Head Veterinary Nurse

Medivet Chelmsford is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced and motivated Veterinary Nurse to step into a Head Nurse position within a well-established and busy practice. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about delivering exceptional clinical care while also enjoying the responsibility of leading, mentoring, and developing a nursing team.

As Head Nurse, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the day‑to‑day running of the practice, working closely with the Practice Owner and wider leadership team to maintain high clinical standards, support team wellbeing, and ensure an excellent experience for both patients and clients. You will remain hands‑on in a clinical capacity while also taking ownership of nurse rotas, workflow, training, and professional development, creating a positive and supportive environment where nurses can thrive.

This opportunity would suit a confident, organised, and approachable RCVS‑registered Veterinary Nurse who is ready to take the next step in their career or bring their existing leadership experience into a practice that values collaboration and growth. You will be supported by Medivet’s strong clinical governance framework, ongoing leadership development, and access to excellent CPD opportunities.

In return, Medivet Chelmsford offers a competitive salary, clear progression pathways, generous CPD support, and the chance to be part of a respected veterinary group that truly invests in its people. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact, develop your leadership skills, and help shape the future of a thriving practice.

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• Deliver exceptional care to clients, each and every day.

• Support the vet with any operations or procedures when required.
• Carry out nurse‑led appointments.
• Responsible for patient monitoring and care.
• Manage admissions and discharges for procedures as directed by the Vet or Lead Vet (depending on complexity).
• Ensure patient records are accurate and up to date.
• Ensure all pre‑or post‑operation activity is completed.
• Provide everyday care for patients by carrying out appropriate walking, toileting and feeding.
• Complete any patient transfers required to out‑of‑hours (OOH) care provider or for any enhanced care required.
• Responsible for dispensing and checking any medication required.
• All patient care is carried out under the guidance of the Vet/Lead Vet in line with clinical competence.

• Accountable for clinical compliance with all regulatory and practice standards and agreed ways of working.
• Ensure the appropriate regulatory, practice and operational veterinary and nursing standards are implemented in the practice.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.

• Hold daily briefings and co‑ordinate roles and activity to support the effective running of the clinic.
• Effectively deliver timely clinical communications to veterinary and nursing teams sharing news of changes or improvements to processes or practice standards, Social Ecosystem Model (SEM) outcomes etc.
• Carry out engaging clinical meetings with the nursing team.

• Support and carry out clinical coaching as required.
• Pro‑actively share clinical best practice within and across clinics and the wider Medivet community.
• Responsible for training and the development of the nursing team.
• Ensure the clinical team are clear on their responsibilities and any tasks that need to be completed each day.
• Ensure that Veterinary Nurses have appropriate clinical support and coaching.
• Lead, manage and promote nurse‑led appointments and Schedule 3 surgeries.
• To continue to deliver exceptional care to clients the Vet and Lead Vet are responsible for mentoring graduates within the clinic. The Nurse and Head Nurse are responsible for coaching the nursing team.

• Take samples as required by and under the direction of the Vet/Lead Vet.
• Ensure lab tests are carried out correctly.
• Effectively manage the stock in the clinic and place any orders required.
• Escalate any issues to the Practice Manager and/or Vet/Lead Vet as required.
• Ensure the back of…