Head Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal

Kernow Vet Group; Norwich; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Norwich is seeking a Head Veterinary Nurse to lead their dedicated team and deliver exceptional clinical care. The successful applicant will have a strong veterinary background, leadership experience, and a compassionate attitude towards patient care. This role offers a competitive salary, work-life balance, and development opportunities in a supportive setting.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

£550 CPD allowance

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounts/cashback with retailers

Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong clinical skills.
• Proven leadership experience or desire to grow into a leadership role.
• Excellent organisational and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the nursing team.
• Deliver exceptional patient care and client communication.
• Oversee and coordinate nurse clinics and daily workflows.
• Ensure compliance with clinical protocols.
• Manage nursing team rotas.
• Set up and review Standard Operating Procedures.

Skills

Strong clinical skills

Leadership experience

Organisational abilities

Communication skills

Compassionate approach

Team player

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse qualification

Job description

Eaton Veterinary Practice, Cringleford, East of England

Head Veterinary Nurse – Eaton Veterinary Practice, Norwich

Salary: Up to £34,500 DOE

Hours: Full-time, 36–40 hours per week across 4 or 5 days – no OOH

Are you an organised, compassionate, and motivated Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) ready to step into a leadership role? We’re looking for a confident and inspiring Head Veterinary Nurse to lead and support our dedicated nursing team while continuing to deliver outstanding clinical care.

You’ll play a key role in overseeing nursing standards, introducing new initiatives aligned with our practice ethos, and shaping the future of our friendly, forward-thinking team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and develop the nursing team
• Deliver exceptional patient care and client communication
• Oversee and coordinate nurse clinics and daily workflows
• Ensure compliance with clinical protocols and practice standards
• Create and manage nursing team rotas, including holiday requests
• Set up and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Support and encourage CPD for the nursing team
• Collaborate with the wider leadership and veterinary teams to enhance patient care and operational efficiency
• Perform a variety of nursing duties, including surgery, consultations, and inpatient care
• Assist with stock control and other operational procedures

What We’re Looking For

A Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong clinical skills, proven leadership experience or a genuine desire to grow into a leadership position, excellent organisational and communication abilities, a compassionate approach to both patient care and team support, a drive to uphold and improve high clinical standards, a team player who thrives in a supportive, collaborative environment.

This is a fantastic opportunity to influence positive change, develop your leadership skills, and grow your career within a supportive, well-established practice.

About Eaton Veterinary Practice

Eaton Vets is situated in a charming village setting on the edge of Norwich – a vibrant city with great access to the countryside, Norfolk coastline, and convenient links to Cambridge and London.

Our purpose-built surgery includes a large reception area, 4 consulting rooms, a dedicated theatre, a diagnostics room with digital and dental x-ray and ultrasound, plus a spacious prep area with a separate dental zone. A window into the cattery allows easy patient monitoring, with kennels and an isolation suite close by.

We’re proud to have a loyal client base, many of whom have trusted us for generations.

Our friendly, supportive team includes 4 experienced Veterinary Surgeons, 6 RVNs, a Dispenser, 4 Receptionists, and a Practice Manager. Many of our team have been with us for years, and we pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, strong clinical standards, and caring approach — treating every patient as if they were our own.

Ready to lead with compassion and confidence?

We’d love to hear from you — apply today to join the Eaton Vets family.

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

• 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
• Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing

Development

• £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid CPD leave 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
• Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well
• Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria
• Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you
• Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
• Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice

Eaton Veterinary Practice

Cringleford House, 24-28 Cantley Lane, Cringleford, NR4 6TA, United Kingdom

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 Margaret Bryson from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.