Job Description

Salary up to 34,000 DOE plus Welcome Bonus and Relocation Allowance



We have fantastic opportunity for Deputy Head Nurse at Small Animal Hospital - Castle Vets Reading.

Find a place to excel



Are you ready to take the next step in your veterinary nursing career? Castle Vets in Reading is looking for a passionate and proactive Deputy Head Nurse to join our exceptional team. This is your chance to become part of a practice that puts compassionate care, teamwork, and patients at the forefront of everything we do.

At Castle Vets, we pride ourselves on being more than just a workplace - we are a community. You will have the opportunity to work alongside talented and dedicated professionals, making a real difference in the lives of pets and their families every day. If you're looking for a role that offers responsibility, support, and the chance to lead from the front, this is the opportunity for you.

Located in the heart of Reading, Castle Vets is a modern, well-equipped practice with a long-standing reputation for excellence in patient care and client service. We are proud of our inclusive and supportive work environment, fostering a culture where every team member feels valued and empowered to grow.

Our state of art equipment



An RCVS accredited small animal veterinary hospital with state-of-the-art facilities, including digital radiography, brand new ultrasound, CT, dental radiography within separate suite, in-house laboratory, and separate cat / dog surgical suites. We are committed to delivering the highest standards of veterinary medicine, which can be seen in our 3 separate wards separating exotics, cats and dogs, alongside our silver rabbit friendly status and gold cat friendly status. We have certificate holders in imaging, ophthalmology, Feline behaviour and a visiting ECVS consultant specialist on Wednesdays who does Soft tissue, Orthopaedic and Neurology.

What we can offer

We're seeking a Deputy Head Nurse who will be a proactive and approachable leader throughout the practice. Your primary focus will be supporting the Head Nurse in fostering a positive and efficient nursing team, ensuring that patient care remains at the core of what we do. This role is designed for someone who thrives on being hands-on and engaged, leading by example and being an inspiration to others.

Flexible hours and shifts 35 - 40 hours per week. 1 in 3 Saturday mornings and no out of hours. We are a Vets Now host practice so are able to hand over cases to the separate overnight team.

Because our people matter

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from -

Work-life balance6.6 weeks annual leave Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday


WellbeingEnhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay Private Medical Insurance Cycle to Work scheme Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership Non-accidental injury support


Development550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid pro rata Certificate support Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding Infection Prevention and Control Programme Quality Improvement Programme


Professional MembershipsVDS cover RCVS fees


AdditionalPawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers Pension 5% Employee/3% Employer Discounted staff pet care


Up to 34,000 DOE