Head Veterinary Nurse – Leadership Opportunity
Greater London | Full-Time | £DOE
An established and community-focused small animal practice in West London is seeking a confident and proactive Head Veterinary Nurse to lead its dedicated nursing team.
This is a full-time, permanent role offering a unique opportunity for an experienced RVN to step into a leadership position within a close-knit, collaborative team. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting clinical standards, team development, and the continued delivery of exceptional care.
The Role
As Head Nurse, you’ll be at the heart of the clinical team, coordinating day-to-day operations, championing best practices, and ensuring that all nursing activity aligns with the highest standards of patient care, compliance, and efficiency. You’ll also work closely with veterinary and client care teams to drive a positive, learning-focused environment and contribute to the wider success of the practice.
You’ll enjoy access to excellent facilities, and there will be occasional weekend shifts based at a nearby referral hospital with access to advanced diagnostics.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide leadership and daily coordination of the nursing team
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Oversee and deliver nurse-led consultations and clinical procedures
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Support vets during surgeries and manage inpatient care
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Guide, coach, and develop RVNs, SVNs and VCAs
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Maintain high levels of compliance across health and safety, RCVS, and practice standards
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Facilitate team meetings and clinical briefings
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Take responsibility for lab processes, medication management, and stock control
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Drive clinical improvement and contribute to the ongoing development of the practice
About You
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RCVS registered veterinary nurse (essential)
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Proven ability to lead a clinical team and manage day-to-day nursing operations
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Skilled in planning, prioritisation, and collaborative teamworking
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Confident delivering nurse consults and championing Schedule 3 procedures
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Strong communicator and capable clinical coach
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Passionate about delivering high standards of patient and client care
Why Apply?
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Step into a leadership role within a respected, community-based practice
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Enjoy a stable, friendly working environment with a focus on support and development
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Access to a wider clinical network and referral-level diagnostics
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Full-time hours (40 per week) with a balanced rota and support from nearby teams
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A great opportunity to make a genuine impact on practice culture and patient care
If you're an experienced RVN ready to take the next step into leadership, or a current Head Nurse seeking a new challenge within a progressive and people-focused practice, we’d be happy to discuss this opportunity in confidence.
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