Purosearch • New Cross

Head Veterinary Nurse

About this role

Head Registered Veterinary Nurse (Head RVN) – 4 Day Week

New Cross, Greater London

Competitive Salary DOE | Full-Time | Leadership Opportunity

Role Highlights

  • Leadership role in a busy and supportive small animal practice
  • Excellent work-life balance with a 4-day working week
  • Opportunity to shape clinical standards and develop the nursing team
  • 1 in 6 weekends at a nearby 24-hour hospital
  • Funded CPD and certificate opportunities
  • Ideal for a Senior RVN ready to step into leadership or an experienced Head Nurse seeking a fresh challenge

The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to take on a Head Veterinary Nurse position within a thriving first opinion practice in South East London.

This is a hands-on clinical leadership role where you will work closely with the wider practice team to maintain exceptional standards of patient care, mentor and develop colleagues, and play a key role in the continued growth and success of the practice.

Key responsibilities include

  • Leading and inspiring the nursing team
  • Running and developing nurse clinics
  • Promoting Schedule 3 procedures
  • Supporting consultations, surgery and inpatient care
  • Monitoring anaesthesia and managing patient recovery
  • Managing admissions, discharges and medication checks
  • Coordinating day-to-day clinical workflow
  • Ensuring compliance with all clinical and operational standards

This role offers genuine autonomy, excellent support and the opportunity to make a real impact.

Hours & Work Pattern

  • Full-time permanent role
  • 4-day working week
  • 9.5-hour shifts
  • 1 in 6 weekends
  • 2 bank holidays per year
  • 1 on-call week per year

The Practice & Team

This well-established small animal practice is located in a vibrant and well-connected area of South East London with a loyal and growing client base.

You will be part of a collaborative and supportive team, with access to an extensive clinical network, advanced hospitals and referral services, creating excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Salary & Benefits

  • Competitive salary dependent on experience
  • Health Plan from day one
  • 24/7 counselling and wellbeing support
  • Life Assurance (3x salary)
  • 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service
  • Additional days paid leave
  • £750 CPD allowance plus 2 paid CPD days
  • Funded certificate opportunities
  • Internal CPD and access to clinical communities
  • RCVS, VDS and BVA fees paid
  • Interest-free Season Ticket Loan
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Staff discounts on veterinary services and products

About You

  • RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse
  • Previous senior or leadership experience preferred
  • Confident in all aspects of nursing, including anaesthesia, theatre and inpatient care
  • Strong coaching and mentoring skills
  • Passionate about clinical excellence and team development
  • Experienced in nurse consults and Schedule 3 procedures

Apply Now

For more information or a confidential discussion, please contact

l.stewart@purovets.com

01904 570056

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Purovets Veterinary Jobs

£250 referral bonus available (T&Cs apply)

Reference

JOB-56626