Head Nurse

We are current looking for a Head Nurse This role will be based at Scottish SPCA Headquarters in Dunfermline with a flexible blend of home working. 

If this sounds like a role you would be interested in, please read on for more information. 

• Hours – Full time – 35 hours per week
• Salary – up to £33,579 per annum
• Contract Type – Permanent  

About the Scottish SPCA

As Scotland’s animal welfare charity, we have been on-hand to protect animals and prevent cruelty since 1839 – that’s over 186 years of creating a better world for all animals. We’ve grown to become a national charity which celebrates the strength of the human-animal bond and enriches the lives of animals and people. We are Scotland’s animal champions.

What does a Head Nurse do? 

The Head Nurse will be a senior Registered Veterinary Nurse responsible for leading the nursing team and for the efficient movement of animals through the RVN-led veterinary clinic, reacting to the needs of the wider Society and working to minimise animal time in care. 

Working with the Veterinary Clinic Manager and Lead Veterinary Surgeon, and through leadership of the veterinary nursing team, the Head Nurse will ensure high standards of nursing and clinic care in an efficient charity medicine environment, whilst also ensuring the nursing team delivers excellent levels of client and customer service expected from an internal veterinary support function.

Overview of main duties and responsibilities

• Collaborate with the ARRC, Inspectorate, and wider veterinary clinic teams to ensure the efficient movement of animals through various services and treatments, prioritising those with the greatest clinical need. Ensure seamless transitions between stages of care to minimise delays and optimise patient outcomes.

   

• Working with the Veterinary Clinic Manager and Lead Veterinary Surgeon, in the event of emergencies, re-prioritise workflows to accommodate urgent cases, ensuring emergency treatment is provided to sick and injured animals as quickly as possible. Minimise reliance on external veterinary partners by maximising internal resources.

   

• Model the Society’s core values — Committed, Compassionate, Professional, Expert, Collaborative, and Adaptable — in all aspects of clinical and interpersonal work.

   

• Foster a culture of collaborative, interdepartmental teamwork that prioritises welfare-focused outcomes and exceptional client and stakeholder service.

   

• Communicate clearly and effectively with clients, members of the public, veterinary professionals, and regulatory authorities, using clinical judgement to tailor communication appropriately to the audience and situation.

   

• Line manages, support, and guide the Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) and Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) team. Ensure their professional development needs are met and that their performance aligns with Scottish SPCA expectations. Foster a collaborative team culture where members can deputise for one another during periods of absence.

   

• Complete the required number of CPD hours as dictated by the RCVS and share learning with colleagues and assist in the development of all staff at the veterinary clinic by participation in staff training.

Please see full Job Description link for more detailed information on the role. 

 What makes a good Head Nurse? 

• Qualified RVN with a minimum 3 years’ full-time experience

   

• Passion for animal welfare and an advocate of our charitable purpose

• Ability to reflect on and assess situations whilst also identifying improvement areas.

• Solutions focussed and able to remove blockers and work collaboratively to overcome obstacles

• Ability work under direction and delegate tasks where appropriate

• Exceptional decision-making skills and ability to re-prioritise and re-organise cases to accommodate the needs of the society. 

• Full, driving licence 

   

• Willingness to work within group shift pattern

• Subject to a Disclosure Scotland PVG check

We are fortunate that some of our roles attract a high level of interest therefore, we may have to close roles earlier than advertised. Early application submissions are highly recommended.  This also means that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful candidates due to receiving high levels of applications. 

The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to achieving our core mission.

Scottish Charity No SC 006467