Head Veterinary Nurse

Are you an experienced RVN looking for your next challenge? Or perhaps you're ready to take your first step into leadership and are looking for the right opportunity to develop your management skills within a supportive environment?

Clifton Villa Veterinary Practice are seeking a Head Registered Veterinary Nurse to lead and inspire our talented nursing team across our Newquay and Truro sites. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of our nursing provision, driving clinical standards, and helping our team reach its full potential. Enjoy the best of Cornwall with Newquay's beautiful beaches just a two-minute walk away – perfect for making the most of your lunch breaks!

At CVS, caring is what we do. As a Veterinary Nurse, you'll be at the heart of promoting pet wellness—monitoring patients' health, supporting their recovery, and offering reassurance to the people who love them. Because for us, caring isn't just a job—it's in our nature.
 
We put our people first—because when you're supported, you can deliver the very best care. With industry-leading learning, hands-on training, and guidance, you'll have everything you need to grow your skills and confidence. Whether you're looking to progress in your current role or explore new career pathways, CVS is the place to nurture your future career.

About the Role

This is a varied and rewarding position where you'll combine hands-on clinical nursing with leadership responsibilities. While previous leadership experience would be welcomed, it is not essential. We're equally keen to hear from ambitious RVNs who are ready to step into their first leadership role and are passionate about supporting and developing others.

We're flexible on working patterns and are looking for someone able to commit to at least 32 hours per week, with full time hours available. There is also the opportunity to participate in the night rota for those with an interest in doing so.

What You'll Be Doing

As Head RVN, you'll play a vital role in:

• Leading and supporting a nursing team of 6 RVNs, 2 Student Veterinary Nurses and 1 Patient Care Assistant
• Working closely with the veterinary team to deliver outstanding patient care
• Championing high clinical standards across the practice
• Supporting the growth, development and utilisation of nursing skills throughout the team
• Driving innovation and bringing fresh ideas to enhance patient care and practice efficiency
• Acting as a positive and approachable people leader
• Helping create an engaging and supportive learning environment for both qualified and student nurses

About You

We're looking for an RVN who:

• Has a strong clinical skill set and a passion for delivering exceptional patient care
• Enjoys supporting and developing colleagues
• Is proactive, innovative and keen to introduce new ideas
• Has excellent communication and organisational skills
• Wants to make a genuine difference to the progression and utilisation of veterinary nursing within practice
• Is excited by the opportunity to influence and enhance clinical standards

Why Join Clifton Villa?

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact within a well-established practice and to become a genuine advocate for veterinary nursing. You'll be supported by a committed and experienced team who value collaboration, continuous improvement and high quality patient care.

Located in beautiful Cornwall, you'll be working across our Newquay and Truro sites, with the stunning Newquay coastline just a two-minute walk from the practice. Whether it's a refreshing lunchtime stroll, a coffee overlooking the sea, or simply taking in the coastal views during your break, the location offers a fantastic lifestyle benefit alongside a rewarding career.

The benefits

At CVS, we know that care for our patients starts with dedicated people like you. That's why we invest in your growth and your future. When you join us, you'll get:

• RCVS fees paid in full
• Salary up to £35,000 FTE DOE 
• Generous CPD allowance, Knowledge Hub access, BSAVA library, and funded advanced training opportunities
• Excellent Nursing Career Pathway
• Up to 33 days holiday (with the option to buy/sell)
• Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions, and enhanced family leave policies
• Staff pet care discounts – 50% off services, MiPet food, and medications
• A bonus scheme that recognises strong results, based on both practice performance and individual contribution

 Join us at CVS

We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to do their best work. We foster an inclusive and equitable workplace, where diverse perspectives are invited and people feel safe to speak up.

Wellbeing support is always available, from monthly line-manager check-ins to our network of 400 Wellbeing Champions, Pastoral Support Vets and personal mentors. We offer leading benefits and policies, such as our Health Shield which provides support for physical and mental health.

Our aim is to free up clinical colleagues to do what they do best, so we offer practices a wide range of operational support. Central expert HR, recruitment, payroll, IT, finance, procurement teams are on hand to support with all aspects relating to the smooth running of each practice.

We prioritise investment in our facilities, delivering significant enhancements across numerous practices through a dedicated multi-million-pound improvement fund.

Interested? Please click apply now! For further details or an informal chat, please contact Emily in the recruitment team at emily.card@cvsvets.com