Orthopaedic Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

You’ll join Wanstead Veterinary Hospital as a specialist theatre nurse with a focus on orthopaedic surgery. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) working a 1:4 weekend rota with TOIL and up to three bank holidays annually, plus a last-resort on-call rotation. You’ll be scheduled to match the orthopaedic surgeon’s shifts, creating a seamless workflow for complex cases—and when operating lists are lighter, you’ll provide support across theatre.

Wanstead is the group’s flagship 24-hour hospital, located on Essex’s outskirts with direct Central Line access to central London via nearby Snaresbrook and Wanstead stations. The hospital boasts advanced diagnostic facilities including CT scanning, on-site surgeons performing complex orthopaedic and soft tissue procedures, and a collaborative team environment that genuinely invests in development. There’s also potential to explore a Theatre Lead role in spring if you’re interested in dipping into senior responsibilities—with enhanced salary to match.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver expert theatre nursing support for orthopaedic surgeries and advanced soft tissue procedures
• Maintain and advance theatre protocols in collaboration with the senior theatre RVN
• Support theatre operations across all surgical areas when not supporting orthopaedic lists
• Work alongside a senior theatre RVN, two deputy head nurses, and the head nurse to ensure high standards of patient care
• Contribute to a large integrated team: approximately 24 vets, 27 RVNs, 14 SVNs, 7 VCAs, and front-of-house staff

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) qualification
• Proven theatre experience and confidence in the theatre environment
• Genuine interest in or enthusiasm for orthopaedic nursing (further training provided if needed)
• Ability to work as part of a large, collaborative team in a 24-hour hospital setting

Benefits

• Salary: £32,000–£35,000 depending on experience, with room for growth
• Annual leave: 6.6 weeks including bank holidays
• Professional development: CPD budget each year plus up to 2 days’ paid CPD leave
• Wellbeing: Paid 30-minute lunch breaks
• Healthcare: Access to private medical healthcare scheme at reduced rate, plus medical cashback incentives
• Progression: Clear pathways to senior theatre, deputy head, and head nurse positions—many current leaders have progressed internally

About the Practice

Wanstead Veterinary Hospital is the flagship 24-hour facility within the Goddard Vet Group (part of VetPartners). The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostics including CT scanning and on-site commercial laboratory support, and employs a large multidisciplinary team routinely performing complex orthopaedic, soft tissue, and minimally invasive surgeries.

The practice prioritises staff development and progression—many current senior and head nurses have risen through the ranks internally. The leadership team, including the hospital manager, trained through the practice and brings extensive institutional knowledge. With approximately 24 vets, 27 RVNs, 14 SVNs, and 7 VCAs, this is a well-resourced environment designed to support professional growth.