At Pet People Vets, our values - Love, Opportunity, Quality and Curiosity guide everything we do. The Head Veterinary Nurse plays a vital role in bringing these values to life, leading the nursing team and contributing as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.
This is more than a management role. It is a leadership position at the heart of our independent, owner-led practice, shaping both the everyday running of the clinic and the long-term future of the business.

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Registered Veterinary Nurse with proven practice experience.
• Experience leading, mentoring or supervising a team.
• Confident delivering nurse-led clinics.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a Head Nurse or equivalent leadership role.
• Competence in dental radiography and advanced nursing techniques.
• Experience with CT imaging.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Essential

• Strong knowledge of all core RVN duties and nursing procedures.
• Sound clinical judgment and ability to prioritise.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Organised, calm under pressure and solutions-focused.

Desirable

• Experience with EzyVet practice management system.
• Familiarity with Idexx in-house laboratory systems.
• Knowledge of stock management and computerised ordering systems.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• RVN qualification and RCVS registration.

Desirable

• 4+ years post-qualification experience.
• Clinical Coach status.
• Leadership or management qualification.

ROLE OVERVIEW

As Head Veterinary Nurse, you will:

• Lead and inspire our nursing team, creating a culture of compassion, professionalism and growth.
• Ensure patients consistently receive optimal care and clients feel supported and reassured.
• Balance quality with efficiency, managing resources responsibly.
• Contribute to practice strategy and direction as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Support the professional development and wellbeing of your team, ensuring they feel valued and motivated.
• Foster collaboration across all areas of the practice, ensuring seamless, high-quality service.

ROLE AT A GLANCE

Position: Head Registered Veterinary Nurse (Head RVN)
Hours: 40 hours per week (4 day working week, with time back for working weekends)
Rota: 1 in 6 weekends, shared bank holiday rota (approx. 1 per year), no out-of-hours
Base site: Primarily East Sheen site, with responsibility across both East Sheen and Richmond clinics
Facilities: Bright, modern clinics with advanced facilities including CT scanner, dental suite with radiography, large prep area, separate patient wards, and four consulting rooms
Clinical opportunities: Full use of Schedule 3 skills (e.g. stitch-ups, lump removals, dental radiography, scale & polish) CT operation and nurse clinics

Other Benefits:

• Birthday off every year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Regular team socials (from yoga and rock climbing to relaxed pub evenings)
• Support for professional development, including CPD and leadership training

This role combines hands-on clinical nursing with strategic leadership offering variety, progression and the opportunity to make a real impact.

MAIN PURPOSE & GOALS

Lead with Love: Support and inspire the nursing team, ensuring a positive and caring working environment.
Create Opportunity: Champion professional development for all team members, from student nurses to experienced RVNs.
Deliver Quality: Ensure every patient receives optimal care and every client receives clear, compassionate communication.
Encourage Curiosity : Foster continuous improvement, learning and innovation in clinical and operational practice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & People

• Lead, inspire and develop the nursing team, setting clinical standards, mentoring individuals and creating opportunities for growth.
• Conduct regular meetings, 1–1s and performance reviews.
• Address challenges fairly and confidently to maintain team wellbeing and performance.
• Oversee recruitment, induction and onboarding of nursing staff.
• Support training and development of student nurses, ACAs and kennel assistants.

Clinical Excellence

• Carry out all general nursing duties and support vets in delivering high-quality care.
• Deliver and oversee nurse-led clinics and Schedule 3 procedures.
• Operate advanced diagnostics (CT, dental radiography) and support complex cases.
• Monitor in-patients with accurate records to ensure safe anaesthetics and recoveries.
• Provide clear, compassionate communication with clients.

Operations & Practice Protocols

• Oversee the safe and smooth running of the practice on a day-to-day basis.
• Manage the pharmacy, ensuring accurate records, safe dispensing, stock rotation and cost control.
• Take responsibility for controlled drug storage, recording, auditing and disposal.
• Ensure equipment and building maintenance safety and documentation meet legal and clinical standards.
• Lead audits and inspections, ensuring full compliance with RCVS Practice Standards and other regulations.
• Maintain and implement practice policies promoting a culture of accountability and safety.

Client & Community

• Promote outstanding client service as a core part of nursing leadership.
• Support reception and give inpatient updates where needed.
• Represent the nursing team in Senior Leadership meetings.
• Assist with open days, CPD evenings and marketing initiatives.
• Welcome and support visiting vets, students and work experience placements.