Senior Orthopaedic Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

You'll take a leadership position within the Orthopaedic Nursing Department at Hamilton Specialist Referrals, a 24/7 specialist referral hospital dedicated to orthopaedic, neurology, soft tissue, and internal medicine cases. This full-time role offers 40 hours per week across 4 days on 9.25-hour shifts, plus a 1:6 weekend rota with shared Saturday cover. You'll be part of a close-knit, supportive team that values professional development and clinical excellence in equal measure.

The hospital operates continuously and houses advanced imaging facilities including a 16-slice CT scanner, 1.5 Tesla MRI, fluoroscopy, and dedicated radiography and ultrasound suites. As Senior Orthopaedic Nurse, you'll set the clinical standard, mentor junior staff, and work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons and specialists to deliver excellent patient outcomes and a reassuring client experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate workflow across procedure areas to ensure efficient service delivery and optimal patient flow
• Lead by example, maintaining high standards of nursing care and operational efficiency within the department
• Support the Clinical Team Leader in day-to-day leadership and organisation of the nursing team
• Mentor and develop team members, identifying training needs and fostering a positive learning culture
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance patient care, team performance, and operational effectiveness
• Deliver expert clinical nursing care in orthopaedic and specialist cases, working with a dedicated team of RVNs and support staff

Requirements

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Significant experience in clinical practice with strong medical and surgical nursing skills
• Extensive knowledge in orthopaedic nursing
• Experience and aptitude for supporting, mentoring or coaching colleagues
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• Proactive approach to quality improvement, learning and professional development

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks annual leave 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 learning leave per year
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care for your own animals
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice and access to retail discounts and cashback
• Clear career pathways with progression into leadership or specialist nursing roles
• Access to world-class learning resources and support from experienced colleagues

About the Practice

Hamilton Specialist Referrals was established on the belief that there is room for a new wave of veterinary excellence across the UK. The hospital operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing advanced specialist care for orthopaedic, neurology, soft tissue, and internal medicine cases. The team includes dedicated Specialists, Referral clinicians, RVNs and Support staff, all united by a core ethos of appreciating and developing their colleagues.

Part of inspiring vet care (IVC Evidensia), the UK's number one vet care provider, Hamilton Specialist Referrals is trusted with the care of animals across the region. The hospital offers the most advanced treatment options and imaging capabilities, delivered in a friendly, supportive manner to both referring vets and pet owners.