Job Description

The Vale Veterinary Group, an independent practice, are looking for a Head Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our Honiton team.

Proudly independent - Supportive Team - 4-day week - Balanced OOH

Are you an experienced and motivated RVN ready to take the next step in your career?

Due to our current Head Nurse heading off on exciting new life adventure, we're now looking for a dynamic Head Nurse to join our close-knit, friendly team.

We're a progressive, supportive, and forward-thinking practice where nurses are truly empowered to reach their full potential -- and we're looking for a Head Nurse to help lead our brilliant team.

We're a large, friendly team of 20 nurses, 19 vets, and brilliant support staff, all working together to deliver exceptional care while keeping our practice culture warm and personal. Our nurses are central to everything we do -- from inpatient care and surgery, to schedule 3 procedures and nurse clinics. You'll be supported, trusted, and encouraged to grow.

About the Role

As a Registered Veterinary Nurse at The Vale, you're part of the backbone of the practice. You will be a key part of a large, experienced nursing team that's trusted, respected, and fully involved in every stage of patient care.

This is a truly hands-on, varied role where no two days are the same. You'll rotate across theatre, inpatient care, diagnostics, and nurse-led clinics, giving you a mix of clinical experience and the opportunity to develop your skills and interests. Our nurses are actively encouraged to use their Schedule 3 skills and take ownership of their cases -- whether that's anaesthesia, patient monitoring, or follow-up nursing consults. We have all modern diagnostic and monitoring equipment you'd expect.

You'll have the freedom and support to shape your career in the direction that excites you most. We love seeing our nurses develop -- whether that's pursuing certificates, leading quality improvement projects, mentoring student nurses, or developing special interests such as anaesthesia, dentistry, behaviour, or nutrition. With experienced RVNs and a strong team of student nurses and support staff, you'll never be short of encouragement or a helping hand.

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, you'll work closely with our vets and client care team to deliver excellent clinical care, and we pride ourselves on excellent communication, genuine teamwork, and a supportive culture. We also value your ideas -- whether it's improving protocols, starting a new nurse clinic, or enhancing patient care. At The Vale, your voice matters.

Your responsibilities will include:

Setting an excellent example of clinical nursing care General management across clinical, surgical, and nursing areas Rota management and coordination of the nursing team Supporting and mentoring nursing staff to reach their potential Client liaison and maintaining excellent communication throughout the practice Laboratory management and quality control Maintaining and developing standard operating procedures Stock control, ordering, and servicing of equipment
What makes our OOH different?

We believe in keeping things balanced. Our nurses share a 1:16 on-call rota -- that's just four nights and four partial weekends spread out over four months. It's a great opportunity to:

Maintain and develop your emergency and critical care skills (with full vet support) Follow your patients' journeys for true continuity of care Enjoy the satisfaction of seeing cases through from start to finish Earn additional pay while keeping most of your evenings and weekends free
We take pride in supporting our team, ensuring everyone feels confident and cared for.

Don't take just our word for it.

From Tash, the departing Head Nurse:

"Being Head Veterinary Nurse here has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I've had the privilege of working with an amazing, supportive team and am proud of what we've

achieved together. I'm stepping down purely due to the long commute following my recent relocation, and I know this role will offer the next nurse a wonderful opportunity to lead and grow within such a dedicated team."

What we offer

5 weeks holiday + BH (Pro-Rata) 28,500-31,500 for 37-hour week, dependent on experience Generous CPD budget Employee Assistance Program Cycle to Work Scheme RCVS Membership Additional holiday for long service Company Pension Enhanced Maternity Pay
Come and try us out

Not sure if we're the right fit? Come and spend a paid day with us -- meet the team, see how we work, and find out why our nurses choose to work here. Our practices are Cullompton, Tiverton, Honiton, and Uffculme, all of which are readily accessible from Exeter.

If you'd like to chat confidentially or arrange a visit, or to apply please email a CV and covering letter to Stephanie King steph@valevetgroup.com or call 01884 35558. Closing date for applications Monday 24/11/25

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 28,500.00-31,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave
Work Location: In person