Out of Hours Team Leader Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

Cave Veterinary Specialists is seeking an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to lead its out-of-hours nursing team at their Wellington referral hospital. This is a unique blend of clinical expertise and leadership—you’ll spend approximately 80% of your time delivering direct patient care while dedicating 20% to leading the night team and supporting their professional development. With flexible twilight or night hours available and the option to work full-time or part-time, you’ll have genuine flexibility while making a real impact on a specialist referral service.

The role sits at the heart of the hospital’s operations, acting as the crucial link between day and night teams. You’ll be leading a dedicated out-of-hours nursing team in an environment where cutting-edge diagnostics (CT, MRI, digital and dental X-rays, ultrasound) and fully equipped theatres mean you’re working on genuinely complex cases every shift.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the out-of-hours nursing team, setting the standard for patient care and client service
• Deliver clinical nursing care to specialist referral patients, maintaining hands-on expertise across complex cases
• Liaise between night and day teams, working collaboratively with Team Leaders, clinicians, and other departments to ensure smooth patient flow
• Support the development and mentoring of the Night Lead RVN and wider nursing team
• Represent nursing at leadership meetings and communicate key information back to the team
• Monitor team performance, conduct regular performance reviews, and ensure appropriate training and support.
• Collaborate with HoNS and People & Organisation teams to manage performance, disciplinary, or attendance concerns.
• Coordinate workflow and general nursing duties to keep the clinical service running efficiently
• Work with the Head of Nursing and People & Organisation teams on team management

Requirements

• Current RVN registration with the RCVS
• Proven leadership experience as a team leader or senior RVN (essential)
• Ability to work independently in an out-of-hours specialist veterinary environment
• Strong time management, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Passion for delivering exceptional care to patients
• Referral nursing experience (desirable but not essential)

Benefits

• Competitive salary starting 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 by the practice
• Fully supported CPD and training, including opportunities to pursue advanced qualifications
• Enhanced sickness pay and equal family leave
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Wellness programme including Employee Assistance Program, eyecare voucher, free flu jab, and cycle-to-work scheme
• Recruitment referral reward scheme
• Opportunities to work with specialist referral cases and a highly experienced team
• Beautiful South West location with easy access to coast and countryside

About the Practice

Cave Veterinary Specialists is a dedicated referral hospital located in Wellington, Somerset, serving the South West region. The practice is part of Linnaeus, a company of Mars Veterinary Health, and operates as a specialist referral centre with a team of highly experienced veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical technology including CT, MRI, digital and dental X-rays, and ultrasound, enabling the team to manage complex and challenging cases with precision.

The practice is built on a foundation of friendly, supportive, and collaborative team culture where every member feels valued and empowered. A structured induction programme ensures new team members integrate seamlessly, setting the stage for professional development and exceptional patient care.