Head Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

Hay Vets is experiencing exciting growth and is seeking an experienced and inspirational Head Veterinary Nurse to lead the development of its nursing team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an RVN who thrives on mentoring others, building clinical protocols, and creating a positive team culture from the foundation up. The practice is small and close-knit, meaning you’ll have genuine influence over how the team develops as new staff join.

Based in the picturesque market town of Hay-on-Wye, surrounded by the Welsh countryside and the stunning Black Mountains, this role offers an excellent work-life balance. You’ll work flexible hours up to 40 per week over 4 or 5 days (your choice), with a manageable 1:4 Saturday morning rota and no out-of-hours commitments. Time off following Saturday duties is built back into your week.

Key Responsibilities

• Shape nursing workflows and operational structures as the practice grows
• Recruit, mentor, and support new nursing staff joining the expanding team
• Develop and standardise clinical protocols across the nursing department
• Design and deliver team training to maintain high clinical standards
• Lead on expanding nurse-led clinics and specialist services
• Conduct nursing consultations across a wide range of cases, drawing on your experience and expertise
• Foster a collaborative, empowered culture where all team members feel valued and supported
• Work closely with the 4 Veterinary Surgeons and Practice Director to drive quality patient care

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with strong clinical knowledge and experience
• Confidence and compassion in your approach to patient and client care
• Demonstrated ability to lead by example and mentor colleagues
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Proactive mindset with a genuine interest in building and shaping teams
• High clinical standards and commitment to best practice
• Previous Head Nurse or formal leadership experience is not essential — readiness to step into the role is what matters

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £36,000 depending on experience
• Annual Leave: 6.6 weeks including bank holidays, with increasing allowance based on service; your birthday as a paid day off
• Professional Development: £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid leave pro rata; support for certificates and specialist training; access to the IVC Evidensia Academy and Vetlexicon online resource; eligibility to apply for research funding
• Wellbeing Support: Enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay); Private Medical Insurance; Cycle to Work scheme; discounted gym membership; non-accidental injury support
• Professional Memberships: VDS cover and RCVS fees covered
• Pension: 5% employee contribution with 3% employer match
• Additional Perks: Pawsome Benefits reward gateway with discounts and cashback across hundreds of retailers; discounted staff pet care
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working patterns tailored to your needs; no out-of-hours shifts

About the Practice

Hay Vets is a community-focused small animal practice built on genuine care for patients, clients, and staff. The current team comprises 4 Veterinary Surgeons, 2 Registered Veterinary Nurses, 3 Client Care Advisors, and a Practice Director. It’s a collaborative environment where every team member’s voice is heard and encouraged to shape how the practice develops. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a leading independent veterinary care group across the UK.

The practice is well-equipped with modern facilities including digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, and a fully equipped in-house laboratory — supporting both comprehensive patient care and ongoing clinical development for the team. Nurses play an integral role in service delivery, running a wide range of nurse consultations and building trusted relationships with the longstanding local client base.