Head Registered Veterinary Nurse – Newcastle upon Tyne
Salary: £34,000 – £37,000 DOE
4-Day Week | Independent Small Animal Practice
My client, a well-established independent small animal practice in Newcastle upon Tyne, is seeking an experienced and motivated Head Registered Veterinary Nurse to join their friendly and supportive team.
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior nurse looking to step into a leadership role or an existing Head RVN seeking a position within a genuinely supportive independent practice where staff wellbeing, teamwork, and high clinical standards are truly valued.
Operating across two branches in Newcastle upon Tyne, the practice has built a loyal and growing client base through its commitment to honest communication, exceptional patient care, and long-term client relationships. The team enjoys a varied and interesting caseload spanning both medical and surgical disciplines, with a collaborative approach to patient management and clinical development.
As Head RVN, you will work closely with the directors and practice management team, leading the nursing department while remaining actively involved in clinical work. This role offers the opportunity to influence the future development of the nursing team and help maintain the excellent standards of care the practice is known for.
The Role
This is a varied leadership position combining hands-on nursing with team management responsibilities.
Responsibilities include:
• Leading and supporting the nursing team across both sites
• Overseeing day-to-day nursing operations and workflow
• Ensuring consistently high standards of patient and client care
• Supporting clinical efficiency alongside the veterinary team
• Mentoring and developing RVNs and student nurses
• Assisting with protocol development and implementation
• Supporting quality improvement initiatives and best practice standards
• Promoting a positive, collaborative, and supportive team culture
The Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a confident and approachable nurse who enjoys developing others and leading by example.
Requirements include:
• RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse
• Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience
• Previous senior nursing, supervisory, or leadership experience
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Confidence across all aspects of clinical nursing, anaesthesia, and inpatient care
• Passion for mentoring and team development
• Positive, proactive, and supportive leadership style
The Practice
This independent practice prides itself on creating a workplace where people genuinely enjoy coming to work. The leadership team understands the challenges faced within veterinary practice and focuses on realistic workload management, open communication, and creating an environment where staff feel supported both professionally and personally.
The practice currently consists of a close-knit team of veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, student nurses, receptionists, and support staff who work collaboratively to provide excellent standards of care. Continuous improvement and professional development are actively encouraged, with every team member having a voice in how the practice evolves.
The Package
• Salary £34,000 – £37,000 DOE
• 4-day working week
• 1 in 4 Saturday mornings
• 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays
• CPD actively encouraged with flexible funding
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Staff discounts for pets
• Regular team social events throughout the year
• Supportive and approachable leadership team
• Excellent work-life balance
• Genuine opportunity to influence and develop the nursing team
This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious RVN who wants to combine clinical nursing with leadership responsibilities while joining a progressive independent practice that genuinely values its people.
For a confidential discussion, please get in touch.
Key Skills
2026-08-12
Newcastle upon Tyne