Nurse Lead - Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

About the Role

You'll be joining Vets for Pets in Brislington as their Nurse Lead—a pivotal clinical and leadership position within a small animal practice built on long-standing team relationships and genuine collaboration. This role splits your time between hands-on nursing (60%) and nursing leadership (40%), meaning you'll stay clinically engaged while developing and inspiring the nursing team around you. The practice owner, Gabriel, has a strong surgical focus and is completing a certificate in orthopaedics, and you'll work alongside four experienced vets—one of whom has been here since day one. The team includes certificate holders in ophthalmology and diagnostic imaging, creating a rich learning environment. With a straightforward schedule of 40 hours per week and just one in four Saturday mornings, you'll have genuine work-life balance to match your leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and inspire the nursing and VCA team on a day-to-day basis, acting as a clinical role model
• Help streamline workflows and optimise practice operations to support the team's efficiency
• Champion and grow nurse-led consults, supporting individual RVNs in developing their own client relationships
• Mentor and develop RVNs and VCAs, tailoring support to their professional goals and interests
• Participate in appraisals, clinical audits, and team development initiatives to drive continuous improvement
• Encourage and support clinical interests across the nursing team, helping staff grow in areas they're passionate about
• Maintain hands-on nursing responsibilities in anaesthesia, surgical support, and patient care

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) with strong general nursing experience in small animal practice
• Demonstrable confidence in leadership and supporting colleagues
• Excellent client care and communication skills
• Passionate about animal welfare and maintaining high clinical standards
• Organised, proactive, and comfortable driving positive change within a team environment
• Ability to lead by example and build confidence in others
• Experience in mentoring or developing others is valued but not essential—enthusiasm for leadership matters

Benefits

• Salary: £33,000–£35,000 depending on experience
• No out-of-hours or overnight inpatient checks—your evenings and nights are your own
• Generous CPD allowance with support for funded certificates (including specialist qualifications)
• Contributory pension scheme
• Paid professional memberships (RCVS, BVNA, VDS)
• 20% discount at Pets at Home and exclusive access to high street discounts
• Strong focus on wellbeing and work-life balance—a practice that genuinely values people as much as patients

About the Practice

Vets for Pets is an established small animal practice in Brislington (Bristol) known for its collaborative, supportive culture built on long-standing relationships. The team is proud of their inclusive approach and values people from all backgrounds. With four experienced veterinary surgeons, certificate holders in key specialisms, and a commitment to continuous professional development, this is a practice where clinical knowledge is shared freely and team wellbeing is a genuine priority—not a box-ticking exercise. The practice is part of a larger group but operates with its own distinct identity and values, reflecting its history in the local community. They actively encourage applicants to bring their full selves to work and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where people can thrive.