Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse - Wards

About the Role

This is a leadership opportunity for an experienced RVN looking to progress within nursing management. You'll be based at DWR Veterinary Specialists, one of Europe's largest specialist multi-disciplinary referral centres, working in state-of-the-art facilities. The role combines clinical nursing excellence with ward leadership and coordination, supporting the Nursing Team Leaders and Head of Nursing Services to ensure outstanding patient care across the wards department.

Your core hours are 40 per week working 8-hour shifts Monday to Friday between 6:30am and 6:30pm, with participation in a 1:4 weekend rota and bank holiday rota for which time off in lieu is provided. This is a daytime-focused role with manageable weekend cover, allowing you to progress your career without excessive OOH commitment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the wards department, monitoring patient care standards, identifying concerns and staffing issues, and making decisions to improve outcomes
• Work collaboratively with the nursing leadership team to foster positive relationships, assist across different areas, and act as a key contact for the wards
• Deliver high-standard inpatient nursing care with a systematic, holistic approach to patient welfare
• Provide practical training, support and leadership to wards team members and other associates
• Promote clear communication within wards and the wider clinical teams, ensuring accurate treatment plans and thorough handovers
• Role model professional behaviour and serve as an approachable mentor to associates
• Support team induction, performance development, return-to-work meetings and CPD planning for assigned staff
• Manage isolation cases and lead infection control best practice, including barrier nursing protocols and hygiene initiatives
• Support implementation of patient safety schemes and initiatives
• Champion the Halo reporting system, promoting a blame-free culture focused on patient safety
• Assist with stock management, equipment maintenance and SOPs in coordination with leadership and maintenance teams
• Attend leadership, practice and clinical team meetings to cascade information and ensure team engagement
• Comply with Health and Safety and GDPR policies at all times

Requirements

• Current RVN registration with RCVS
• Nursing experience with demonstrated capability in inpatient nursing care
• Leadership qualities: calm under pressure, self-directed problem-solving, excellent communication skills
• Referral wards experience desirable but not essential
• Ability to mentor and support colleagues at all levels
• Strong understanding of infection control, patient safety and professional compliance

Benefits

• Salary from £35,000 per annum depending on experience
• Comprehensive wellbeing package prioritising physical and mental health
• Access to a network of specialists and worldwide development opportunities
• Structured CPD and professional development support
• Time off in lieu for weekend and bank holiday rota participation
• Part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world

About the Practice

DWR Veterinary Specialists is one of Europe's largest specialist multi-disciplinary referral centres, offering outstanding clinical care in state-of-the-art facilities. The practice accepts referrals across 14 specialisms: Anaesthesia, Cardiology, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging, Emergency and Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Oncology, Orthopaedic Surgery, Physiotherapy, Dentistry and Soft Tissue Surgery. The team is supported by comprehensive clinical and non-clinical training, development and CPD programmes.

DWR is part of Linnaeus, a forward-thinking partnership of highly-respected primary care and referral practices across the UK and Ireland. As part of Mars Veterinary Health, the company is driven by its purpose: A Better World for Pets, with a commitment to excellence and a culture that values authenticity, inclusion and professional development across its 6,000-strong workforce.