Head Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal

Hay Vets is entering an exciting phase of growth, and we are looking for a dedicated, confident, and compassionate Head Veterinary Nurse to join us as we continue to shape the future of our practice. This is an excellent opportunity for an RVN who enjoys leading by example, developing others, and helping to build a positive, supportive, and clinically strong nursing team.

We are a friendly, community-focused small animal practice with a genuine belief in doing right by our patients, our clients, and our team. If you are looking for a role where your voice matters and where you can truly make a difference, we would love to welcome you to Hay Vets.

• 4 Veterinary Surgeons
• 2 Registered Veterinary Nurses
• 3 Client Care Advisors
• 1 Practice Director

Every member of the team plays a key role in the running of the practice. Our environment is one where people genuinely look out for one another, and where everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas, question processes, and help shape how we develop. As our Head Veterinary Nurse, you will be central to this collaborative approach.

As we expand, you will be heavily involved in recruiting, mentoring, and supporting additional nursing staff. Your leadership will help set the tone for a team culture built on respect, communication, and high-quality care.

We pride ourselves on investing in high‑quality, modern equipment to support gold standard care. Our practice includes:

• Digital X‑ray
• Dental X‑ray
• Ultrasound
• Fully equipped in‑house laboratory

These tools enable us to offer a comprehensive service to our patients and give our team the resources they need to grow their clinical skills and confidence.

Nurses at Hay Vets are integral to how we operate; as Head Vet Nurse, you will:

• Shape the nursing structure and workflow
• Mentor, support, and guide colleagues
• Develop and standardize clinical protocols
• Create and deliver team training
• Lead on expanding nurse‑led clinics
• Contribute to a positive, empowered, and supportive team culture

We are seeking an RVN who is:

• Confident, compassionate, and proactive
• Motivated by building and shaping a team
• Keen to share knowledge and help others grow
• Organised, with high clinical standards
• A strong communicator who fosters positive team culture

You do not need previous Head Nurse experience, but you should feel ready to take that next step into leadership.

• Flexible working pattern, up to 40 hours per week, over 4 or 5 days
• 1:4 Saturday mornings, with time back the following week
• No out of hours

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from:

• 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Your birthday as a paid day off

• Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership
• Non‑accidental injury support

• £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid leave pro rata
• Certificate Support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme

• VDS cover
• RCVS fees

• Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers
• Pension 5% Employee/3% Employer
• Discounted staff pet care

Up to £36,000 DOE