Head Registered Veterinary Nurse – Small Animal
Location: Feltham / Ashford / Sunbury, Greater London & Surrey
Salary: From £34,000 per annum
Hours: Full-Time, 4 x 9-hour days, approximately 39–40 hours per week
Weekend: 1 in 4 weekends
Nights: Nurse care nights on rotation, with accommodation provided when required
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
About the Role
An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Head Registered Veterinary Nurse in the Feltham, Ashford and Sunbury area to help launch and lead the nursing function within a brand-new small animal practice.
Offering a salary from £34,000, a 4-day working week and 1 in 4 weekends, this is a rare opportunity to build and develop a nursing team rather than simply inherit an established structure.
As Head RVN, you will have genuine influence over clinical nursing standards, workflows, team development and the overall nursing culture from day one.
The position combines hands-on clinical nursing with leadership and operational responsibility, making it ideal for an ambitious RVN ready to take ownership of a nursing team.
About the Practice
The role is based within a brand-new, modern and spacious small animal veterinary practice designed to provide an excellent environment for patients, clients and colleagues.
The practice will have a strong focus on ensuring Veterinary Nurses can fully utilise their clinical capabilities, including Schedule 3 procedures, nurse-led clinics, inpatient care and theatre nursing.
As part of the founding leadership team, the Head RVN will work closely with senior clinical colleagues to establish protocols, workflows and standards across the practice.
The wider organisation provides access to professional development, resources and career progression while allowing the local team to establish a positive and collaborative identity.
Responsibilities
Lead, support and develop the nursing team.
Deliver consistently high standards of small animal nursing care.
Oversee the day-to-day operation of the nursing function.
Maintain excellent standards across theatre, wards and nurse consultations.
Encourage appropriate utilisation of Schedule 3 nursing skills.
Support and develop nurse-led clinics.
Oversee inpatient care and patient welfare standards.
Maintain high standards of anaesthesia and surgical nursing.
Coach and mentor RVNs, Student Veterinary Nurses and support colleagues.
Support clinical coaching and student development.
Help establish nursing protocols and clinical workflows.
Promote a positive, supportive and collaborative team culture.
Work closely with Veterinary Surgeons and practice leadership.
Participate in nurse care nights on a rotational basis.
Drive continuous improvement across nursing standards and patient care.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse who:
Holds current RCVS registration.
Has strong general small animal nursing experience.
Demonstrates excellent clinical nursing skills.
Has previous leadership experience or is ready to progress into a Head RVN position.
Is confident across theatre, inpatient care and nurse consultations.
Has a strong understanding of Schedule 3 nursing responsibilities.
Enjoys coaching, mentoring and developing colleagues.
Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
Is positive, proactive and adaptable.
Is passionate about fully utilising Veterinary Nurses' clinical capabilities.
Wants to help build a supportive nursing culture from the beginning.
Is comfortable balancing hands-on clinical nursing with leadership responsibilities.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary from £34,000 per annum
4 x 9-hour working days
Approximately 39–40 hours per week
1 in 4 weekend rotation
Flexible working options considered
Accommodation provided when required for nurse care nights
20 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays
CPD support and development opportunities
Funded professional fees
Monthly nurse recognition scheme
Income protection
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Compassionate leave
Health and wellbeing support
Professional development opportunities
Leadership and career progression
Opportunity to build and develop a new nursing team
Significant influence over nursing protocols and clinical standards
Why Apply?
This is a standout opportunity for a Head RVN seeking Veterinary Nurse leadership jobs in Feltham, Ashford, Sunbury or the surrounding West London and Surrey area.
Rather than maintaining an existing nursing structure, you will have the opportunity to create one from the ground up, shaping how Veterinary Nurses work, how their skills are utilised and how the team develops.
The role offers significant scope to champion Schedule 3 procedures, nurse clinics, clinical coaching, inpatient nursing and high theatre standards, while remaining actively involved in patient care.
With a salary from £34,000, 4-day working week, 1 in 4 weekends, CPD support and funded professional fees, the position offers an attractive combination of leadership progression, clinical responsibility and work-life balance.
Apply Today
If you're an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse looking for a Head RVN job in Feltham, Ashford, Sunbury or the wider West London and Surrey area, and want the opportunity to build and lead a nursing team from day one, this could be an excellent next step.
Contact:
Ollie Lear - Talent Partner
T: 07706 346515
E: ollie@supreme-ss.com