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 insuranceEnhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy payCycle to Work schemeInitiatives focused on employee wellbeingNon-accidental injury support
Development
£550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid pro rataLearning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia AcademyAccess to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia providerAll our Vets & Nurses can apply for research fundingAll our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care FundInfection Prevention and Control ProgrammeQuality Improvement Programme
Professional Memberships
BVA membershipVDS coverRCVS fees
Additional
Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailersPension – 5% Employee/3% EmployerDiscounted 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.