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 a knowledgeable, confident Equine Head Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Donnington Grove Vets on a full-time basis. The ideal person will be a team player who has a passion for leadership and can manage our fantastic team to a high standard.
Our main Hospital has RCVS Tier 3 hospital status and is based in Newbury, which is a thriving town in West Berkshire, with many restaurants and only a 45-minute train journey to London Paddington. Situated on the edge of the North Wessex Downs AONB, it also provides beautiful local countryside for long walks with our canine friends. Having been established for decades, and with two branch practices in Thatcham and Tadley, we have a huge client base which comes with lots of variety in our caseload.
We have facilities for imaging and surgery at any time of day or night. Our equipment includes Digital radiography, digital dental radiography, ultrasound with colour Doppler, endoscopy, Enseal, arthroscopy, operating microscope, microsurgical equipment, slit lamp and Tonovet.
Donnington Grove has a high caseload dealing with routine and emergency cases on a daily basis. We are also a training hospital with several student Nurses working towards their Level 3 Diploma in Equine Nursing. The ideal candidate needs to be highly organised, with good leadership skills and also a passion for coaching and supporting our next generation of Nurses.
How You’ll Make a DifferenceAs an Equine 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
* Monday - Friday working shifts between 8 am - 8:30 pm with a one-hour lunch
* No weekend work
* Participation in the OOH rota when required is essential; this will include both summer bank holidays and Christmas/New Year
Key Responsibilities
* Act as go-to person for nursing team, whilst also overseeing the ECA’s and Yard Team - covering rotas, holding 121 meetings, leading practice standards
* Assist vets with queries and support students with admin duties
* Daily drug ordering, equipment maintenance and act as RPS for scintigraphy and radiography
* Clinical work as required
You Might Be a Great Fit If…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
* Ability to handle challenging conversations when required
How We’ll Support YouAt 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 opportunities into wider practice leadership roles
* Ongoing learning and development to support leadership, governance and strategic growth
* A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team* 6.6 weeks’ annual leave
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