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Head Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal - Kendal

Highgate Veterinary Clinic, Highgate, Kendal, North West

Discipline: Small Animal

Up to £38,000 DOE

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Highgate Vets has an exciting opportunity for a proactive and dedicated Registered Head Veterinary Nurse to take the reins of our nursing team on a permanent basis. This is a key leadership role where you will manage and inspire a team of Veterinary Care Assistants, SVNs and RVNs, while actively engaging in nurse consultations, theatre nursing, and inpatient care.

About the Role


As the Head Veterinary Nurse, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our nursing department, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Your focus will be on empowering your team, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving clinical standards forward. We offer extensive opportunities to grow your skillset, including access to niche industry training, fully supported and funded by us.

This is a busy, hands-on nursing role where you’ll be fully immersed in utilising your skills as part of a dynamic and supportive team. You’ll also have the chance to collaborate with our vets to take patient and client care forwards.

Rota patterns that work for you


Our people are at the heart of everything that we do, that’s why we know that work-life balance is vital in supporting our people to be their best selves. Our flexible approach to rota patterns and working hours offers a balance that truly flexes with you and your lifestyle no matter what stage you are in your career. This part- or full-time, permanent role consists of up to 39.03 hours per week, no on call, one weekday evening shift, Saturday mornings approximately 1 in 6, and we’re happy to offer the flexibility of a 3- or 4-day week depending on your preference.

About Highgate Veterinary Clinic 


Highgate Vets is a first opinion small animal practice based in Kendal, on the Southern edge of the beautiful Lake District. We are a two-branch clinic with poorly pets and in-depth work ups at our main surgery, and a bias towards preventative medicine at our branch. All of the clinical staff rotate between the two. We are a tight-knit team that takes excellent care of each other. We have a range of experience, and all contribute towards a learning culture, helping each other to thrive. We were delighted to reach top 3 in the Pet Plan Practice of the Year awards in 2021.
Our two Kendal sites host an Idexx lab, multiparameter monitors, new ultrasound, digital X-ray including dental X-ray, drip pumps and more!  Both are Practice Standard accredited RVN Training Practices with just one SVN per Clinical Coach at a time.

About the Team


Currently we have 4 Veterinary Surgeons (we have one/two vacancies currently covered by excellent regular locums), a Student Veterinary Nurse, a Veterinary Care Assistant and our 5 experienced Receptionists. We welcome team members who are open to all aspects of general practice, and those seeking to expand their own areas of veterinary interest. We are a Nurse Training Practice, Cat Friendly and Practice Standards accredited seeking to continually improve patient card and client experience. Our practice supports the local greyhound rehoming centre, and act as a host venue for Pet Blood Bank.
 

Because our people matter 

 
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 -
 

Work-life balance 

  • 6.6 weeks annual leave 
  • Your birthday as a paid day off
  •  

    Wellbeing

  • Private medical insurance
  • Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
  • Non-accidental injury support
  •  

    Development

  • £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid pro rata
  • 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
  • All our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
  • Infection Prevention and Control Programme
  • Quality Improvement Programme
  •  

    Professional Memberships

  • BVA membership
  • VDS cover
  • RCVS fees
  •  

    Additional

  • Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers
  • Pension – 5% Employee/3% Employer
  • Discounted staff pet care
  •  
    As a BAME and LGBTQ+ inclusive employer, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.
    Highgate Veterinary Clinic, Highgate's logo

    Highgate Veterinary Clinic, Highgate

    173 Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4EN, United Kingdom

    Animals treated

    Small animals

    Apply

    Any questions before applying?

    Speak to Mike Burrell from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.

    Talent Partner

    Mike Burrell

    mike.burrell@ivcevidensia.com