Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

This Registered Veterinary Nurse position is based at Seadown Veterinary Hospital in Hythe, on the edge of the New Forest National Park, Hampshire. It is a permanent role with the option of fixed term, and the full-time pattern is around 38.5 to 40 hours per week, with part-time hours available for the right candidate.

The hospital runs its own 24/7 emergency out of hours service, so the role includes around 19 night shifts per year on the full-time rota, plus a 1 in 7 full weekend rota with time off in lieu the following week. There is additional duty payment for each night completed, and part-time hours can be pro rated. The team says it actively supports further study, and the role sits within a large, experienced and friendly nursing team.

Clinical variety is a strong feature here. The practice is an RCVS accredited Small Animal Hospital and Equine Clinic, with small animal referral services in Ophthalmology and Orthopaedics, and nurses are encouraged to pursue interests such as ECC, theatre, nurse clinics, Schedule 3 procedures and inpatient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of the nursing team at an RCVS accredited small animal hospital and equine clinic.
• Support patients and clients across day work, night duty and the 1 in 7 full weekend rota.
• Contribute to areas such as ECC, theatre, nurse clinics, Schedule 3 procedures and inpatient care.
• Take part in care for referral cases in Ophthalmology and Orthopaedics.
• Work with colleagues in a hospital that provides 24/7 emergency out of hours cover.

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Nurse status.
• Applications are welcomed from RVNs of all experience levels.
• Newly qualified RVNs are supported as they build skills and confidence.
• Confidence in written and verbal communication.
• A positive approach to teamwork, learning and development.

Benefits

• Salary from £27,800 to £42,000 DOE, based on 40 hours per week, plus duty payments.
• Additional duty payment for each night shift completed, with at least £2,470 per year for 19 nights.
• RCVS fees paid in full.
• Generous CPD allowance, Knowledge Hub access, BSAVA library and funded advanced training opportunities.
• Excellent Nursing Career Pathway.
• Up to 33 days holiday, with the option to buy or sell.
• Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions and enhanced family leave policies.
• Staff pet care discounts, including 50% off services, MiPet food and medications.
• Bonus scheme based on practice performance and individual contribution.

About the Practice

Seadown Veterinary Hospital is an RCVS accredited Small Animal Hospital and Equine Clinic. It also provides small animal referral services in Ophthalmology and Orthopaedics, alongside its own 24/7 emergency out of hours service.

The advert describes a large, experienced, supportive and friendly team, with 2 Head Nurses and a Senior Nurse Team. It also states that the current Senior Nurse Team all began their careers at the practice as SVNs or on placement and progressed into senior roles.