← Back to jobs

Checked 2026-10-30

Head Veterinary Nurse Oxfordshire

VetSeekers · Faringdon, England, GB

Veterinary nurseOn-siteFull-time£33,000–£38,000

Employer listing

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Veterinary Nurse to join a well-established small animal practice in Oxfordshire. This role would suit an experienced RVN looking to take the next step into leadership, or an existing Head Veterinary Nurse seeking a new opportunity within a supportive clinical environment. You will work closely with an experienced Partner and wider team, taking responsibility for the clinical leadership of the nursing team while continuing to remain hands-on with patient care. The practice works closely with a neighbouring clinic, with staff shared across the two sites, providing the support of a larger clinical team while retaining the feel of a local practice.

Salary up to £38,000 per annum

40 hours per week over 4 days

1 in 6 weekends

Head Veterinary Nurse leadership position

Suitable for an experienced RVN ready to step up

Supportive, experienced Partner-led team

High level of clinical freedom and autonomy

Support for certificates and ongoing development

Well-equipped small animal practice

Established client base

Access to a nearby 24-hour hospital

Responsibilities

  • As Head Veterinary Nurse, you will be responsible for the clinical leadership of the nursing team, helping to maintain excellent standards of patient care while supporting the development and performance of your nursing colleagues.
  • Providing clinical leadership, support and development to the nursing team
  • Leading nurse-led appointments and Schedule 3 activities
  • Supporting Veterinary Surgeons with consultations, surgery and procedures
  • Patient monitoring and inpatient care
  • Managing admissions and discharges
  • Maintaining high clinical, regulatory and operational standards
  • Delivering excellent client and patient care
  • Helping develop the nursing team and wider practice
  • Working collaboratively with colleagues across the two closely linked practices
  • Full time – 40 hours per week
  • 4-day working week
  • 1 in 6 weekends at a nearby 24-hour hospital
  • The practice works closely with another local branch, with the combined team comprising:
  • 5 Veterinary Surgeons
  • 8 Registered Veterinary Nurses
  • 3 Veterinary Care Assistants
  • 3 Client Care Assistants
  • The practice has an established client base and is well equipped, including:
  • Ultrasound
  • ECG
  • Dental suite
  • In-house laboratory
  • You will work alongside an experienced Partner and have access to the wider clinical resources and support of a nearby 24-hour hospital.

Benefits

  • Salary up to £38,000 per annum
  • 5 weeks' annual leave plus Bank Holidays, increasing with length of service
  • Additional paid 'Day for You'
  • £750 CPD allowance
  • 2 days' paid CPD leave per year
  • Funded certificates and internal career development opportunities
  • RCVS and VDS fees paid
  • Health Cash Plan from day one
  • 24/7 counselling and wellbeing support
  • Life Assurance – 3x salary
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Season Ticket loans
  • Employee discounts
  • This is a well-established small animal practice in Oxfordshire, working closely with a neighbouring clinic and supported by a larger clinical team across both locations. The role offers a genuine opportunity for an experienced RVN to develop their leadership and operational management skills while remaining clinically involved. With a four-day working week, salary up to £38,000 and a supportive Partner-led environment, this could be an excellent next step for an RVN ready to progress into a Head Nurse role or an established Head Nurse looking for a new challenge. Interested? CLICK APPLY NOW to submit your application. If you have any questions before applying, or you're exploring other permanent or locum veterinary opportunities, contact the Vet Seekers team for a confidential discussion.
  • E: hello@vetseekers.co.uk W: www.vetseekers.co.uk
  • Your Privacy Matters – Your application and all conversations are treated in the strictest confidence. We will never share your CV or personal details with an employer without your permission. Why Choose Vet Seekers? Founded in 2016, Vet Seekers is a multi-award-winning specialist veterinary recruitment agency, connecting Veterinary Surgeons, Veterinary Nurses and veterinary professionals with permanent and locum opportunities across the UK and internationally.
  • Veterinary Recruitment Specialists
  • Permanent & Locum Opportunities
  • UK & International Veterinary Recruitment
  • Confidential & Ethical Recruitment
  • Supporting Veterinary Professionals Since 2016
  • GDPR Compliant & ICO Registered
  • Equal Opportunities Recruiter
  • Some opportunities may be subject to professional registration, licensing, visa or right-to-work requirements in the country of employment.

Before you apply

What to know before applying

Check before applying

  • • Confirm rota, OOH/weekend expectations, CPD support, and whether professional fees are covered

Missing or unclear

  • • Requirements are light, so check must-have experience before applying

These checks are based on the listing, not an assessment of your eligibility. Confirm important details with the employer.