Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

About the Role

Forest Vets Epping Hospital is seeking experienced RVNs for two 12-month maternity cover positions. This is a full-time role offering real responsibility and leadership development in a fast-paced hospital environment. You’ll step into enhanced responsibilities during the absence of the Lead Nurses, with rotating shifts including early, late, and occasional twilight work—plus a manageable 1:6 weekend rota with time off in lieu. The dedicated night team handles all out-of-hours care, so you’ll work day shifts only.

Based in Epping, Essex, you’ll be joining a well-established, progressive veterinary group with state-of-the-art facilities and a highly experienced clinical team. This role is ideal if you’re curious about leadership and want meaningful exposure to broader hospital nursing without stepping into a formal management position.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the hospital nursing team during the absence of two Lead Nurses
• Take ownership of key operational areas including stock and ordering, laboratory support, and dentistry depending on your interests and experience
• Supervise and mentor student nurses, with clinical coaching experience desirable
• Work closely with senior leadership and the wider nursing team across hospital and branch practices
• Manage rotating shift patterns (early, late, occasional twilight shifts) with flexible scheduling options (4 x 10-hour or 5 x 8-hour days)
• Contribute to the delivery of specialist nursing care across hospital-level services

Requirements

• RCVS-registered Veterinary Nurse
• Minimum 1+ year post-qualification experience (strong candidates with less experience considered)
• Clinical coach or supervisory experience highly desirable but not essential
• Proactive, team-focused approach with strong communication skills
• Interest in gaining leadership experience and broader clinical responsibility
• Confidence working in a busy hospital environment and “hitting the ground running”

Benefits

• Competitive salary from £28,500 per annum depending on experience
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• External CPD funded plus CPD days
• Extensive free Linnaeus in-house CPD programmes
• Pension scheme with employer contribution
• Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Enhanced sickness and equal family leave
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff discounts and benefits hub
• Wellness support: Employee Assistance Programme, eyecare vouchers, annual flu jab
• Flexible working patterns available
• Potential for permanent opportunities within the group following maternity cover period

About the Practice

Forest Veterinary Centre is a busy, progressive small animal hospital group based in Epping, Essex, with a main hospital and several supporting branch practices. The practice holds ISFM Silver Cat Friendly accreditation and houses a highly experienced clinical team including multiple certificate holders. The hospital is equipped with advanced facilities: CT and MRI scanning, laparoscopy, rigid and flexible endoscopy, ultrasonography, dental x-ray, and in-house laboratory services. The team is committed to outstanding patient care in a collaborative, supportive environment where nurses are fully utilised and encouraged to develop their skills.

Forest Veterinary Group is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the world’s largest family-owned veterinary group. The practice is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where staff can thrive and deliver the highest standards of veterinary care.