Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

This full-time permanent position offers 32 hours per week with flexibility on which days you work—a rarity in veterinary practice. You’ll join a thriving small animal first opinion practice based in a purpose-built facility in Hastings, serving a large and loyal client base. The practice prides itself on gold-standard care, and with Saturday mornings on a 1:3 rota (with time off in lieu), there’s genuine consideration for work-life balance.

The team is friendly and collaborative, comprising a Practice Director, 5 veterinary surgeons, 4 registered veterinary nurses, 1 student nurse, 2 PCAs, and an experienced reception team. You’ll have access to excellent facilities including digital X-ray, ultrasonography, and an in-house laboratory—giving you the clinical variety and learning opportunities to grow in your role.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the clinical team across a range of small animal surgical and medical cases
• Perform nursing duties including pre- and post-operative care, patient monitoring, and anaesthetic support
• Conduct clinical examinations, laboratory work, and diagnostic support using in-house equipment
• Work collaboratively with 4 other RVNs and the Practice Director to maintain high standards of patient care
• Contribute to the team’s commitment to gold-standard first opinion practice standards
• Support a student nurse and PCAs within the team structure

Requirements

• Registration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
• Experience in small animal practice (all levels of experience welcomed)
• Professional approach to patient and client care
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative team environment

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £35,000 DOE FTE (Note: benefits section mentions £33,000 FTE)
• Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays, plus an optional buy/sell scheme to purchase up to two additional weeks
• Additional leave: One extra day per year during your first 5 years with CVS
• CPD: Generously funded and fully supported—abundant opportunities including internal and external development courses and programmes
• Health & wellbeing: Cycle to work scheme and subsidised gym membership
• Enhanced family pay: Maternity, paternity, and adoption pay above statutory minimums
• Employee Assistance Programme: Mental health and wellbeing support, with access to trained First Aid for Mental Health Champions across CVS
• Pension: Automatic enrolment with hassle-free administration
• Colleague discount: On pet products and treatments, including free consultations, cost-price drugs, and discounts on the Animed online pharmacy
• Share-save scheme: Participate in the company share-save plan

About the Practice

Coopers Vets (Hastings) is a 100% small animal first opinion practice located at a purpose-built facility in Hastings, East Sussex. The practice serves a large and loyal client base with a strong commitment to providing gold-standard care. The team of experienced vets, nurses, and support staff works collaboratively in a friendly environment, underpinned by modern facilities and a genuine commitment to professional development.

The practice is part of CVS Group, a leading veterinary services organisation operating across companion animal, equine, farm, and referral specialisms. CVS is committed to being an inclusive workplace where all colleagues are encouraged to be themselves, difference is celebrated, and everyone has the support to deliver their best work.