Lead the nursing team as Head Registered Veterinary Nurse at a modern practice in Altrincham . This full-time role offers a salary of £36,000–£40,000 DOE , working 40 hours per week with a 1:4 Saturday rota and no out-of-hours or overnight checks.
Requirements Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) qualification required. Strong clinical reasoning and confidence in decision-making. Experience leading through clinical credibility and setting standards. Previous experience as an experienced RVN ready for leadership or an existing Head Nurse. Skills & Responsibilities Clinical Leadership: Lead and develop RVNs, SVNs, and VCAs while driving efficient clinical flow and consistency.Anaesthesia and Theatre: Perform advanced anaesthesia, low flow anaesthesia, and support complex surgical procedures.Patient Management: Oversee multiparameter monitoring, multimodal analgesia, and full dental workflows.Standards and Protocols: Take ownership of nursing standards, rotas, team structure, and recruitment.Potential transition routes: Experienced Senior Veterinary Nurses or existing Head Veterinary Nurses may bring strong clinical reasoning and leadership skills, alongside meeting mandatory RVN registration requirements.Head Veterinary Nurse Altrincham | £36,000–£40,000 DOE | No OOH
A Head Nurse role with real clinical influence and support
This is a role where you will lead the nursing team, take ownership of clinical standards, and work within a clear leadership structure.
You will be supported to make decisions, expected to set standards, and trusted to influence how the practice runs day to day.
Why this role exists
We are looking for a Head RVN to lead our nursing team and strengthen clinical consistency as the practice continues to grow.
You will be building on a positive team and driving standards forward.
What makes this role different
Most Head Nurse roles come with responsibility but limited control.
Here, you will have:
Ownership of nursing standards and protocols Control of rotas and team structure Input into recruitment and team development A clear support structure: Clinical Lead Vet (clinical) and Practice Manager (HR) You will be trusted to lead and backed when it matters.
Your role
Lead and develop RVNs, SVNs and VCAs Set and maintain clinical standards consistently across the team Drive efficient clinical flow and decision making Lead performance and development conversations Support recruitment and progression within the team This is leadership, not coordination.
Clinical standards
Our nurses are actively involved in patient management and decision making.
We routinely use:
Multiparameter monitoring (ECG, capnography, blood pressure) Multimodal analgesia including infusions and local techniques Low flow anaesthesia Full dental workflows including radiography and nerve blocks Schedule 3 procedures and nurse led clinics Nurse led triage We are continuing to develop:
Point of care ultrasound within the nursing team AI supported tools including HT Vista AI assisted clinical note taking Your clinical role:
Anaesthesia and theatre work Inpatient care and recovery Nurse consultations and triage Supporting advanced procedures Your clinical judgement will set the tone across the team.
The team
Positive and collaborative culture Mix of experienced and developing nurses Active student nurse involvement Opportunity to improve consistency and standards Development
£750 CPD allowance with paid CPD time Certificate support actively encouraged Previous Head Nurse completed Level 7 postgraduate training in advanced surgical nursing This is a role where you continue to develop, not plateau.
Work-life balance
40 hours per week (including a paid 30 minute lunch break) 1:4 Saturdays No out of hours No overnight inpatient checks Overtime is recognised and paid or taken as time off in lieu The practice
Recently extended, modern site 5 consult rooms and 2 theatres Dedicated recovery area Visiting cardiology and imaging support Strong clinical team including CertAVP Growing caseload including advanced soft tissue and orthopaedics Who this role suits
A strong RVN stepping into leadership with confidence in their clinical ability Or an existing Head Nurse looking for more structure and clinical influence You will be someone who:
Has strong clinical reasoning and is confident making decisions Leads through clinical credibility, not just role title Is comfortable setting expectations and maintaining standards Enjoys developing others and improving consistency over time Why this role stands out
Most Head Nurse roles offer responsibility without support.
This one offers:
Clear structure Strong clinical standards Genuine authority Ongoing development Apply via Vets for Pets Careers or contact northvet@vets4pets.com for more information.
