Lead Medicine RVN

About the Role

This is a hands-on leadership position combining clinical excellence with team development at Veterinary Specialists Scotland, a rapidly expanding multi-disciplinary referral centre in Livingston. You'll lead the Medicine nursing team, mentoring RVNs and students whilst delivering advanced patient care across a diverse caseload. The role includes weekends and on-call duties as part of a permanent, full-time position.

You'll work alongside specialist clinicians in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Dermatology, Soft Tissue Surgery, Orthopaedics, Neurology, and Anaesthesia, collaborating closely with the Imaging team on advanced diagnostics including CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, and radiography. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the Medicine service in a modern, purpose-built facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical support for inpatient care and advanced procedures within the Medicine department
• Monitor anaesthesia across a wide range of case complexities, including emergency and critically ill patients
• Assist with advanced diagnostics and treatments in collaboration with specialists
• Act as a senior point of contact and mentor for RVNs and student nurses within Medicine
• Support rota coordination and day-to-day service organisation
• Drive clinical standards, protocols, and best practice across the nursing team
• Promote a positive, collaborative team culture and support service development
• Deliver exceptional patient and client care whilst maintaining efficient patient flow

Requirements

• RCVS-registered RVN
• Minimum 3 years' experience as an RVN (referral experience advantageous)
• Confident monitoring anaesthesia across varied case complexities
• Strong organisational and leadership skills
• Passion for mentoring and supporting colleagues
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced referral environment
• Proactive and collaborative approach to work
• Previous leadership or senior nursing experience desirable but not essential

Benefits

• Salary: £34,000 per annum
• Generous CPD allowance with extensive learning and development programmes
• Clear progression and leadership development opportunities
• RCVS fees paid and VDS cover
• 272 hours holiday including bank holidays, plus additional birthday leave day
• Access to private healthcare (opt-in)
• Subsidised pet care
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Enhanced sick pay
• Employer pension contribution
• Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Eyecare voucher scheme
• Free annual flu jab
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Recruitment referral rewards

About the Practice

Veterinary Specialists Scotland is a purpose-built, multi-disciplinary referral centre that opened in October 2020 and has grown significantly across seven clinical disciplines. Located in Livingston, it sits just 20 minutes from Edinburgh, 40 minutes from Glasgow, and 15 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. The modern facility offers substantial scope for continued expansion and represents an exciting time to join a rapidly developing service.

VSS is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Linnaeus comprises highly respected primary care and referral practices across the UK and Ireland, united by a commitment to excellence and a shared purpose: A Better World for Pets. The group supports over 6,000 associates globally with outstanding development opportunities, collaboration, and comprehensive wellbeing packages.