Lead Theatre Nurse

About the Role

Join Wood Street Veterinary Hospital, a multi-disciplinary small animal hospital in Barnet with a reputation for excellence spanning over a century. This is a full-time, permanent role working 40 hours per week across 8-hour shifts, typically starting at 8:00am with an occasional later shift approximately once every six weeks. You'll also take part in the Saturday rota, working one in six weekends.

As Lead Theatre Nurse, you'll be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering high-quality nursing care while supporting excellent client experiences. You'll work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons and the wider practice team, taking responsibility for nursing care of a range of first opinion cases and contributing to clinical standards within the hospital. This role combines hands-on surgical nursing with leadership and coordination responsibilities, offering you the chance to develop both clinically and professionally in a hospital setting with access to advanced equipment and technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all surgical theatre activities to ensure efficiency and high standards
• Train, mentor, and support the nursing team and students within the theatre environment
• Maintain surgical equipment and ensure compliance with sterilisation and servicing schedules
• Manage surgical stock and consumables, including ordering, monitoring, and stocktaking
• Coordinate surgical diaries with veterinary surgeons and reception to optimise scheduling
• Maintain meticulous theatre records and ensure smooth patient flow

Requirements

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in medical and surgical nursing
• Strong communication skills and ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage workload effectively
• Proactive approach to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement
• Confident and motivated team player who enjoys delivering high standards of care

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £38,000 per annum depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks' annual leave plus your birthday off, with increasing allowance based on length of service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• £550 CPD allowance plus 24 hours paid leave for professional development
• Certificate support and RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into senior roles, referral positions, leadership roles, clinical supervisor, mentor, and certificate holder positions

About the Practice

Wood Street Veterinary Hospital is one of the longest established practices in the South East, established in 1900 and recognised as one of only a handful of Approved Veterinary Hospitals in the London area. The hospital maintains 24-hour, 365-day staffing and provides an emergency service ensuring a vet and nurse are always available. It is a Registered Training Practice for Veterinary Nurses with a highly dedicated and skilled team.

The practice operates four branch surgeries in addition to the main hospital: Oakwood Veterinary Surgery in Radlett, Holders Hill Veterinary Surgery in Mill Hill, Cockfosters Veterinary Surgery in Cockfosters, and Rosemary Avenue Vet Clinic in Enfield. The hospital maintains close links with the RSPCA and supports charitable animal care. An animal ambulance is available to assist clients with transport and delivery of medication and food when required.