Head Veterinary Nurse

Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse
Near Benenden, Kent
Salary: £34,000 per Annum + £1,000 Joining Bonus | Full-Time | Permanent

• Leadership opportunity in a modern, well-equipped first-opinion practice
• 90% clinical and 10% administrative responsibilities
• Lead and mentor a supportive team of RVNs, VCAs and student nurses
• Advanced facilities including ultrasound, dental X-ray, in-house laboratory and ophthalmology
• £1,000 joining bonus plus excellent benefits and career progression opportunities

This is an ideal role for a confident and organised nurse who enjoys combining hands‑on clinical work with team leadership responsibilities. With approximately 90% of your time spent clinically and 10% focused on administration and management, you will remain at the heart of patient care while helping to guide and support the nursing team.

You will oversee day‑to‑day nursing operations, mentor colleagues and student nurses, and ensure the highest standards of clinical care and branch organisation are consistently maintained.

• Lead and support the nursing team and student veterinary nurses
• Oversee nurse rotas, holiday planning and daily workflow
• Maintain high standards of nursing care and clinical protocols
• Assist with consultations, diagnostics and surgical procedures
• Monitor anaesthesia and provide perioperative nursing support
• Manage controlled drugs, stock control and health and safety procedures
• Run nurse clinics and preventative healthcare consultations
• Support team development, mentoring and performance management
• Handle administrative duties including reporting and liaising with suppliers
• Promote a positive, collaborative and supportive team culture

• Full‑time permanent position
• 40 hours per week
• Five days per week with 8‑hour shifts
• Weekend work compensated with time off in lieu or additional pay

This is a fully equipped small animal practice offering a broad range of diagnostic and treatment capabilities in a modern clinical environment.

• Digital X-ray
• Dental suite with dental X-ray
• Ultrasound
• In‑house blood analysis
• Ophthalmology equipment
• Well‑equipped surgical and treatment areas

• 3 Registered Veterinary Nurses
• 4 Veterinary Care Assistants / Client Care Assistants
• Branch Manager
• Student Veterinary Nurses

• £34,000 per annum, depending on experience
• £1,000 joining bonus
• 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays
• Birthday leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Extensive internal and external CPD opportunities
• Life assurance
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Staff discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free annual flu jab
• Eyecare vouchers
• Employee Assistance Programme

• Strong clinical skills including anaesthesia and surgical nursing
• Previous leadership or mentoring experience preferred
• Highly organised and able to work independently
• Approachable, supportive and confident communicator
• Passionate about maintaining exceptional patient care standards

This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a leadership role while remaining heavily involved in clinical work.

You will have the chance to shape nursing standards, mentor colleagues and develop your leadership skills in a supportive and progressive environment with excellent facilities and genuine opportunities for advancement.