance patient care plans.
• Attend M&M meetings and action improvements identified.
• Ensure pain score sheets and early intervention sheets are compliant and effectively used.
• Ensure communication with clients is fulfilled, either directly or by delegation within the clinical team.
• Maintain precise patient records in line with RCVS guidance and AURA protocols.
• Ensure completion of CPD log and online tracker in accordance with RCVS requirements and actively pursue ongoing professional development.
• Work in accordance with AURA’s standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and policies at all times.
• Assist in the reporting of clinical errors to promote a culture of transparency, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Actively mentor, support, and educate junior RVNs and VCA…