Head Registered Veterinary Nurse

Are you ready for a UK island adventure? Would you like to have all your weekends free with no OOH shifts, every Friday afternoon off and a great salary to boot? Then this might just be the holy grail of all roles...

Strand Vets is an independent three-vet practice in a unique and beautiful location overlooking the sea on the stunning Isle of Man. We’re looking for an RVN to take on the role of Head Nurse and lead the nursing team in providing the best care possible for our patients. This is an opportunity to spread your wings, contribute your ideas and truly make the role your own as you grow your career. We have big plans for the future; our ultimate goal is to build the island’s first veterinary hospital and dedicated equine practice, and we’ve taken our first steps towards this goal by purchasing the new premises for the equine clinic.

This is what Jo Keenan, an RVN who recently locumed with us, said about Strand Vets: “I just wanted to say thank you for having me work at your practice. It has been an absolute pleasure. You and your team are lovely people, and you have a great practice. The island is an added bonus, and I have enjoyed every minute. You have all made me feel very welcome. Thank you so much for having me. I will miss it. I have to say, anyone you take on will be very lucky to be joining you guys.”

We’re a relaxed, flexible practice and always very happy to invest in our team. Whatever your passion, if there’s an aspect you would like to develop, we will give you all the tools and support you need. You will be supported by two VCAs, and there are no routine reception duties. We have two full-time receptionists who handle the desk during the day, giving you plenty of time for all things nurse-related, including Schedule 3 procedures, admissions, prep and care of surgical patients, lab management, and discharges. We also run established dental, weight, diabetic, and behaviour nurse clinics.

Whilst the practice is mixed, this role is purely for the small animal side. However, for the horse lover in you, you can always get involved in the farm or equine side if you would like. 

The role is for a 4.5-day week, with shifts between 8:30 and 5:30 and every Friday afternoon off. However, we can be flexible with the rota if you have other commitments to work around. There are no weekends or out-of-hours, but there is always the option to get involved with the OOH’s work if you enjoy emergency medicine.

There is a great salary on offer, ranging from £27,000 to £35,000, and with low taxation on the island, you will be taking home more than on the mainland. What’s not to love?  

RCVS and VDS fees are paid, as is the BVNA subscription. The CPD budget is £500, but if you would like to do something that benefits you and the practice, it will absolutely be supported. Help is available with accommodation and relocation if needed.

The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea, roughly halfway between England and Ireland. Travel links between the Island, the UK, and Ireland are good, with frequent ferries and flights, so getting back and forth is easy. Add this to the mix of no weekend or OOH work, and you have the recipe for a perfect long weekend getaway.

It’s an incredibly beautiful island, just 33 miles long and 13 miles wide. Renowned for its stunning countryside and coastlines, it’s generally a really peaceful place to live. You can even nip to the beach for an ice cream on your lunch break in the summer! There’s so much to do here, from hiking, mountain biking and coasteering to watersports, including paddleboarding, windsurfing or sea kayaking, where you can explore hidden marine caves and, if you’re lucky, spot some of the dolphins, basking sharks and seals that call the Manx waters home.

If this idyllic island and practice sound like the next adventure you are looking for, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch! We would also be happy to fully fund an interview so you can meet us, see our fantastic island, and practice.