Clinical Lead Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

This is a full-time position across 4 days per week with a 1:5 weekend rota, offering the chance to blend clinical nursing excellence with team leadership. You'll work at the heart of Great Ashby Vets, a busy first-opinion, 24-hour small animal hospital in Stevenage, where your role bridges patient care and nursing team development.

The practice is well-equipped with digital x-ray, dental x-ray, lap spay equipment, multiparameters, and ultrasound facilities. A dedicated visiting orthopaedic surgeon brings additional specialist expertise, giving you access to a strong range of clinical cases within a supportive, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and provide clinical support to Veterinary Care Assistants and Student Veterinary Nurses
• Conduct one-to-one meetings and performance appraisals with nursing team members
• Deliver inpatient nursing care and run nurse-led clinics and consultations
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives across the practice and maintain the highest standards of animal care
• Support clinical outcomes across all aspects of nursing work as part of the wider team

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Nurse with minimum 2 years post-qualification experience
• Leadership experience is desirable but not essential
• Passionate about delivering exceptional patient and client care
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Commitment to quality, continuous learning, and fostering a positive team culture

Benefits

• Salary £30,000 to £34,000 depending on experience
• RCVS registration fees paid in full
• Generous CPD allowance, Knowledge Hub access, BSAVA library, and funded advanced training opportunities
• Excellent nursing career pathway with ongoing development support
• Up to 33 days holiday annually, with the option to buy or sell days
• Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced family leave policies and Wellbeing Champions network
• Staff pet care discounts including 50% off services, MiPet food, and medications
• Free on-site parking

About the Practice

Great Ashby Vets is part of CVS Group Plc, one of the UK's largest veterinary networks. The practice is a busy first-opinion, 24-hour small animal hospital in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, with a dedicated team of veterinary surgeons, nurses, VCAs, and receptionists. The location benefits from excellent transport links, proximity to Stevenage town centre, and a strong, loyal client base within the local community.

CVS is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people feel valued and supported. The group invests heavily in staff wellbeing, ongoing professional development, and practice facilities through a dedicated improvement fund. Monthly line-manager check-ins, personal mentors, and a network of Wellbeing Champions provide continuous support for your professional and personal growth.