Job Description

Full-Time Head Registered Veterinary Nurse - The Fox Project

Salary depending on experience

Are you passionate about wildlife and a caring RVN looking for a new opportunity in an established wildlife hospital setting? If you're a natural leader who thrives on mentoring others, driving clinical excellence, and fostering a supportive team environment, this is the role for you. As Head Nurse, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping nursing standards, supporting professional development, and ensuring the highest level of patient care.

The Fox Project is a wildlife charity which has been running for over 30 years, rescuing and rehabilitating foxes. We are growing as a charity and are working towards a purpose-built hospital. We have recently registered as a Veterinary Clinic, and we are looking for a head nurse to spearhead the continuous set-up and remain compliant on all the core requirements set out by the RCVS. We currently have an on-site lab and theatre, with anesthetic machine and autoclave. We also plan to have an x-ray machine in the next 6-12 months.

Foxes have a tough time in the wild and find themselves in a variety of situations causing illness and injury. If you're ready to make a difference to the lives of foxes, give them a helping hand to get back to the wild and you possess the skills we're seeking with a positive attitude, we would love to hear from you. There are currently two part time RVN's working for the charity.

This position is to cover 40 hours per week over 5 days. Consisting of three twelve-hour shifts, and two mornings to cross over with the other nurses. Our opening hours are 9am-9pm, 7 days per week. Most shifts would be sole charge, working as the only clinical team member. Apart from some cross over to hand over / manage the other nurses. Therefore, we are looking for someone who can work independently, as well as part of a team. Support is provided by the vet when off shift via phone or local veterinary practices if needed.

About the Team

We are a small close-knit team, dedicated to providing the best care for our patients, working alongside our in-house part time Veterinary Surgeon. The rest of the team include two Wildlife Care Coordinators, two Ambulance Drivers, a large volunteer network, fundraising and admin team.

Requirements

Qualified Veterinary Nurse with relevant certifications or diplomas Experience as a Head Nurse managing staff and clinical standards Experience with inspections and managing the clinic registration process is preferred Previous experience in a Wildlife setting is preferred but not essential Strong laboratory skills with the ability to perform diagnostic tests accurately

Benefits

Optional Statutory Pension Scheme: Mandatory Employee Contribution of 5% and Mandatory Employer Contribution of 3% Overtime available Free parking Based in Paddock Wood and Pembury in Kent CPD Training

Basic duties but not limited to:

Staff Management:

Managing the Vet Nurses to ensure they can deliver their best for the foxes in our care Work with the Operations Manager to guide work experience students and unit partners Providing structure, support, and clear guidance on performance to the other nurses (one to one meetings etc) Pro-actively managing rotas and working arrangements to ensure appropriate levels of cover during working hours To demonstrate an approach of constant improvement and be on the lookout for ways to make efficiencies in the way employees work, whilst building on the care available to our foxes

Hospital Management:

To manage all the resources necessary for the effective running of the Hospital Unit, ensuring delivering maximum cost efficiency as well as the best experience possible for the foxes in our care Proactively sourcing products to meet the needs of the hospital, ensuring effective cost management Ensuring the hospital has been kept tidy

Clinical & Hospital Duties:

Creating and maintaining protocols alongside the vet for medical treatments, drugs etc Assessing injuries and illnesses on casualties as they arrive Treating casualties according to protocols Euthanasia of casualties to prevent further suffering - if full recovery and release is not possible (with vet authorisation) Authorising appointments with the vets if required Monitoring veterinary use monthly Taking blood samples if necessary for diagnosis of illnesses Working with the vet on maintaining records on Controlled Drugs Ordering medications, drugs and tests required & stock taking Training staff on how to manage casualty's injuries and handling animals in a safe manner Risk assessments for drugs, medications, cleaning disinfectants etc. and maintaining the clinical risk register Assisting with coordinating the cub unit Managing annual servicing of equipment e.g., Autoclave, Anesthetic Machine Radiation Protection Supervisor (when we have an x-ray set-up - training provided)

Off-site Activity Management:

Vaccination programme for cubs Monitoring cubs out with fosterers

Other Administration:

Management of hospital emails - which are clinical related Proactively and continually reviewing all administration practices to make improvements Complying with all Health and Safety checklists and assessments to reduce risk Putting together a monthly update for Trustees Taking images and photos regularly of patients for Fundraising

Project Management:

RCVS Practice Standards Scheme -

Core standards work with Vet for guidance on the extensive list of items Creating and updating all compulsory procedures
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/document-library/small-animal-modules/

Please send your Resume to natalie.wilkinson@foxproject.org.uk

Interviews will be held after the 28th of July.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 28,000.00-32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking
Schedule:

Overtime
Work Location: In person

Reference ID: HRVN-TFP