Head Registered Veterinary Nurse

Small Animal Practice – Cheltenham (All branches) Proud to be part of VetThing

Arvonia Veterinary Practice is a long-established, small animal surgery based in Cheltenham. We pride ourselves on our friendly, supportive team culture and our commitment to continual improvement. As part of our ongoing investment in high clinical standards, we have a 64-slice CT scanner and are advancing our dental care by introducing dental x-ray, allowing us to offer advanced diagnostic and referral-level care.

As a practice, we truly value the input of our team. Everyone has a voice here, and our nurses play an integral role in shaping how the practice develops.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Head Registered Veterinary Nurse to join and support our established nursing team of four RVNs, two student nurses, and six veterinary surgeons. This is an excellent opportunity for a confident RVN who enjoys clinical excellence, leading and mentoring others, and contributing positively to a collaborative working environment.

You will bring your experience, enthusiasm, and leadership skills to help maintain high standards of patient care, while supporting and developing the nursing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and support the veterinary nursing team
• Oversee nurse rotas, workload planning, and day-to-day operations
• Maintain and develop high standards of clinical care, hygiene and client communication
• Support and deliver nurse clinics and schedule 3 activities
• Manage stock control, ordering, and equipment maintenance
• Ensure compliance with RCVS standards, protocols, and procedures
• Work closely with the vets and practice management team to drive practice success
• Supporting and assisting Veterinary Surgeons during consultations, theatre, and referral-level procedures
• Providing clinical guidance and support to student nurses
• Supporting PSS compliance
• Occasional reception cover as required
• Working effectively both independently and as part of a close-knit team

About You

• Registered Veterinary Nurse (RCVS registered)
• Ideally experienced in a senior or leadership-capable role
• Confident, proactive, and keen to continue developing new skills
• Strong communication skills with empathy for both patients and clients
• Passionate about teamwork, mentoring, and high clinical standards
• Clinical coach qualification preferred

Working Hours

• Shifts between 8:00–4:00, 9:00–5:00, and 10:30–7:00
• Saturdays 9-5 on a 1-in-5 rota
• Weekly hours on average 42.8 with paid lunch
• Full-time/part time considered, permanent position

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• CPD encouraged and supported
• RCVS & VDS membership paid
• Company pension
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee discount
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Regular paid-for social events, including summer and Christmas gatherings
• A genuinely supportive practice environment where your input matters

Location

Reddings, Churchdown & Cheltenham, you would mostly be based at The Reddings.
Applicants must be able to reliably commute or plan to relocate prior to starting.