Registered Veterinary Nurse – Small Animal

About the Role

Barrow Hill Veterinary Centre is seeking a Registered Veterinary Nurse for a full-time fixed-term position (minimum 6 months, up to one year). This is a Monday–Friday role with 1:4 Saturday shifts on a rota, covering alternating inpatient and consult duties. No out-of-hours commitments—you’ll work core hours between 8am and 8pm, with some flexibility to cover branch shifts as needed. The practice is open to working with you to find the right shift pattern that suits both your schedule and the team’s needs.

Located in Ashford, Kent—the Garden of England—you’ll be just 15 miles from the coast, near Canterbury, and close to Ashford International Station. This purpose-built hospital is Ashford’s only tier-3 classified practice and boasts advanced equipment including digital and dental X-ray, orthopaedic apparatus, K-laser, CT scanner, and endoscopy facilities. With separate dog and cat wards plus isolation facilities, you’ll gain exposure to varied clinical work across theatre, clinics, dispensary, and inpatient care.

The team culture here prioritises learning and support. With 9 Veterinary Surgeons, 12 RVNs, and visiting specialists in orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and cardiology, there’s constant opportunity to develop. The practice holds regular M&M meetings, shares CPD actively, and explicitly prioritises staff wellbeing and work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care across multiple departments: theatre, clinics, dispensary, and inpatient wards
• Contribute to the daily running of primary-care small animal cases
• Work Saturday shifts on a rotating basis, alternating between inpatient and consultation support
• Support branch coverage where required (New Romney and Hythe locations)
• Maintain high standards of patient care and record-keeping in line with RCVS tier-3 classification
• Participate in practice M&M meetings and CPD-sharing culture
• Engage in quality improvement and infection prevention initiatives

Requirements

• Current RVN registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
• Proven experience in small animal nursing
• Flexibility and willingness to work across multiple clinical areas
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to professional development and best practice

Benefits

• Competitive salary: Up to £30,000 per annum depending on experience
• Annual leave: 6.6 weeks inclusive of bank holidays
• CPD & Development: £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid CPD leave; certificate support; access to IVC Evidensia Academy and Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia; research funding opportunities available
• Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme helpline; enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay); employee wellbeing initiatives
• Professional memberships: VDS cover and RCVS fees paid
• Pension: Company pension scheme with IVC Evidensia contribution
• Lifestyle perks: Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility); voluntary benefits programme; access to discounts and cashback at hundreds of retailers; discounted treatment for your own pets at any IVC Evidensia practice
• Specialised support: Infection Prevention and Control Programme and Quality Improvement Programme participation

About the Practice

Barrow Hill Veterinary Centre is a purpose-built small animal hospital in Ashford, Kent, operating from a site where veterinary care has been provided since the early 1900s. The practice holds the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ highest tier-3 classification—the only practice in Ashford with this standard. Part of IVC Evidensia (part of Mars Veterinary Health), the centre operates three locations (Ashford main hospital, plus branches in New Romney and Hythe) and employs a team of 9 Veterinary Surgeons, 12 RVNs, student nurses, kennel staff, and administrative professionals. Three vets hold a CertAVP, and the practice regularly hosts visiting specialists.

The hospital is fully equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostics and surgical facilities. The practice culture emphasises clinical excellence, staff welfare, and continuous learning through M&M meetings, CPD sharing, and quality improvement schemes. As a Disability Confident Employer, Barrow Hill welcomes applications from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and will discuss reasonable adjustments.