Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

Sheriffs Highway Vets is seeking an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to join a friendly and dedicated small animal team. This full-time role offers the best of both worlds: working across a well-resourced main practice and branch surgeries, with the support and training to excel in each setting. The practice operates a 4-day week pattern with a 1:4 Saturday rota, designed to protect your weekends and personal time.

You’ll be based in Gateshead, ideally positioned for easy access to Newcastle city centre’s vibrant culture, the North East coastline, and the countryside of Durham and Northumberland. The practice operates from four locations: the main site in Gateshead plus branches in Whickham, Sunderland, and Crawcrook, all equipped with digital and dental radiography, endoscopy, in-house laboratory, advanced ultrasound with Doppler, and specialist equipment for soft tissue, orthopaedic, and endoscopic procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct nurse consultations including weight clinics, six-month health checks, nail trimming, and nutrition discussions
• Perform patient triage, critical care nursing, blood sampling, and catheter placement
• Manage anaesthesia, radiography, laboratory and microscope work as part of routine case management
• Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, health and safety across the practice
• Work confidently and independently at branch surgeries with full support and training from the main team
• Collaborate with the nursing team on all aspects of patient care and clinical procedures

Requirements

• Current RVN registration
• Confidence working in a busy environment
• Ability to work independently at branch surgeries
• Strong commitment to patient and client care
• Team player with excellent communication skills

Benefits

• Time Off: 6.6 weeks annual leave, plus additional holiday for your birthday
• 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, and Infection Prevention/Quality Improvement Programmes
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay, discounted gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme, non-accidental injury support
• Professional Memberships: VDS cover and RCVS fees paid
• Financial: Competitive base salary, pension (5% employee / 3% employer)
• Extras: Pawsome Benefits (Reward Gateway discounts and cashback), discounted staff pet care

About the Practice

Sheriffs Highway Vets is a multi-site small animal practice operating from four locations across Gateshead, Whickham, Sunderland, and Crawcrook. The main practice in Gateshead is well-equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities, including digital and dental radiography, flexible and rigid endoscopy, fully equipped in-house laboratory, advanced ultrasound with Doppler capability, and specialist equipment for complex soft tissue, orthopaedic, and endoscopic procedures.

The practice is part of IVC Evidensia and is committed to supporting professional development and work-life balance. The nursing team is integral to all aspects of patient care, and the practice actively encourages CPD with a generous budget and dedicated paid leave. Staff wellbeing is a priority, with flexible working options and comprehensive support policies in place.