OOH Team Leader RVN

About the Role

Cave Veterinary Specialists is seeking an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to lead their out-of-hours nursing team. This is a distinctive opportunity to blend clinical expertise with leadership, acting as a bridge between the day and night teams in a specialist referral setting. Based in Wellington, Somerset, you’ll work twilight or night hours in a modern referral hospital equipped with CT, MRI, digital and dental X-rays, ultrasound, and fully equipped theatres.

The role is ideally full-time (37.5 hours/week), though part-time hours and flexible shift patterns are negotiable. You’ll spend approximately 80% of your time on clinical nursing duties and 20% on administrative and leadership responsibilities, supporting both patient care and team development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the out-of-hours nursing team, maintaining the highest standards of clinical care and client service
• Demonstrate practical clinical skills and lead by example in a referral environment
• Liaise with Team Leaders, clinicians, and departments to ensure smooth patient flow and workflow coordination
• Represent the nursing team at leadership meetings and communicate relevant information back to the team
• Support the night shift operations, including general nursing duties and procedural assistance
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide training and support to the night team
• Work collaboratively with Head of Nursing and People & Organisation teams to manage performance, disciplinary, or attendance matters
• Develop the Night Lead RVN role and mentor team members

Requirements

• Current RVN registration
• Proven leadership or senior RVN experience
• Strong time management, communication, and leadership skills
• Ability to work independently in an out-of-hours specialist veterinary environment
• Passion for delivering exceptional patient care
• Referral nursing experience is desirable but not essential; leadership experience is essential

Benefits

• Competitive salary from £35,000 per annum FTE (depending on experience), with enhanced unsociable hours pay
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Fully supported CPD and training, including advanced qualifications
• Enhanced sickness pay and equal family leave
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme and cycle-to-work scheme
• Wellness programme including Employee Assistance Program, eyecare voucher, free flu jab
• Recruitment referral reward scheme
• Opportunities to develop specialist referral nursing skills
• Beautiful South West location with coast and countryside nearby

About the Practice

Cave Veterinary Specialists is a dedicated referral hospital located in Wellington, Somerset, serving the South West of England. The practice combines a team of highly experienced Veterinary Surgeons and Registered Veterinary Nurses with cutting-edge diagnostic and surgical technology to manage complex and challenging cases with precision and compassion.

The practice is part of Linnaeus, a company of Mars Veterinary Health. The team fosters a friendly, supportive, and collaborative culture where every member feels valued and empowered. New associates benefit from a comprehensive induction programme to ensure seamless integration and professional growth.