Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse – Taverham Veterinary Hospital, Norwich
Up to £36,000 DOE | 38.5 hours per week
Join a team where your experience truly matters
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to take on a key leadership role as Deputy Head Nurse at our flagship Taverham Veterinary Hospital in Norwich. This is a varied and flexible position designed to support the Head Nurse and wider leadership team, playing a vital part in maintaining clinical excellence and supporting the smooth running of the hospital.
Role Details
This is a broad and flexible position that rotates across the deputy nurse responsibilities within the hospital, providing support and assistance to the Head Nurse as required. The role involves a split between clinical and administrative duties, with a typical pattern of 4 days per week and one day allocated for administration (variable depending on staffing and operational needs).
You will work closely with the Head Nurse and management team to ensure day-to-day operations run efficiently while maintaining high standards of patient care and client communication. A minimum of two years’ post-qualification experience is required.
Key Responsibilities
Provide leadership and support across all nursing areas, deputising for the Head Nurse when requiredSupport the review, development, and implementation of SOPs, ensuring staff training is up to dateOversee stock control and ordering, including controlled drug registers and biannual stock takesCoordinate cleaning schedules and ensure completion and documentationAssist with induction, mentoring, and ongoing training of new staff membersSupport communication across departments, including organising and attending Deputy Head Nurse meetingsLiaise with referring practices to coordinate emergency admissionsManage staff rotas and cover, ensuring effective team deploymentAssist with equipment maintenance and liaising with suppliers for repairs or replacementsHelp organise internal CPD sessions and training eventsPlay an active hands-on role in clinical nursing when required, ensuring continuity of care and team supportThis is a developing role with plenty of scope to shape and grow over time, offering the opportunity to introduce new ideas and help drive continuous improvement within the hospital.
What We’re Looking For
Qualified RVN with a minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experienceConfident, proactive, and highly organised individual with leadership potentialExcellent communication and teamwork skillsPassionate about supporting others and maintaining high clinical standardsAdaptable, positive, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced hospital environment
Why Join Us?
At Taverham Vets, you’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking team who share a commitment to exceptional patient care and professional development. You’ll have access to excellent facilities, supportive colleagues, and opportunities to develop your leadership skills within a well-established hospital environment.
Because Our People Matter
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 up to £36,000 DOE, you will benefit from:
Work Life Balance
6.6 weeks annual leaveIncreasing holiday allowance based on length of serviceYour birthday as a paid day off
Wellbeing
Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy payPrivate Medical InsuranceCycle to Work schemeInitiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membershipNon-accidental injury support
Development
£550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid pro rataCertificate SupportLearning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia AcademyAccess to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia providerAll our Vets & Nurses can apply for research fundingInfection Prevention and Control ProgrammeQuality Improvement Programme
Professional Memberships
VDS coverRCVS fees
Additional
Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailersPension – 5% Employee / 3% EmployerDiscounted staff pet care