Night Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

This is a fixed-term maternity cover position running until February 2027 at Wanstead Hospital, the largest 24-hour facility in the Goddard Veterinary Group. You'll work a 4 on 8 off rotation with shifts from 7:30pm to 8:30am, averaging 35 hours per week plus 18 additional shifts annually (pro rata) to support colleague leave. This is a genuinely team-focused night shift environment where you won't be working alone.

You'll be part of a night shift team comprising two RVNs, one experienced VNA/SVN, and a permanent night vet. The late-shift day nurses overlap at the start of your shift to assist with handover and early evening emergency support. Wanstead receives both first-opinion cases and internal referrals from surrounding branches across East, North and Central London, offering diverse and challenging emergency casework. The hospital is equipped with a CT scanner and commercial laboratory, giving excellent diagnostic support.

Located on the outskirts of urban Essex with easy access to countryside relief, Wanstead benefits from excellent transport links including a short walk to the Central Line tube station. Onsite parking is available overnight.

Key Responsibilities

• Triage emergency cases on arrival, quickly determine urgency levels, and respond appropriately
• Assist veterinary surgeons in theatre, with inpatient examinations, procedures, and consultations as required
• Maintain comprehensive and accurate hospitalisation records for all patients
• Ensure high standards of comfort and welfare for pets in your care
• Manage equipment cleaning, sterilisation, packing, and correct storage
• Answer client telephone calls promptly and advise on pet welfare matters within your training and experience
• Admit clients to reception in a friendly and efficient manner, respecting the urgency of their situation
• Keep owners informed of their hospitalised pet's progress as directed
• Record all client conversations regarding fees, treatment options, and patient care in clinical histories
• Carry out all duties in accordance with shift guidance notes

Requirements

• Current RVN registration with the RCVS
• Experience in emergency and critical care (ECC) or a keen interest in developing skills further in this specialisation
• Ability to remain calm and level-headed in a fast-paced overnight emergency environment
• Empathy and patience when caring for vulnerable overnight patients
• Excellent communication skills for client interactions and team coordination
• Willingness to work as part of a collaborative night shift team

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £35,000 to £41,125 for this 4 on 8 off position (£40,000 to £47,000 full-time equivalent), depending on prior experience
• 6.6 weeks annual leave including bank holidays, pro rata for contract length
• CPD budget every year plus up to 2 days' paid CPD leave, pro rata
• Paid 30-minute lunch breaks
• Access to private medical healthcare scheme at a reduced rate with medical cashback incentives
• Genuinely supportive team environment with no sole-charge expectations

About the Practice

Wanstead Hospital is the flagship 24-hour emergency facility within the Goddard Veterinary Group, part of VetPartners. The hospital operates with dedicated permanent night staffing and serves a wide catchment across London, receiving both direct emergency presentations and internal referrals from surrounding branches. The team is committed to delivering high-quality emergency and critical care with modern diagnostic capabilities and a supportive, collaborative culture.