Job Description

Head Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal
Sunninghill Veterinary Centre, Ascot, Ascot, South East
Discipline: Small Animal
Full Time
Up to 35,000 DOE

We're looking for a motivated and compassionate Head Veterinary Nurse to lead our close-knit team at Sunninghill Vets - whether you're a confident RVN or Senior Nurse looking for that next step, or already in a leadership role, we'd love to hear from you.

Embrace the next step in your career

As Head Nurse, you will oversee the management and smooth operation of the nursing team, ensuring the highest standard of nursing care for all patients. The role sees a mixture of clinical and administrative responsibilities, as well as clinical supervision of our student nurses.

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Leading and organising a team of 5 veterinary nurses & VCAs Ensuring day-to-day clinical activities run efficiently Play a key part in training and mentoring RVNs, student veterinary nurses, veterinary care assistants Fostering a culture of continuous learning and development Handle essential administrative tasks to maintain the practice's smooth running such as stock ordering Ensure compliance with health and safety protocols Leadership administration such as rotas, scheduling and performance reviews Clinical work to include ops, patient care and nurse consults

Join an established team at the heart of our local community

Sunninghill Veterinary Centre, part of IVC Evidensia, was established in 2006 by practice principal vet, Johanna Headley, with the aim of bringing a high level of veterinary care to small animals in Sunninghill, Ascot and surrounding villages and towns in Berkshire.

We pride ourselves on our reputation for exceptional care, clinical excellence, and a truly personal approach. Nestled in the heart of the Sunninghill community, we've built long-standing relationships with our clients and their pets, offering continuity, compassion, and a calm, welcoming environment. Our friendly and experienced team takes the time to do things properly - whether that's a longer consult, a thorough discussion, or simply a reassuring cuddle. With modern facilities, in-house diagnostics, and a commitment to tailored, empathetic care, Sunninghill Vets is a place where pets - and people - are genuinely valued.



We are a well-equipped practice and see a varied first opinion caseload, as well as some more complex orthopaedic surgeries due to having a certificate holder in our team. Our Head Nurse will lead a team of 1 RVN, 2 SVNs and 2 VCAs.

Qualities we seek

We're looking for a confident, compassionate RVN with a passion for delivering excellent clinical care. You don't need to have held a head nurse title before - this could be the perfect next step for a senior nurse who's ready to take on more responsibility and grow into a leadership role. Holding Clinical Supervisor status would be ideal, as you'll play a key part in nurturing our student nurses. Most importantly, you'll be approachable, organised, and supportive - someone who leads by example and helps bring out the best in others.

Working pattern

This is a full-time position, working a 4 day week plus 1:3 Saturdays.

Because our people matter

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business, and investing in our people, teams and hospitals is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary up to 35,000 per annum in line with your level of experience, you will benefit from -#

Work-life balance

6.6 weeks annual leave Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
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Wellbeing

Private medical insurance Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay Cycle to Work scheme Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing
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Development

550 CPD allowance with 3 days paid leave 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 All our Vets get 1000 per annum to spend via our Care Fund Infection Prevention and Control Programme Quality Improvement Programme
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Professional Memberships

VDS cover RCVS fees
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Additional

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

Sunninghill Veterinary Centre, Ascot
27 High St, Sunninghill, Ascot, SL5 9NG, United Kingdom

Animals treated

Dogs, cats & small pets
At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Helen Paddison from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.#

Lead Talent Partner

Helen Paddison

helen.paddison@ivcevidensia.com