Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

About the Role

This is a full-time permanent position offering a genuine mix of clinical work across all nursing disciplines. You’ll work a 40-hour week, Monday to Friday, with 1-in-7 weekend on-call duties for emergency work only—the practice closes on Saturdays and Sundays, so no routine appointments or theatre on weekends. It’s the kind of predictable schedule that actually protects your personal time.

Based in the Scottish Borders, you’ll join a fun and supportive team of four clinical supervisors and three student veterinary nurses. There’s a real emphasis here on nurturing colleagues’ development and utilising nursing skills to their full potential, including Schedule 3 procedures. You’ll have access to nurse-led dentals, expanding nurse consults, and a growing orthopaedic caseload—perfect if that’s an area of interest.

The practice also works closely with the UK’s only stem cell, regenerative medicine and rehabilitation clinic in Scotland (based on-site), which includes hydrotherapy underwater treadmills and qualified veterinary physiotherapists. Seasonal farm work opportunities are available for those interested, though there’s no requirement to get involved in large animal cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver nursing care across theatre, inpatient wards, and consultation support
• Perform nurse-led dental procedures and expand your involvement in nurse-led consultations
• Contribute to the practice’s growing orthopaedic surgical support
• Utilise Schedule 3 procedures within your scope of practice
• Support and mentor student veterinary nurses (optional but valued)
• Participate in 1-in-7 emergency on-call rota for out-of-hours cover
• Maintain high standards of animal welfare and patient care across mixed caseload

Requirements

• Current RCVS registration as a Registered Veterinary Nurse
• Positive attitude towards work and genuine passion for exceptional patient care
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team
• Interest in varied general practice nursing (specialism in orthopaedics desirable but not essential)
• Enthusiasm for professional development and mentoring others (desirable)

Benefits

• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• RCVS and VDS fees paid by the practice
• Comprehensive CPD support: external funding plus extensive free online Linnaeus CPD programme (AVA-accredited courses in Anaesthesia, RECOVER, ECC and Leadership Development)
• Career progression opportunities within Linnaeus group
• Staff discount schemes
• Life assurance
• Enhanced sickness pay
• Enhanced equal family leave
• E-car salary sacrifice scheme
• Employer contribution pension scheme
• Wellness programme including employee assistance programme, eyecare vouchers, free annual flu jab, and cycle-to-work scheme
• Recruitment referral reward scheme

About the Practice

Greenside Veterinary Practice is a mixed animal practice with a strong farm heritage and a rapidly expanding companion animal component. Located in St Boswells in the Scottish Borders, the main site is well-equipped with digital radiography, new ultrasound, dental X-ray, bronchoscopy, gastroscopy, multi-parameter monitoring, and facilities for advanced soft tissue procedures. The practice has a growing orthopaedic caseload and is home to Scotland’s only purpose-built stem cell and rehabilitation clinic—a unique referral facility featuring hydrotherapy underwater treadmills and qualified veterinary physiotherapists.

The team is welcoming and sociable, actively bringing fun into the workplace and organising regular social events. The practice is part of Linnaeus, a company of Mars Veterinary Health. Mental health support is prioritised across all Linnaeus practices, with Mental Health First Aiders on staff and a confidential Employee Assistance Programme available to all team members.