Registered Veterinary Nurse – Night Shifts

About the Role

This is a part-time night nursing position at Penmellyn Vets’ St. Columb Major Hospital, working 25 hours per week over two nights every other week on a permanent basis. You’ll be part of a structured night team that includes a night vet, twilight nurse, and early morning support staff, providing out-of-hours emergency care and inpatient support.

Based in rural Cornwall, you’ll join a practice committed to investing in its people and creating a genuinely supportive working environment where your wellbeing matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide general nursing care to inpatients during night shifts
• Assist in theatre and surgical support work
• Triage out-of-hours emergency cases
• Support the night veterinary surgeon in delivering emergency and critical care services
• Work collaboratively with the night team (night vet, twilight nurse, and prep room support)
• Maintain high standards of nursing practice and animal welfare

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) or eligible to register with RCVS
• Experience in small animal nursing
• Ability to work flexible night shifts and adapt to an on-call rota environment
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Commitment to continuing professional development

Benefits

• Work-life balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave, increasing with length of service; your birthday as a paid day off
• Wellbeing support: Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay; Private Medical Insurance; Cycle to Work scheme; discounted gym membership; non-accidental injury support
• Professional development: £550 annual CPD allowance; Certificate support; access to IVC Evidensia Academy learning resources; Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia; research funding opportunities; Infection Prevention and Control Programme; Quality Improvement Programme
• Professional memberships: VDS cover; RCVS fees paid
• Additional benefits: Pawsome Benefits reward gateway (discounts and cashback); 5% employee/3% employer pension contribution; discounted staff pet care
• Competitive base salary dependent on experience

About the Practice

Penmellyn Vets operates the St. Columb Major Hospital in South West Cornwall, treating dogs, cats, small pets, and exotic animals including rabbits and chickens. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a leading veterinary group committed to high standards of care and investing in staff development, wellbeing, and modern facilities.

The team recognises that people are fundamental to success and prioritises work-life balance, professional growth, and a supportive workplace culture. The night team is fully structured with dedicated veterinary and nursing cover, rather than skeleton staffing, reflecting their commitment to safe and sustainable practice.