We are seeking a knowledgeable, confident Head Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Wellpet Vets on a full-time basis.
At Wellpet Vets, you’ll be joining a close-knit and supportive team of three receptionists, three vets, one RVN, and three SVNs. We take pride in fostering a friendly, collaborative environment where everyone works well together and enjoys both the day-to-day practice life and regular social events outside of work.
Work is shared evenly across the team, and we aim to tailor appointments and surgical cases to individual interests within our vet and nursing teams wherever possible. Our practice is well-equipped, with facilities including ultrasound, digital x-ray, and IDEXX in-house laboratory machines.
This role is primarily based at our main site in Shenley, with weekend shifts at our consult-only branch in Edgware.
IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners.
At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Head Veterinary Nurse, you will provide senior clinical and professional leadership for the nursing team, overseeing all nursing aspects of the practice and supporting the delivery of high-quality patient and client care.
You’ll be responsible for setting and maintaining nursing standards, leading clinical governance and quality improvement activity, and developing a capable, confident nursing team. Working closely with the wider practice leadership team, you'll play a key role in shaping culture, performance and ways of working.
This role is based on a 38-hour working week, spread across 4 or 5 days, with shifts ranging between 8:30 am and 8 pm. The position includes participation in a 1 in 4 weekend rota, consisting of Saturdays at Shenley (9:15 am–1:15 pm) and Sundays at our Edgware branch (9:15 am–1:15 pm). Availability to work Wednesdays is required.
General responsibilities include:
Nurse consults
Assisting Vets in theatre and operations
Ensuring high standards of patient care
Share expertise and dynamic skillset with the other members of the nursing team
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
You are an experienced and confident Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong leadership capability and a passion for clinical excellence. You'll bring:
Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
Significant experience in clinical practice with advanced medical and surgical nursing skills
Proven experience of leading, mentoring and developing nursing teams
Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement and professional standards
Excellent communication, leadership and organisational skills
How We’ll Support You
At IVC Evidensia, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
A senior leadership role with accountability for nursing standards and team development
Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into wider practice leadership roles
Ongoing learning and development to support leadership, governance and strategic growth
A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
6.6 weeks' annual leave plus your birthday off
Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
Private Medical Insurance
Employee wellbeing initiatives including - Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
£550 CPD allowance plus 24hrs paid leave
Certificate support
RCVS and VDS fees covered
Pension scheme
Discounted veterinary care
Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you - including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers