About the Role
Portland Vets Crawley opened in October 2025 as the newest branch of the Portland family, joining established practices in East Grinstead, Edenbridge, and Horley. This full-time RVN position offers 40 hours per week with a maximum 1:4 weekend rota and time off in lieu. The practice also welcomes applications for flexible weekend-only shifts (Saturday or occasional Sunday cover) if you're looking to supplement your schedule.
You'll work alongside 3.2 FTE RVNs in a progressive, supportive environment where high standards of nursing care are the priority. The practice emphasises job crafting to help your role fit your life, and welcomes candidates with an interest in developing nurse consultation work.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide nursing care to hospitalised patients, including monitoring, health checks, feeding, grooming and exercise
- Confidently handle and restrain animals across feline, canine and exotic species (exotic experience beneficial)
- Assist veterinary surgeons with patient examinations and diagnostic procedures
- Administer treatments including injections, tablets, fluid therapy, dressings and first aid
- Perform in-house laboratory diagnostic tests
- Prepare animals for surgery and assist with surgical, medical and diagnostic procedures
- Monitor anaesthesia during procedures
- Conduct and promote nurse consultations, educating pet owners on animal health and wellbeing
- Dispense and prepare prescription medication under veterinary direction
- Manage hazardous substances safely in accordance with practice guidelines
- Lead hygiene and infection control in clinical areas, including cleaning, disinfection and record-keeping
- Manage equipment and instrument sterilisation, disinfection and organisation
- Monitor and restock clinical consumables
- Maintain accurate clinical records and ensure correct patient billing
- Provide guidance to client care staff and support with general enquiries
- Mentor EMS students, new graduates, nurses and support staff as required
- Assist with hosting work experience placements
- Cover reception duties during team absences as needed
- Undertake continuing professional development in line with RCVS guidelines
Requirements
- RCVS registered veterinary nurse qualification
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Understanding of relevant legislation, policies and procedures
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organisational and multi-tasking ability with attention to detail
- Computer literacy (Microsoft Office, Outlook)
- Exotic animal handling experience is beneficial but not essential
Benefits
- Salary: £28,392 to £33,280 per annum FTE depending on experience
- 5 weeks annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing after 5 years of employment
- Maximum 1:4 weekend rota with time off in lieu (full-time position)
- Share of enhanced-rate bank holiday shifts
- 30-minute paid lunch breaks (lunch provided on Saturdays)
- RCVS and VDS memberships paid by the practice
- Generous CPD budget to develop your area of interest
- Job crafting to help your role fit your lifestyle
- 8-hour shifts for weekday and weekend positions
About the Practice
Portland Vets is a family-owned, independent small animal practice with four locations across the South East. The newly opened Crawley branch spans 4 floors with species-specific waiting areas, consultation rooms and wards for feline, canine and exotic patients. Facilities include two theatres with laparoscopic equipment, a separate dental suite with digital X-ray, a Siemens CT scanner, Mi Lab in-house laboratory and a tortoise hibernation hotel. The practice is committed to preventative healthcare, modern equipment, varied treatment options and a workplace culture centred on compassion, respect, balance and staff wellbeing.
