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.