Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse

Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse – Taverham Veterinary Hospital, Norwich
Up to £36,000 DOE | 38.5 hours per week

Join a Team Where Your Experience Truly Matters
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to take on a key leadership role as Deputy Head Nurse at our flagship Taverham Veterinary Hospital in Norwich. This is a varied and flexible position designed to support the Head Nurse and wider leadership team, playing a vital part in maintaining clinical excellence and supporting the smooth running of the hospital.

Role Details
This is a broad and flexible position that rotates across the deputy nurse responsibilities within the hospital, providing support and assistance to the Head Nurse as required. The role involves a split between clinical and administrative duties, with a typical pattern of 4 days per week and one day allocated for administration (variable depending on staffing and operational needs).

You will work closely with the Head Nurse and management team to ensure day-to-day operations run efficiently while maintaining high standards of patient care and client communication. A minimum of two years' post-qualification experience is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and support across all nursing areas, deputising for the Head Nurse when required
• Support the review, development, and implementation of SOPs, ensuring staff training is up to date
• Oversee stock control and ordering, including controlled drug registers and biannual stock takes
• Coordinate cleaning schedules and ensure completion and documentation
• Assist with induction, mentoring, and ongoing training of new staff members
• Support communication across departments, including organising and attending Deputy Head Nurse meetings
• Liaise with referring practices to coordinate emergency admissions
• Manage staff rotas and cover, ensuring effective team deployment
• Assist with equipment maintenance and liaising with suppliers for repairs or replacements
• Help organise internal CPD sessions and training events
• Play an active hands-on role in clinical nursing when required, ensuring continuity of care and team support

This is a developing role with plenty of scope to shape and grow over time, offering the opportunity to introduce new ideas and help drive continuous improvement within the hospital.

What We're Looking For

• Qualified RVN with a minimum of 2 years' post-qualification experience
• Confident, proactive, and highly organised individual with leadership potential
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Passionate about supporting others and maintaining high clinical standards
• Adaptable, positive, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced hospital environment

Why Join Us?
At Taverham Vets, you'll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team who share a commitment to exceptional patient care and professional development. You'll have access to excellent facilities, supportive colleagues, and opportunities to develop your leadership skills within a well-established hospital environment.

Because Our People 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 Up To £36,000 DOE, You Will Benefit From

Work Life Balance

• 6.6 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 24 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

£0 - £36,000 a year

Up to £36,000 DOE

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.