Surgical Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

This is a full-time surgical nursing position based at Eastcott Veterinary Referrals, a progressive tier 3 referral and primary care hospital situated just off the M4 in Swindon. You’ll work a flexible rota of 4 × 10-hour days (shifts ranging between 8am and 8pm), with a manageable 1:8 weekend pattern and compensatory days off the following week.

As a Surgical RVN, you’ll be at the heart of theatre operations, assisting with a diverse caseload spanning soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery. The practice sees cases from cardiology, orthopaedics, soft tissue, medicine, neurology, dentistry, ophthalmology, diagnostic imaging, ECC and primary care—giving you exposure to varied and clinically interesting work. You’ll work within a dedicated surgical team of 6 specialists, 6 nurses, and 3 theatre technicians who are genuinely supportive and collaborative.

Key Responsibilities

• Scrubbing into and assisting with surgical procedures, with a focus on surgical nursing excellence
• Administering general anaesthesia and sedations for advanced imaging and surgical cases
• Clipping and prepping patients for theatre
• Admitting and discharging patients with appropriate nursing care
• Maintaining surgical instruments and equipment to the highest standards
• Supporting theatre organisation and workflow
• Contributing to a cat-friendly practice culture centred on exceptional patient care

Requirements

• Current RVN registration with the RCVS
• Minimum 1 year post-qualification experience
• Proven surgical experience (essential)
• Team-spirited approach with genuine passion for quality patient care
• Previous experience in a busy referral setting is desirable but not essential—full training and support will be provided

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £28,000–£33,538 depending on experience (FTE)
• 5 weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Additional paid day off to celebrate your birthday
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Enhanced sickness policy
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• CPD allowance and allocated CPD days
• Access to extensive clinical and non-clinical learning and development programmes
• Clear progression and career development opportunities
• Staff discount schemes and PetPlan discounts
• Comprehensive wellness programme including:
  • Confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  • Gym membership discount
  • Cycle2Work scheme
  • Eye care vouchers
  • Flu vaccine voucher
• Recruitment reward scheme
• Access to Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) across the practice network

About the Practice

Eastcott Veterinary Referrals is an innovative tier 3 multidisciplinary referral and primary care hospital located just off the M4 in Swindon, Wiltshire. Cat-friendly and passion-driven, Eastcott handles a diverse range of specialist cases including cardiology, orthopaedics, soft tissue, medicine, neurology, dentistry, ophthalmology, diagnostic imaging, emergency and critical care, and primary care. The surgical department is staffed by 6 surgeon specialists, 6 nurses, and 3 theatre technicians, creating a robust team environment.

Part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, Eastcott operates within a culture centred on supporting both patient care and team wellbeing. Regular CPD opportunities, team communication, and clear career development pathways reflect the practice’s commitment to nursing excellence and staff growth.