A Head Veterinary Nurse is a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) who has gained promotion within their working role. They will normally undertake the work of a RVN with additional responsibilities for the supervision of staff and training of Student Veterinary Nurses
RVNs normally work within a veterinary surgery or veterinary hospital and are involved in a wide range of care and treatment of animals. Veterinary Nurses provide skilled supportive care for sick animals as well as undertaking minor surgery, monitoring during anaesthesia, medical treatments and diagnostic tests under veterinary supervision. They also play an important role in the education of owners on good standards of animal care and welfare.
Veterinary Nurses also provide nursing care for animals staying on the premises for operations and treatment. This can include feeding the animals, providing fresh bedding and water, cleaning their accommodation and designing and implementing a nursing care plan to aid the patients recovery.
Head Veterinary Nurses will often take on additional responsibilities that may include:
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Setting up and running of nursing clinics
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Stock management
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Preparation of staff rotas
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Management of clinical environments
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Management of infection control
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Supervision and training of Student Veterinary Nurses
Veterinary Nurses work around 35 to 40 hours a week. Work is usually on a rota basis, including some weekends and on-call emergency duties. Part-time work is often available.
Most employers provide uniforms and necessary protective clothing for the operating theatre and treatment work.
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary depending on the employer and where people live:
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Starting salaries are usually from around £12,000 a year
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Experienced Veterinary Nurses may earn between £14,000 and £20,000
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Senior/Head Veterinary Nurses or Supervisors may earn up to £25,000 or more
In some practices, benefits may include private health insurance or subsidised veterinary care. Accommodation may also be provided in some practices situated in rural areas.
- Administer basic nursing care to animals
- Monitor and care for patients in accommodation
- Advise clients on the care and progress of animals
- Provide veterinary materials to clients
- Collect and preserve samples for diagnostic tests
- Administer specialised nursing and treatments to animals
- Conduct, and provide the results of, radiography on animals
- Prepare animals for veterinary surgical procedures
- Administer medication to animals
- Advise on the use of animal medicines and the prevention and control of disease in companion animals within the limits of a C-SQP
- Communication Skills - Listening
- Communication Skills - Verbal
- Numeracy
- Management / Leadership Skills
- Planning / Organizing Skills
- Work in a team / with others
- Customer Care / People Skills
- Ability to communicate with peolpe at different levels (employees to company executives)
- Flexible working
There are a variety of qualifications and training courses that can help you:
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Find employment
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Improve your current skills
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Gain promotion
Relevant training courses for Head Veterinary Nurses include:
Registered Veterinary Nurses are required to complete an average of 45 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) over a three-year period and to follow the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses.
There may be promotion opportunities for experienced Veterinary Nurses to Supervisor, Senior Practice Nurse or Manager. These are more likely in larger animal hospitals and practices.
Some Veterinary Nurses may choose to develop an interest in different aspects of animal health, such as behaviour or alternative therapy. Some may move into training, lecturing or become a veterinary drugs company representative.
Registered Veterinary Nurses are required to complete an average of 45 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) over a three-year period and to follow the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses.
There may be promotion opportunities for experienced Veterinary Nurses to Supervisor, Senior Practice Nurse or Manager. These are more likely in larger animal hospitals and practices.
Some Veterinary Nurses may choose to develop an interest in different aspects of animal health, such as behaviour or alternative therapy. Some may move into training, lecturing or become a veterinary drugs company representative.
You can find out about other progression opportunities in this industry here
For further support and information on careers in the Veterinary Nursing industry you can contact the Lantra Connect Service:
Tel: 02476 69 69 96 or e-mail veterinaryactivities@lantra.co.uk
Industry Information
You can find additional information from the following organisations and publications:
Publications(some may be priced):
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Veterinary Nursing Journal
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Veterinary Nursing Times
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Veterinary Record
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Veterinary Times
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So you want to work: with animals - Trotman
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Real Life Guides: Working with animals and wildlife - Trotman
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RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses
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TP Times - The Veterinary Nurse Training Magazine