Head Registered Veterinary Nurse

About us

Walkden Vets for Pets is a busy and growing first-opinion small animal practice based in Greater Manchester, currently undergoing an exciting rebrand and entering a new stage of development.

We are a practice with huge potential and a team who are genuinely committed to improving, developing, and delivering excellent patient and client care. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Head RVN to join us at a pivotal time and really shape the future of the nursing team and wider practice.

We are looking for more than just a title - this is a genuine leadership role for a confident, proactive Registered Veterinary Nurse who wants to make a visible impact.

The role

As Head RVN, you will take ownership of the nursing team, bringing structure, consistency, and direction to day-to-day clinical operations.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Lead, support, and develop the nursing team
• Build and expand nurse consults
• Develop Schedule 3 work within the practice
• Improve systems, standards, and clinical processes
• Enhance inpatient care and nursing involvement in case management
• Identify training needs and shape development plans for the team
• Help drive forward the long-term growth of the practice

This is a role for someone who leads from the front, is proactive rather than reactive, and enjoys making things better through positive, hands-on leadership.

About the team

The team is friendly, supportive, hardworking, and genuinely cares about the practice and each other. There is a strong sense of ambition and a desire to grow and develop further.

The nursing team would particularly benefit from a Head RVN who is approachable, organised, calm under pressure, and able to provide clear, constructive leadership while building confidence and consistency.

• 2 experienced Veterinary Surgeons
  • One currently completing a Medicine Certificate
  • One holding a Feline Medicine Certificate
• Nursing team:
  • 1 newly qualified RVN
  • 1 part-time experienced RVN
• 1 very experienced and competent VCA
• 2 excellent CCAs
• Practice Manager with 10 years’ experience at the practice

There is a strong appetite for learning and development across the whole team, with clear scope for the Head RVN to influence and shape clinical progression.

Caseload & Clinical Work

We are a busy small animal practice seeing a varied and engaging caseload including:

• Routine consultations
• Dentistry
• Neutering
• Soft tissue surgery
• Medical workups
• Imaging
• Senior pet care
• Emergency consultations

We are also developing our diagnostic capabilities, with dental X-ray being introduced and further ultrasound training planned for the team.

The role would suit someone who enjoys variety and wants to increase nursing contribution to patient care, triage, inpatient support, nurse consults, and client education.

Future Development

There is real opportunity to develop the nursing structure first, strengthening standards, confidence, and team consistency - while also expanding nurse-led services and clinical involvement.

The Head RVN will play a key role in shaping this development journey.

Facilities & equipment

• Digital X-ray
• Ultrasound
• In-house laboratory (including Sedivue and InVue)
• Multiparameter monitoring
• Separate dog and cat wards
• Theatre
• Isolation ward
• Dedicated nurse consult room

Location

We are based on Ellesmere Retail Park in Walkden, Greater Manchester, around 8 miles from Manchester city centre, with excellent transport links to Bolton, Salford, and Worsley.

The surrounding area offers a great mix of retail, residential, and green spaces, including nearby Blackleach Country Park.

Being on a retail park means plenty of local amenities on the doorstep, including M&S, Aldi, McDonald’s, KFC, Nando’s, and Subway - perfect for team lunches and treats.

Free on-site parking is available.

Working Pattern

• 40 hours per week over 4 days
• Currently not open weekends
• Future plans to introduce Saturday cover (1 in 4, 6 hours) with time off in lieu during the week.

Salary & Benefits

Salary up to £35,000 depending on experience.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a Head RVN role with real autonomy, influence, and scope to shape how the nursing team and practice develop moving forward.

Location M28 3EE

We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities. Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!