Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse

Job Role:  Full Time Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse

Location: Dalry, Ayrshire 

Reports to: Practice Owner 

Salary: Up to £32-35k DOE 

Job Summary:

We are a dedicated independent small animal practice, proudly family-owned for 50 years and the only one in North Ayrshire. With a loyal client base and a commitment to top-quality care, we are seeking a highly organised and proactive Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse. As the Lead RVN, you will be a key leader within our team, overseeing the day-to-day management of the nursing team. You will be responsible for ensuring that the highest standards of patient and client care are maintained. This role involves a combination of clinical duties, leadership, and operational management, with a focus on efficient running of the clinic, high quality clinical care, team collaboration, and continuous improvement. There is no night work or on-call.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced RVN who is ready to take on a senior leadership role.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

·       Lead, recruit, manage, and support the nursing team, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations and smooth running of consulting, ward and surgical areas.

·       Conduct performance reviews, interviews and provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for the nursing team.

·       Adopt a positive, collaborative, and productive team environment.

·       Maintain clear lines of communication between the nursing team and other practice departments.

·       Resolve employee conflicts.

·       Implement strategic decisions to promote growth and improve practice efficiency.

Clinical Excellence

·       Ensure the highest standard of nursing care for all of our patients whilst supporting the veterinary surgeon team in their duties.

·       Ensure all nursing activities comply with practice protocols and professional regulations.

·       Develop nurse consultations and maintain high standards of inpatient and theatre care.

·       Dispense and manage pharmaceuticals in line with legislation, ensuring accurate record-keeping.

·       Develop, adhere to and promote practice policies and procedures.

·       Monitor and audit patient care, ensuring standards are maintained at all times.

·       Ensure accurate completion of patient records and care instructions by the nursing team.

·       Ensure compliance with RCVS Practice Standards Scheme.

Business Operations

·       Work with the practice manager, to identify areas for operational improvements and implement solutions to enhance patient care and clinic efficiency.

·       Manage stock control, including rotation and replenishment, and ensure all equipment is properly maintained.

·       Assist with practice marketing initiatives such as client engagement events.

Health & Safety

·       Take responsibility for ensuring all health and safety policies are understood and adhered to within the nursing team.

·       Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

·       Organise in-house training, such as manual handling and equipment safety, ensuring team members are fully trained in relevant practices.

Training & Development

·       Oversee training and professional development for the nursing and reception teams, promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

·       Ensure all team members are up to date with CPD requirements and attend regular in-house and external training.

Person Specification:

Essential

·       Qualified RVN with 3+ years’ experience in a busy UK practice.

·       Registered with the RCVS.

·       Full right to work in the UK.

·       Strong leadership and team management skills.

·       Ability to work under pressure, excellent communication, and IT skills.

Desirable

·       Experience in coaching and staff management.

·       Experience with clinical audits and stock management.

Hours of Work: 

Full time (35- 40 hours per week – your choice) with no out of hours or on-call duties. Our opening hours are Monday - Friday 8.30am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 12 noon. Rota would include 1 in 3 Saturday mornings.

What We Offer: 

·       A competitive salary 

·       Employee discount on veterinary care for own pets 

·       Holiday – 29 days including bank holidays. 

·       A unique opportunity to be part of a truly independent small animal practice, the only one in North Ayrshire, owned and run by the same family for over 50 years. 

·       A loyal client base, with whom we have long-established relationships. 

·       A beautiful location in North Ayrshire, with numerous country walks on your doorstep, just 15 minutes from West Coast beaches, and only 30 minutes by train to central Glasgow.