Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

You'll be joining Orwell Vets, a purpose-built hospital in a popular central location close to the coast. The practice offers modern facilities while maintaining a welcoming local feel, equipped with dental radiography, digital X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, a dedicated dental suite, recovery area, isolation facilities, and separate dog and cat wards.

This full-time nursing role operates a permanent rota of six scheduled shifts per week, including ward duties, clinic consultations, two operating days, a fixed late shift (10 am to 8 pm on the same day each week), and recovery responsibilities. You'll work 40 hours across four 10-hour shifts between 7:45 am and 8 pm, plus Saturday mornings on a 1:6 rota from 8 am to 12 pm. Recovery shifts are typically managed by a Veterinary Care Assistant, though occasional nursing cover may be needed to support the team.

You'll be part of a supportive clinical team of 5 vets, 2 Senior Nurses, 5 RVNs, 1 Veterinary Care Assistant, and 1 Kennel Assistant. The practice prioritises clinical standards, infection prevention and control, responsible antimicrobial stewardship, and actively encourages CPD and career progression for all team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality nursing care to first opinion patients across a range of cases
• Support excellent client experiences through collaborative work with veterinary surgeons and the wider practice team
• Take responsibility for nursing care including ward duties, theatre support, and clinical consultations
• Contribute to clinical standards, infection prevention and control protocols, and responsible antimicrobial stewardship
• Participate in the ongoing development of patient care standards within the practice
• Support team members and take part in professional development initiatives

Requirements

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in medical and 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
• Valid UK driver's licence to travel between sites and transport patients

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks annual leave plus additional leave for your birthday
• Increasing annual leave and holiday allowance through length of service
• Enhanced family-friendly policies: 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 for development
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and retail discounts
• Dedicated Nurse Graduate Programme if newly qualified
• Access to Nurse Academy with subject-specific learning pathways
• Clear career progression into Senior Nurse, referral, leadership, clinical supervisor or mentoring routes

About the Practice

Orwell Vets is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The practice operates a purpose-built hospital with modern facilities in a popular central location close to the Suffolk coast, combining technical excellence with a welcoming local practice atmosphere.

The team is committed to clinical standards, infection prevention and control, and responsible antimicrobial stewardship. There is a strong focus on supporting team member development, with clear career pathways, access to world-class learning resources through the IVC Evidensia Academy, and a collaborative, values-led culture centred on care, community, and continuous improvement.