About the Role
This is a permanent night position working 7.45pm–7.45am on a 5-on, 10-off rota—designed to give you proper rest between shifts. You'll be part of a large, well-established night team at Southfields Veterinary Specialists, a forward-thinking referral hospital backed by Linnaeus Group and Mars Veterinary Health. The practice invests significantly in state-of-the-art facilities and staff development, creating a contemporary working environment where you can focus on clinical excellence.
You'll work across multiple specialist disciplines—neurology, orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery, oncology, ophthalmology, and internal medicine—providing inpatient and emergency care. This is varied, challenging work that requires you to manage cases under pressure, coordinate handovers, and work both independently and as part of a cohesive team. The role offers genuine opportunity to develop new protocols alongside the Senior Night Nurse and shape how the hospital operates as it expands.
Referral experience is advantageous but not essential; full training will be provided so you can settle into the role with confidence.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide inpatient and emergency nursing care to patients across all referral disciplines
- Assist with incoming emergencies and manage case handovers at shift end
- Work alongside interns, trainee nurses, and patient care assistants as part of the night team
- Develop and implement new nursing protocols with the Senior Night Nurse
- Coordinate cases and manage conflicting priorities under pressure
- Mentor and support junior team members, sharing your expertise and experience
- Maintain exceptional patient care standards during night shifts, matching daytime quality
- Contribute to the growing procedures and ways of working as Southfields expands
Requirements
- Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) status with a minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience
- Proof of right to work in the UK
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Highly motivated, self-starter able to work both independently and collaboratively
- Passion for mentoring colleagues and demonstrating excellent organisational skills
- Professional and caring approach in all aspects of clinical work
- Experience in an out-of-hours or referral setting preferred (but transferrable skills welcome)
Benefits
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays (pro-rata) and Birthday Leave
- RCVS and VDS fees paid by employer
- External CPD funded plus extensive free online Linnaeus CPD programme
- Career progression opportunities within a growing hospital
- Staff discount schemes
- Life Assurance and Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- Employer contribution pension scheme
- E-car salary sacrifice scheme and Cycle to work scheme
- Comprehensive wellness programme including Employee Assistance Programme, eyecare vouchers, free annual flu jab
- Mental Health First Aider network and confidential wellbeing support
- Recruitment referral reward scheme
About the Practice
Southfields Veterinary Specialists is the new name in referral services, operating as part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health—the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. With significant investment in innovative services and state-of-the-art facilities, the practice is expanding rapidly and actively developing new service offerings. The team is forward-thinking, highly motivated, and committed to exceptional patient care across all disciplines.
Linnaeus operates across the UK and Ireland with a community of over 6,000 Associates driven by a shared purpose: 'A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS'. The organisation prioritises physical and mental health support, inclusive culture, and genuine career development for all staff.
