Registered Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

You’ll be joining Tamar Vets, a growing independent small animal practice based in beautiful Bude with branches in Holsworthy and Hartland. This is a friendly, community-focused practice where your clinical skills and ideas are genuinely welcomed, and work–life balance isn’t just talked about—it’s lived. The practice provides its own 24-hour care, meaning you’ll be involved in everything from routine consults and specialist clinics to complex emergency cases and Schedule 3 nursing, keeping your skills sharp and your work varied.

Full-time positions are typically 34–40 hours per week, with most nurses choosing to work 34 hours over 4 days. Part-time options are also available at 2 full days per week plus out-of-hours shifts. Out-of-hours duties are genuinely manageable: you’ll rotate on a 1 in 8 weekends and 5 weeknights over 8 weeks basis. Saturday consults run 9 am–1 pm only, and time off in lieu is given during the week. If there are no inpatients overnight, you can be on call from home; a comfortable on-site cabin is also available for overnight stays.

You’ll be part of a nursing team of eight RVNs and two SVNs with diverse interests including feline medicine, inpatient and medical nursing, anaesthesia, surgical nursing, weight management clinics, rehabilitation and clinical canine massage. Recent practice investments in laparoscopic equipment, electrochemotherapy and a new lab suite mean you’ll encounter a genuinely varied and interesting caseload alongside vets with interests in cardiology, orthopaedics, oncology and dentistry.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard nursing care across routine consultations, specialist clinics and emergency cases
• Support Schedule 3 nursing procedures as part of the 24-hour in-house service
• Rotate across the Bude, Holsworthy and Hartland sites, with most time spent at the main Bude practice
• Participate in out-of-hours shifts on a fair, shared 1 in 8 weekend and 5 weeknights over 8 weeks rota
• Contribute to the practice’s commitment to nursing student training and development
• Expand your own skills and interests—whether in surgical nursing, nurse clinics, feline medicine or other specialist areas

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) status
• Experience in small animal practice (not specified but implied by role)
• Flexibility and willingness to rotate across multiple sites
• Commitment to ongoing CPD and professional development
• A collaborative, supportive approach to teamwork

Benefits

• Salary from £26,600 to £33,450 per year (pro rata, depending on experience and hours)
• 6.5 weeks holiday, including bank holidays
• CPD encouraged, with certificates fully supported and funded
• Professional fees paid for RCVS and VDS registration
• Practice membership for BVA and SPVS
• Private healthcare
• Company pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary fees
• Retainer paid for weeknights and weekends worked
• Additional £25 per hour pay for overnight work above routine patient checks
• Comfortable on-site cabin available for overnight stays
• Time off in lieu for weekend shifts worked
• Active social team—regular pub outings, welcome meals, beach BBQs, quiz nights, community events

About the Practice

Tamar Vets is an independent veterinary practice serving Bude and surrounding North Cornwall communities, with branches in Holsworthy and Hartland. Led by directors Richard and Jon, the practice is built on strong relationships with patients, clients and team members. The team comprises seven vets (with interests in cardiology, orthopaedics, oncology and dentistry), eight RVNs and two SVNs. Recent investments include laparoscopic equipment, electrochemotherapy capabilities and a new laboratory suite, enabling the practice to offer a diverse range of cases and treatments. As an accredited nurse training practice, Tamar Vets is committed to supporting student development and ongoing professional growth across the entire team. The practice provides 24-hour in-house care with nurses on site round the clock, and is deeply rooted in the Bude community with a focus on continuity of care and personalised service.

Bude is a stunning coastal location on North Cornwall’s shoreline, voted Britain’s sunniest place. It offers a laid-back lifestyle with miles of beautiful countryside, excellent beaches, coastal walks, festivals, independent shops and abundant outdoor activities. The community is close-knit and welcoming, making it an attractive place to live and work.