Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

Orchard Vets in Romsey is seeking a Registered Veterinary Nurse to join their clinical team on a full-time basis. This is a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover position, ideal if you're looking for a defined contract with flexibility built in. The role is primarily based at the Romsey practice, with occasional shifts at their Ashurst branch during holiday or sickness cover periods.

You'll work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with 1 in 5 Saturday mornings (8:30am-12:30pm). Crucially, there's no on-call commitment: out-of-hours care is provided by Vets Now, so your weekends and evenings are genuinely yours. Flexible working options are available, and applications for both full-time and part-time hours are welcomed.

The practice is well-equipped with dental radiography, laparoscopy, endoscopy, K-Laser, VetScan, Imagyst and cryotherapy. A local IVC referral centre is available for complex cases. The team comprises 7 veterinary surgeons, 7 RVNs, 2 SVNs, 1 ACA and 5 receptionists/administrators, so you'll never be working alone.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality nursing care to first opinion small animal patients across medical and surgical cases
• Support excellent client experiences through strong communication and relationship-building
• Work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons and the wider practice team, taking responsibility for case continuity
• Contribute to clinical standards and ongoing development of patient care within the practice
• Support quality improvement initiatives, such as reducing antibiotic usage and developing new in-house diagnostics
• Participate in nurse clinics focused on preventative health care

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 ability to manage workload effectively
• Proactive approach to learning, reflection and continuous improvement

Benefits

• Salary: up to £30,000 per year depending on experience
• 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
• Certificate support
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into Senior Nurse, Referral or leadership roles, as well as clinical supervisor, mentor and certificate-holder pathways

About the Practice

Orchard Veterinary Surgery is an established family-run practice serving the Romsey area for over 35 years. Recently expanded, the practice now operates branches in Ashurst, Fair Oak and Bassett. As a first opinion practice, they're equipped with an on-site laboratory, digital x-ray machine and state-of-the-art operating theatre, capable of providing the majority of diagnostic investigations and surgical procedures for companion animals including dogs, cats and small furries.

The practice is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. Supported by a dedicated Practice Director and an experienced team, the culture emphasises clinical freedom, case continuity and ongoing professional development. The practice actively encourages quality improvement initiatives and values collaborative, values-led working focused on care, community and continuous improvement.