Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

Harbour Veterinary Hospital is a thriving first-opinion practice in Portsmouth offering specialist referral services including cardiology, keyhole surgery, orthopaedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, and ophthalmology. This full-time permanent position (up to 40 hours per week) is ideal for a newly qualified RVN looking to build confidence and experience in a supportive clinical environment.

You’ll work daytime hours only with no out-of-hours commitments and weekends on rota—meaning genuine work-life balance. The role offers real variety: you’ll be involved in surgical support, ward management, and nurse-led clinics, giving you broad exposure across different areas of nursing practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as an active member of the clinical support team alongside veterinary surgeons and colleagues
• Participate fully in the nursing rota as directed by the Head Nurse
• Support surgical procedures and manage ward shifts with attention to patient care standards
• Lead and deliver nurse-led clinics within your scope of practice
• Ensure timely and effective communication across the practice team
• Maintain RCVS practice standards and comply with professional regulations, health & safety policies, and relevant training requirements
• Provide high-standard client service and patient care in all interactions

Requirements

• Current RCVS registration as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)
• Newly qualified or early-career experience preferred
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a clinical team
• Commitment to maintaining professional standards and continuing professional development

Benefits

• Leave: 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy an additional two weeks per year. Long Service Holiday also provided.
• Professional Development: CPD and further studies encouraged; clinical growth is prioritised within the team.
• Memberships: Professional memberships funded by the practice.
• Pension & Financial: Workplace pension scheme, performance bonus scheme, and Save as You Earn (SAYE) scheme available.
• Family Support: Maternity, adoption, and paternity pay; shared parental leave.
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, mental health first aiders, and monthly line-manager check-ins.
• Perks: Cycle to work scheme and discounted pet treatments.
• Career Progression: Internal career progression and transfers available across the network of over 500 practices.

About the Practice

Harbour Veterinary Hospital is a busy first-opinion practice located in Portsmouth, serving the local community with a range of services. The practice is part of CVS Group, one of the UK’s largest veterinary networks, providing access to specialist referral services in cardiology, keyhole surgery, orthopaedic surgery, soft tissue surgery, and ophthalmology.

CVS Group is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where colleagues feel valued and supported. The group invests significantly in practice facilities through a dedicated multi-million-pound improvement fund and provides comprehensive central support in HR, recruitment, payroll, IT, finance, and procurement to ensure practices can focus on excellent clinical care. A network of 400 Wellbeing Champions, Pastoral Support Vets, and personal mentors is available to all staff.