Head Registered Veterinary Nurse | Ayrshire, South West Scotland | Up to £36,000 DOE
Irvine, Ayrshire, United Kingdom
Head RVN role, multi-site group, GPD Clinical Lead Vets, acupuncture & pain specialist nurses, AXA healthcare & no OOH — Ayrshire, Scotland.
Who They Are
This is a well-established, values-led multi-site veterinary group operating across Ayrshire in South West Scotland — a 60-strong team built on mutual respect, open communication, and a genuine commitment to the development and wellbeing of every colleague. With a leadership structure that gives every role a meaningful voice, this is a practice group that walks the talk when it comes to valuing its nursing team.
The clinical team is experienced and diverse: 14 vets including GPD-trained Clinical Lead Vets, 12 RVNs including Clinical Coach RVNs, and VCAs — all supported by a dedicated RVN Business Partner who understands the nursing role from the inside. The nursing team brings specialist training across acupuncture, pain management, behaviour, and Schedule 3 surgical procedures, reflecting a practice group that actively invests in expanding the scope and impact of its nurses.
Across the group's practices, nurses are empowered to lead consults, monitor anaesthetics, and deliver exceptional inpatient care — backed by modern equipment including multiparameter monitors, fluid pumps, BP monitors, and ultrasound. This is a group that listens to its nurses, equips them properly, and creates genuine opportunities for leadership and progression.
Flexible working is not just an afterthought here — rotas and benefits are tailored to individual colleagues, because the practice genuinely understands that one size does not fit all.
What You'll Do
- Lead and support the nursing team across a multi-site group, setting and maintaining high standards of clinical nursing care and professional practice
- Deliver a broad range of nursing duties including leading nurse consults, anaesthetic monitoring, and exceptional inpatient care
- Utilise on-site clinical equipment including multiparameter monitors, fluid pumps, BP monitors, and ultrasound
- Support and develop nursing colleagues, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and clinical progression
- Lead by example in both clinical standards and client care, acting as a role model for the wider nursing team
- Collaborate closely with GPD-trained Clinical Lead Vets, Clinical Coach RVNs, and the RVN Business Partner to drive nursing excellence across the group
- Contribute to clinical governance, protocols, and continuous improvement initiatives across the practice
- Deliver care aligned with RCVS best practice guidelines, maintaining high standards of patient safety, pain management, and evidence-based nursing practice
- Communicate clearly and effectively with clients, supporting an exceptional client experience at every interaction
What You'll Gain
- Salary up to £36,000 per annum, dependent on experience
- Flexible working: full or part-time considered, 30–40 hours per week
- 1:4 Saturday rota — no OOH
- Generous CPD allowance with paid CPD days
- Professional membership fees paid
- AXA private healthcare, extendable to family members
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Income protection
- Pension scheme
- Support from a dedicated RVN Business Partner, three head nurses, and three senior nurses across the group
- Specialist nursing team with expertise in acupuncture, pain management, behaviour, and Schedule 3 surgical procedures
- Colleague retail and veterinary service discounts
- A genuinely flexible, people-first working culture where individual needs are respected and valued
What's Needed
- RCVS registration as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (essential)
- Experience in a senior or leadership nursing role, or a clear and demonstrable readiness to step into one
- Passionate about nursing excellence and committed to developing the clinical capabilities of those around you
- Confident leading by example across all areas of clinical nursing practice
- Positive, energetic, and team-focused with strong communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively across a multi-site group, supporting colleagues across all practices
- Commitment to high standards of patient care and evidence-based nursing practice