Deputy Head Nurse – Progressive Small Animal Practice | Portsmouth Area
Join a Growing Team | Flexible Working | Professional Development
We’re seeking a dedicated Deputy Head Nurse to join a dynamic nursing team at a busy and expanding small animal practice near Portsmouth. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated RVN who thrives on variety and wants to play a key role in supporting clinical excellence and team development.
About the Role
As Deputy Head Nurse, you will assist the Head Nurse in ensuring the smooth running, efficiency, and continuous improvement of clinical services. You’ll be hands-on, supporting colleagues across a broad and varied caseload that includes consulting, inpatient care, and surgical duties.
Excellent communication and a collaborative spirit are essential, as is a passion for professional growth—our team embraces continuous learning with excellent development opportunities.
Working Hours & Flexibility
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Full-time role, typically 4 days per week (9-hour shifts) to support a healthy work-life balance
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Weekend rota is 1-in-4
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Flexible working patterns available—open to discussing arrangements that suit your lifestyle
Benefits
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Competitive salary with profit share bonus scheme
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Long service recognition and income protection
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Enhanced maternity pay and compassionate leave
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Staff discounts and wellbeing support
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CPD allowance with ongoing training support
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Opportunities for overseas charity work
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Exclusive retail discounts and rewards
About the Practice
This well-equipped practice features:
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Two operating theatres and a dental suite with digital and handheld dental X-ray
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Ultrasound facilities
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Separate wards for dogs, cats, and small animals, plus walk-in kennels and an isolation unit
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Dedicated lab and advanced monitoring equipment
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Growing exotic caseload
Join a Family-Focused Veterinary Group
You’ll become part of a respected, family-owned veterinary group with a nationwide network. Our surgeries are modern, spacious, and designed to provide outstanding care in a calm, supportive environment. We invest heavily in our people and technology, making this an exciting time to join a practice committed to excellent patient care and staff satisfaction.
Interested?
If you’re ready to take on a leadership role where you can grow professionally and support a passionate team, we’d love to hear from you.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us on 028 8744 0649 or email niamh@lloydandcowan.com
If you know someone else who may be interested - pass this advert on to them. If we successfully place someone, you've referred to us; we'll give you £200 in high street vouchers as a way of saying thank you.
All applications will be treated in the STRICTEST CONFIDENCE