Head Veterinary Nurse

As a Head Nurse you will be accountable for the clinical leadership of the nursing team ensuring we deliver exceptional care, always there for our clients, patients and colleagues whilst maintaining the highest levels of regulatory, practice and operational standards and compliance. Medivet Old Isleworth is a cherished part of the local community, boasting a thriving client base that has grown organically through word of mouth.

We are currently looking for an experience Head Veterinary Nurse to join our close-knit team.

As a small animal first opinion practice, we pride ourselves on our loyal clients and our skilled Registered Veterinary Nurses and receptionists, who handle a diverse caseload. Our vibrant and dedicated team strives for excellence and embraces a culture of continuous learning while going the extra mile for our patients.

Our practice is well-equipped, featuring digital x-ray, ultrasound, and a full lab with a microscope, urinalysis machine, haematology, and biochemistry analyser. All out-of-hours care is managed by a nearby Medivet hospital in Richmond, where you’ll also have access to CT and MRI services. Located on a picturesque high street, our practice enjoys a delightful village atmosphere.

This permanent role is full-time at 40 hours per week and will include some weekends at the prestigious, flagship hospital, Richmond.

If you’re passionate about veterinary care and want to be part of a supportive team, we’d love to hear from you!

If you would like more information, for a friendly, initial conversation please contact joanne.gray@medivet.co.uk.

Responsibilities

Client care:

Deliver exceptional care to clients, each and every day.

Patient care:

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.

Standards and Compliance:

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.

Communications:

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.

Clinical leadership:

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.

Clinical administration:

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 house is set up and ready for procedures.

Skills, knowledge and experience

Must be an RCVS registered nurse.

Able to confidently lead a clinical team.

Effective planning and management of the clinical team.

Implementation of a progressive clinical culture through nurse clinics and nurse consultations.

Supports nurse consults and understands how this contributes to the performance and efficient operation of the clinic.

Able to work as part of a team.

Able to deliver exceptional care to clients.

Experienced in using coaching and influencing skills to get the best out of each and every colleague

Our clinics are run by small teams who need to work together effectively to deliver exceptional care to our clients, patients, and colleagues. This means that, from time to time, you may be required to carry out tasks outside your normal duties, where you have the skills, knowledge and experience required.