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Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
Significant experience in clinical practice with advanced medical and surgical nursing skills
Proven experience of leading, mentoring and developing nursing teams
Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement and professional standards
Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills
A senior leadership role with accountability for nursing standards and team development
Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into wider practice leadership roles
Ongoing learning and development to support leadership, governance and strategic growth
A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement
6.6 weeks' annual leave plus your birthday off
Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
Private Medical Insurance
Employee wellbeing initiatives including - Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
£550 CPD allowance plus 24hrs paid leave
Certificate support
RCVS and VDS fees covered
Pension scheme
Discounted veterinary care
Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you - including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
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Head Veterinary Nurse
McMurtry & Harding Veterinary Practice, Ashbourne, Ashbourne, East Midlands
Discipline: Small Animal
Full Time
DOE
We are seeking a knowledgeable, confident Head Veterinary Nurse to join our team at McMurtry & Harding Vets, Ashbourne on a full time, permanent basis.
We are a mixed veterinary practice providing excellent care to small animal, farm, and equine patients. Our team values collaboration, high-quality patient care, and a family-friendly atmosphere. We have a strong track record of staff retention and believe in supporting our employees just as we support our clients and their pets. Located in the heart of the Peak District, Ashbourne is a charming market town steeped in history and tradition. The area offers a fantastic work-life balance with opportunities for rock climbing, cycling, walking, and angling, all on your doorstep.
IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners.
At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Head Veterinary Nurse, you will provide senior clinical and professional leadership for the nursing team, overseeing all nursing aspects of the practice and supporting the delivery of high-quality patient and client care.
You’ll be responsible for setting and maintaining nursing standards, leading clinical governance and quality improvement activity, and developing a capable, confident nursing team. Working closely with the wider practice leadership team, you'll play a key role in shaping culture, performance and ways of working.
The role is 37.5 hours per week on a rota basis Monday-Friday with 1:9 Saturdays.
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
You are an experienced and confident Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong leadership capability and a passion for clinical excellence. You'll bring:
How We’ll Support You
At IVC Evidensia, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
What We Offer Our Team
McMurtry & Harding Veterinary Practice, Ashbourne
Clifton Road, Clifton, Ashbourne, DE6 2DH, United Kingdom
Animals treated
Dogs, cats & small pets
Farm animals
Equine
Exotic Friendly
Rabbit Friendly
Chicken Friendly
At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, 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.
Any questions before applying?
Speak to Elliott Burgin from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.