Registered Veterinary Nurse – Small Animal

About the Role

This is a part-time, fixed-term maternity cover position working 30 hours per week across Monday, Tuesday, and Friday (08:15–18:30), plus one in four Saturday mornings. Best of all, there are no out-of-hours duties, giving you genuine work-life balance in a practice that values its team.

You’ll be joining Paws Colchester, a small and genuinely friendly first opinion practice in the heart of Colchester, just a short drive from Mersea Island. The practice is independently minded, regularly investing in new equipment and staff development to stay at the cutting edge of small animal care.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver clinical nursing duties including inpatient care, patient monitoring, and post-operative recovery support
• Provide theatre support and assist veterinary surgeons during procedures
• Lead nurse consultations and deliver direct patient care
• Maintain the highest standards of patient care, hygiene, and client communication
• Work collaboratively with a team of three vets, five nurses, and three receptionists

Requirements

• Current RVN (Registered Veterinary Nurse) qualification
• Strong team player with excellent communication and client care skills
• Ability to work confidently and independently within a supportive environment
• Commitment to delivering high standards of patient care

Benefits

• Time Off: 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), increasing with length of service, plus your birthday as a paid day off
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy pay)
• Professional Development: £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid CPD leave (pro rata), certificate support, access to IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia, research funding opportunities, Infection Prevention and Control Programme, Quality Improvement Programme
• Professional Support: VDS cover and RCVS fees paid
• Financial & Lifestyle: Company pension scheme with employer contribution, Cycle to Work scheme, Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility), voluntary benefits package, retail discounts and cashback, discounted pet treatment at any IVC Evidensia practice

About the Practice

Paws Colchester Veterinary Centre is an independent, first opinion small animal practice with a genuine commitment to its team and patients. The practice is equipped with Digital X-Ray, Ultrasound, Multi-Parameter Monitor, and in-house laboratory equipment—everything needed to provide comprehensive, modern veterinary care.

Founded on the principle that people matter, Paws invests consistently in staff development, premises, and processes. It’s a place where clinical excellence and team wellbeing go hand in hand, and where your professional growth is actively supported.