Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

You'll join Shield Veterinary Centre, a well-established two-site practice on the South Coast near Southampton, where you'll be an integral member of the clinical nursing team. The practice is conveniently located 10-15 minutes between sites, with easy access to the New Forest and excellent transport links to London. This full-time role includes a 4.5-day week with a fixed morning off each week and one Saturday in four (8am-12pm only), making it genuinely manageable. You'll work shifts between 8am and 7pm alongside a skilled team of eight RVNs, one SVN, and experienced vets ranging from new graduates to professionals with over 30 years' experience.

The practice is working towards Cat Friendly Clinic status and actively encourages nurse-led consultations and strong client relationships. You'll have access to excellent facilities including digital X-ray, ultrasound, dental X-ray, in-house lab, and microscopy. This is an ideal role if you're an experienced nurse keen to mentor student nurses and contribute to ongoing practice development.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with surgical procedures and providing theatre support
• Supporting inpatient care and patient recovery
• Carrying out kennel and ward duties
• Running nurse consultations and building strong client relationships
• Working collaboratively with veterinary surgeons and the wider practice team
• Taking responsibility for nursing care of first opinion cases
• Contributing to clinical standards and ongoing patient care development

Requirements

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in medical and surgical nursing
• Strong communication skills and ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues
• Good organisational skills and effective workload management
• Proactive approach to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement
• Interest in supporting and mentoring student nurses (desirable)

Benefits

• Salary up to £32,000 depending on experience
• 6.6 weeks' annual leave plus birthday off, with increasing allowance based on length of service
• £550 CPD allowance plus 24 hours paid CPD leave
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Certificate support and clear career pathways into Senior Nurse, Referral, or leadership roles
• Private Medical Insurance
• Enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice and access to discounts with hundreds of participating retailers

About the Practice

Shield Veterinary Centre is an established small animal practice with two locations in the Southampton area, part of inspiring vet care (the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with over 2 million animals). The practice is dedicated to long-term animal health and wellbeing, caring for dogs, cats, rabbits, and a wide range of small animals. The team comprises highly experienced vets and nurses supported by a dedicated reception team.

The practice is committed to learning, development, and a collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement. Staff benefit from clear progression pathways, mentorship opportunities, and access to world-class learning resources within the wider inspiring vet care group.