Head Veterinary Nurse

We’re a community of passionate veterinary professionals committed to providing truly exceptional care. We’re set on building something extraordinary: creating the most forward-thinking and innovative place in the veterinary industry.

We’re always looking for people who aspire to stand out in their field, and it’s this vision and enthusiasm that forms the foundation of how we work. And we always have opportunities for career progression, which we love to see.

Our mission to deliver progressive, around the clock care means our employees have the very best equipment and treatment options available, including in-house MRI machines and state-of-the-art operating theatres.

We provide ongoing support to our teams, both in practice and through our dedicated training centre. This empowers you to get the very best from our advanced equipment while being on your journey to veterinary excellence.

The role will involve all aspects of nursing as well as the leading the nursing team. It would suit a confident RVN who is ready to take the next step into a Head Nurse position or who has previous Head Nurse experience. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years qualified experience. Clinical coaching experience or at least enthusiasm to become a Clinical Coach is essential. We are looking for someone who is keen to support and develop our Student Nurses, junior RVNs and Care Assistants and is not afraid to get stuck in with the duties and to lead by example. 

You will be fully supported within your move and we will offer full management training with our dedicated in-house internal training team. You'll have a friendly and positive attitude and want to progress and expand your knowledge and skills further. Strong mentorship and support will be available to help you develop your career and get the most satisfaction from your job.

• To actively participate in nursing duties, and assist Veterinary Surgeons in their duties 
• To supervise the activities of the nursing and ancillary staff, ensuring they work efficiently to maintain the required legal, professional and personal standards necessary
• To counsel nursing and ancillary staff whose performance or conduct falls below the required standard and, where necessary, in liaison with the practice management to ensure, in liaison with the Senior Veterinary Surgeon, that opportunities for implementing Schedule 3 of the Veterinary Surgeons Act are maximised for suitably trained and skilled Veterinary nurses who are on the RCVS List 
• To liaise with the Senior Veterinary Surgeon and the Area Manager in the organisation of rotas for nursing and ancillary staff to ensure the available staff are sensibly utilised and distributed. 
• To be involved in the recruitment process at the trial stage for all nurses/ancillary staff
• To assist the Managing Veterinary Surgeon with administration that is required for the day to day running of the practice. This includes ensuring daily cashing up is correct, weekly banking is done and any invoices received for payment are passed on to the relevant person 
• To be responsible for monitoring stock control and keeping stock cost to within the required budget, ensuring orders are placed and deliveries checked.
• To record all expired drugs – quantities, batch number, cost – and keep monthly records
  To be responsible for dealing with enquiries at Reception and on the telephone for which the Receptionist/Nurse on duty is not suitably qualified to handle, and which do not warrant the involvement of a Veterinary Surgeon
• Maintaining and improving standards of customer care provided by the nursing team such that the reputation of Medivet is maintained or enhanced
• To ensure the nursing team give accurate information to owners regarding the care of their pet, which is consistent with that given by the Medivet team 
  In liaison with the Managing Veterinary Surgeon, to co-ordinate training for Nurses, Animal Care Assistants and ancillary staff, ensuring that opportunities are available for them to gain relevant experience whilst giving support and encouragement where appropriate 
• To take part in the induction training of new members of staff within the Centre, in particular Nursing Staff, Receptionists and Animal Care Assistants 
• To assist the Managing Veterinary Surgeon in carrying out, at 6 and 12 months, performance reviews for nursing/ancillary staff, following up on agreed action plans 
   
• To take an active role in Continuing Professional Development initiatives by attending meetings, training seminars etc. and encouraging others to follow this example
• To assist the Managing Veterinary Surgeon in ensuring all staff are informed and comply with Health & Safety policies and good practice
• To be Clinical Coach to Student Nurses when required
• To ensure the surgery complies with Practice Standards and that all documentation is kept up to date. 
   

Two years post-qualification experience, although previous work as an HVN is not essential. We are looking for someone with leadership qualities, approachability, and a passion for getting the best out of people.

Our branch is in a lovely area right across the road from Hampstead Heath and next to the Overground station. We are on a small parade of shops with supermarket, coffee shops and grocery store.