Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

This part-time position offers 3 days per week (Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 7 pm with a 1-hour lunch break, plus 1:8 Saturday mornings 8:30 am to 1:30 pm). You'll be an integral member of the clinical team at Downland Veterinary Group, working across their three modern surgeries in Hailsham, Goffs, and Stone Cross. The practice is RCVS Practice Standards accredited and invests heavily in facilities including full dentistry with dental x-rays, multiparameter anaesthetic monitoring, in-house laboratory and diagnostics, separate dog and cat wards, isolation facilities, and mobile ultrasound.

You'll deliver high-quality nursing care to first-opinion small animal patients, working collaboratively with 7 veterinary surgeons and 11 nurses (including 3 student nurses). The team includes certificate holders in ECC, Geriatric Medicine, and Soft Tissue Surgery, plus visiting specialists in orthopaedic surgery, endoscopy, advanced ultrasonography, and ophthalmology. Responsibilities rotate between in-patient care, theatre duties, imaging, lab work, and consulting room support.

All three surgeries have free parking and are surrounded by local amenities. Hailsham and Stone Cross have recently been renovated, and the Goffs surgery is currently being refurbished with reopening due in August 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality nursing care to first-opinion cases across the three surgeries
• Support excellent client experiences and clinical standards
• Rotate between in-patient care, theatre duties, assisting with imaging, laboratory work, and consulting room support
• Work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons and the wider practice team
• Contribute to the ongoing development of patient care within the practice
• Manage workload effectively and maintain strong organisational standards

Requirements

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Good amount of experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in medical and surgical nursing
• Strong communication skills and ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues
• Good organisational skills and effective workload management
• Proactive approach to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement
• Team-oriented and motivated with drive for clinical excellence

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks annual leave plus your birthday off, with increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• £550 CPD allowance plus 24 hours paid leave for professional development
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Certificate support for continuing professional development
• Private Medical Insurance
• Enhanced family-friendly policies: maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts with hundreds of retailers
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into Senior Nurse, Referral, or leadership roles, as well as clinical supervisor and mentor positions
• Supportive primary care environment with experienced colleagues and practice teams
• Collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

About the Practice

Downland Veterinary Group began in Chichester in 1946, initially concentrating on farm work before expanding to small animal care in the 1970s. Today the group comprises twelve practices across Hampshire and West Sussex, all focused exclusively on small animal work. The group is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals.

The practice prides itself on an excellent reputation built on a supportive and nurturing culture. Investment in modern facilities, combined with high-calibre staff training and a strong emphasis on customer care, reflects their commitment to delivering first-class service and the highest quality veterinary care.