Stow Veterinary Surgeons
Head Nurse Job Description
Purpose of the job
The role of Head Nurse is a key position within the practice and reports to the Managing
Partner. Stow Veterinary Surgeons aim to provide the highest standard of patient care.
In order to achieve that the clinical teams need to be well trained, motivated and
committed. The role of the Head Nurse is to ensure these objectives are met with
regards to the nursing team and that Stow Veterinary Surgeons are continually moving
forward to meet the excellence demanded of today’s veterinary practices.
The Head Nurse must have good leadership qualities and be a manager with
commitment to ensure excellent patient care and customer service standards.
The Head Nurse is responsible for setting the clinical nursing standards (working closely
with the managing partner) and to ensure the implementations of these standards.
The Head Nurse is responsible for the maintenance of the practice clinical facility and
equipment ensuring the highest standards of patient care can be achieved.
Accountabilities relating to the nursing team management, clinical nursing and
maintenance of the facility & equipment:
Accountability relating to the active management of the nursing team:
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Individual performance management meetings
Annual appraisals
Dealing with disciplinary and grievance issues in the first instance
Dealing with return to work procedures and absence management
Authorising and monitoring holidays
Ensure working knowledge of nursing team is up to date through both internal
and external training
Create a team bond
Ensure a highly committed and motivated team
Manage the nursing team rota
Accountabilities relating to clinical nursing:
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Ensure members of the nursing team are effectively using their CPD
allowance
Recommend and authorise CPD
Ensure that nursing practices, protocols and procedures are established and
maintained to current best practice standards
Actively seek efficiencies and refinements to the nursing practices, protocols
and procedures
Performing nursing duties when on the nurse rota
Accountabilities relating to facility & equipment:
 Managing the maintenance of the clinical facility with regards to cleanliness and
organisation
 Managing the maintenance of clinical equipment
 Actively investigate capital improvements and put recommendations to senior
management in the form of a written report including costing and implementation
programmes
 Ensure appropriate stock holding and the management of stock
While at work all staff are required to:
 Take care of their health and safety and that of others who may be affected by
their acts and omissions
 Co-operate with Stow Veterinary Surgeons policies and procedures for health
and safety
Organisation/line manager
 The line manager is the managing partner
Additional information:
 Travel to practice branch surgeries will be required
 This position requires the postholder to participate in a shift rota including Bank
Holidays, weekend duties and night duties.
This job description should not be seen as precluding future changes.
Job Holder’s Signature
Date
Managing Partner’s Signature
Date