Head Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

This is a full-time Head Nurse position at a well-established independent small animal hospital undergoing major refurbishment. You'll lead a skilled nursing team through an exciting period of growth whilst managing a 40-hour week (8:30am to 7:30pm) with a 1-in-4 weekend day shift rota. Occasional night-shift cover may be required, though this is rare in a 24-hour hospital setting.

Bishops Stortford Vets is a 16-vet hospital with Hospital status since 1985, and over 120 years of history serving the Hertfordshire community. The practice manages the majority of cases in-house, including soft-tissue surgery and orthopaedics. You'll be supported by an established Deputy Head Nurse and work in a collaborative leadership role, nurturing and developing the team while maintaining clinical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the nursing team in day-to-day hospital operations
• Assist with consultations, surgery and diagnostic procedures
• Oversee inpatient care and maintain exceptional care standards
• Maintain clinical equipment and ensure compliance with hygiene and safety protocols
• Mentor and develop colleagues, encouraging professional growth and further education
• Communicate with clients to provide support, advice and continuity of care
• Promote positive team culture and champion excellent patient welfare

Requirements

• RVN qualification (current registration required)
• Proven Head Nurse experience
• Genuine passion for leadership, patient care and developing others
• Strong teamwork and collaborative approach

Benefits

• Salary: £35,000 to £40,000 depending on experience
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring programme
• Health and wellbeing support
• Sick pay and free flu vaccinations

About the Practice

Bishops Stortford Veterinary Hospital has been in continuous use as a veterinary surgery since 1878. The practice has evolved from farm and equine work to focus entirely on companion animals, achieving Hospital status in 1985. Led by head vets Ruth Jackson, Neil Macleod, Poppy Ritchie and Lauren Romain, the practice invests heavily in modern equipment and remains independently owned, delivering personalised care to the local community.

Located in the charming market town of Bishop's Stortford, surrounded by rolling countryside, the practice sits opposite the leisure centre with excellent access to schools, cafes and restaurants. The area offers cycling, walking, open-water swimming and fishing, with the Essex coastline over an hour away and London Liverpool Street reachable in 45 minutes by train.