About the Role
The Birmingham Animal Hospital is seeking two Veterinary Nurses to join its clinical team on a permanent basis and a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a 35-hour week role with shift work on a 10-week rolling rota—day shifts (8:00am–3:30pm), evening shifts (2:30pm–10:00pm), and night shifts (10:00pm–8:00am once every 10 weeks). The night shift allowance of 33% of your basic hourly rate acknowledges the unsociable hours.
The hospital sits on 70 acres of countryside but benefits from excellent motorway access and is just 20 minutes from central Birmingham—you get the peace of a rural setting without sacrificing convenience. You'll be part of a large, enthusiastic team of 22 Veterinary Nurses, 5 Student Veterinary Nurses, 5 VCAs, and 11 Vet Surgeons, reporting to one of the Nursing Team Leaders. The management team are genuinely committed to personal growth and creating a thriving environment.
The hospital works directly with the RSPCA's Inspectors, animal centres, and branches, providing essential veterinary care around the clock for animals most in need. You'll care predominantly for cats and dogs, working in a spacious, modern facility with up-to-date equipment.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver welfare and case work support, including triage assessments
- Work collaboratively to maintain clean, hygienic environments and minimise disease risks across the hospital
- Monitor anaesthesia, provide perioperative nursing care, and support theatre practice in a busy, modern operating theatre suite
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date clinical records
- Dispense drugs in accordance with professional guidelines and clinic protocols
- Uphold high standards of clinical hygiene and biosecurity throughout the facility
- Undertake continuing professional and personal development associated with the role
Requirements
- Qualified Veterinary Nurse, registered with the RCVS
- Proven previous experience in a relevant discipline (veterinary practice, wildlife rehabilitation, animal centre, or similar)
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to assess and make evidence-based clinical decisions
- Capacity to work autonomously and as part of a collaborative team
- Strong prioritisation and organisational skills
- Problem-solving ability and proven initiative
- Legal right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)
Benefits
- Salary: £27,929–£30,030 (inclusive of 4% shift allowance)
- 35-hour working week (full-time)
- 25 days holiday per year
- Pension scheme
- Healthcare cash plan
- Occupational sick pay
- Life assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Family-friendly policies
- Dog-friendly workplace
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discount schemes
- Professional development opportunities
About the Practice
Birmingham Animal Hospital is part of the RSPCA, the UK's leading animal welfare charity. The hospital is a spacious, modern facility set on 70 acres of countryside near Birmingham, providing essential veterinary care for animals in need, working directly with RSPCA Inspectors, animal centres, and branches. The management team is passionate about supporting personal growth and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Candidates for certain RSPCA roles may need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the recruitment process.
