Surgical Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

Moorview Referrals is a purpose-built referral hospital in Cramlington, Northumberland, perfectly positioned between the North East coast and Newcastle. This full-time Surgical Veterinary Nurse role sits at the heart of a busy surgical team delivering high-quality care across orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, neurology, internal medicine, emergency and critical care, and cardiology.

You'll work a flexible rota covering 40 hours between 8am and 8pm, with your choice of either five 8-hour shifts or four 10-hour shifts to suit your lifestyle. You'll also cover a 1:5 weekend rota (two 12-hour shifts with time off in lieu) and contribute to bank holiday and Christmas cover.

The hospital is equipped with four operating theatres (including one with fluoroscopy), CT and MRI scanners, multiple ultrasound machines, and advanced endoscopy equipment. You'll be working with a large, supportive clinical team that prioritises both patient care and colleague wellbeing, and holds ISFM Gold Standard status with a commitment to zero pain certification.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver advanced nursing care to complex surgical cases within the referral hospital environment
• Support diagnostic imaging including CT and radiography procedures
• Monitor anaesthesia during surgical procedures
• Prepare patients for theatre and manage post-operative recovery
• Scrub in to procedures where required
• Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team, sharing specialist nursing knowledge and contributing to clinical decision-making
• Support patients and clients, maintaining high standards of care and communication

Requirements

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in surgical nursing
• Strong communication skills and ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues
• Good organisational skills and effective workload management
• Proactive approach to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement
• Experience in surgery, anaesthesia, and complex case management is valued; referral experience is advantageous but not essential

Benefits

• Salary from £29,000 per annum depending on experience and qualifications (salary discussion at telephone interview stage)
• 6.6 weeks annual leave plus your birthday off, with increasing allowance based on length of service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• £550 CPD allowance plus 24 hours paid leave per annum
• Certificate support
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and retail discounts/cashback
• Clear career pathways including progression to Senior Nurse, Referral, leadership, clinical supervisor, mentor, and certificate holder roles

About the Practice

Moorview Referrals is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over two million animals. The hospital is a modern, purpose-built facility in Cramlington with easy access to the A19, providing advanced veterinary services across the North East. The practice operates 24/7 emergency services and holds ISFM Gold Standard status with a commitment to zero pain certification.

The team is large, supportive, and clinically diverse, with expertise across multiple specialisms including orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, neurology, internal medicine, emergency and critical care, and cardiology. The culture emphasises friendly teamwork, shared commitment to excellence, and continuous improvement in patient and client care.