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.