Job Description

PT Deputy Head Nurse
Market Veterinary Centre, Barnstaple, Barnstaple, South West
Discipline: Small Animal
Up to 33, 654. 40 pro rata

We're looking for a confident, motivated individual who is either an existing Deputy Head Nurse or an experienced RVN ready to take the next step in their career and to join our fantastic team at Market Vets working a minimum of 22.5 hrs a week. This is a varied and rewarding role involving inpatient care, theatre duties, and nurse consultations.

We actively encourage our RVNs to fully utilise their skills, including Schedule 3 procedures. This is a great opportunity to join a supportive and experienced team where your skills and development are truly valued. In this role, you will deputise in the absence of the Head RVN, managing all aspects of the nursing team and ensuring high standards of professional conduct are upheld throughout. You will be responsible for maintaining the consistent delivery of exceptional patient care, while acting as a role model and advocate for effective teamwork and communication.

Supporting the Head RVN, you will assist in the smooth day-to-day running of the practice and contribute to the implementation of nursing-related projects, ensuring all policies and procedures are followed.

About us

We are a friendly, two-site mixed practice based in North Devon, just a short drive from Exmoor and the stunning North Devon beaches. Our practice boasts modern, well-equipped facilities and a diverse range of clinical interests among our team, including exotics and orthopaedics.



We strongly encourage our nurses to pursue their individual areas of interest, and many have gone on to achieve certificates in their chosen fields. Our equipment includes an in-house diagnostic laboratory, digital x-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, dental radiography, therapeutic laser (used in nurse-led clinics), and multiparameter monitors in theatre, enabling us to deliver high-quality, progressive care.

About the team and culture

Across our two sites, we have a mix of full- and part-time team members, including 14 vets, 11 nurses, 2 student nurses, and 11 members of our dedicated admin team. Our clinical staff bring a wealth of experience, with vets holding certificates in surgery and exotics, and nurses qualified in feline nursing, exotics, and anaesthesia.



We actively support and encourage individual interests that align with the goals and values of the practice, fostering a culture of professional growth.



We're also proud to work closely with local charities, including our partnership with a local branch of Cats Protection.

Working hours

Weekday shifts vary, with the earliest start at 8:00am and the latest finish at 6:15pm. The current rota includes working 1 in 7 Saturdays from 8:30am to 5:00pm, with time off in lieu that week. You'll also be part of the second on-call rota, covering 6:00pm to 7:00pm approximately once every 7 weeks.



This comes with a paid retainer fee, call-out fee, and 1. 5x hourly rate for any time worked on-site. In addition, our nurses participate in late-night inpatient checks, currently 3 evenings in every 7 weeks, with appropriate compensation provided.

What we are looking for

We're looking for a Deputy Head Nurse who is proactive, enthusiastic, and approachable. The ideal candidate will be a strong team player who thrives in a collaborative environment but is also confident working independently and using their own initiative.

Because our employees 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 balance

6 weeks annual leave Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service Your birthday as a paid day off
#

Wellbeing

Enhanced 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
#

Development

550 CPD allowance with 22.5 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 Memberships

VDS cover RCVS fees
#

Additional

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

Market Veterinary Centre, Barnstaple
Unit A, Riverview Commercial Centre, Riverside Road, Pottington, Barnstaple, EX31 1QN, United Kingdom

Animals treated

Dogs, cats & small pets
Farm animals
Equine
Exotic Friendly
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 Lovell Varcoe from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.#

Talent Partner

Lovell Varcoe

lovell.varcoe@ivcevidensia.com