About the Role
This is a dedicated night nursing position at Portishead's only 24/7 veterinary hospital, where you'll deliver high-level care to medical and surgical patients during the night shift (8pm–8am). The shift pattern is exceptionally well-structured: one week of seven nights on, followed by seven nights off, giving you genuine breathing room between blocks.
You'll work as the sole charge nurse but alongside an on-call Veterinary Surgeon, ensuring you're never making critical decisions in isolation. The practice is situated in the charming coastal town of Portishead, North Somerset, just under 10 miles west of Bristol—close enough to city amenities but with the appeal of a tighter-knit community.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide intensive nursing care for hospitalised patients, including catheter and drain maintenance, and intensive care procedures across all small animal species (including exotics and reptiles)
- Triage client calls throughout the night shift and book appointments as required
- Manage induction, maintenance, and recovery of anaesthetised patients
- Assist in surgical procedures at first opinion level
- Support imaging procedures including endoscopy and ultrasound
- Perform and assist with radiography and blood sampling
- Maintain clinical hygiene standards and sterilise surgical and imaging equipment
- Conduct laboratory work including cytology
- Dispense medication as directed
Requirements
- Current RVN registration with the RCVS
- Experience working in a small animal environment (experience level not specified but nursing competence assumed)
- Ability to work independently as sole charge nurse whilst collaborating with the on-call vet
- Comfortable working night shifts on a structured rota
Benefits
- Work-Life Balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays), increasing with length of service; your birthday as a paid day off
- Wellbeing Support: Private Medical Insurance; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (confidential helpline); enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, and surrogacy pay
- Professional Development: £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid CPD leave (pro rata); certificate support; access to IVC Evidensia Academy learning and development; Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia; research funding opportunities; Infection Prevention and Control and Quality Improvement Programmes
- Professional Memberships: VDS cover and RCVS fees paid
- Pension & Lifestyle: Company pension scheme with IVC Evidensia contribution; Cycle to Work scheme; Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility); voluntary benefits; access to retail discounts and cashback; discounted treatment for your own pets at IVC Evidensia practices
- Salary: Up to £37,000 per annum depending on experience
About the Practice
Vale Vets is Portishead's only 24/7 veterinary hospital and has been at the heart of the community for over 25 years. The practice holds Tier 3 Hospital Status (the highest level attainable), assessed regularly by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. This designation reflects exceptional facilities, clinical standards, customer care, and staffing—particularly overnight provision, which is uncommon in the area.
The team comprises multiple veterinary surgeons and qualified nurses, including a Certificate holder in Emergency and Critical Care and vets at various stages of certificates in medicine, exotics, and surgery. The hospital is exceptionally well-equipped with laparoscopy, endoscopy, ultrasonography, digital radiography (including dental), in-house laboratory, and multi-parameter monitoring equipment. As part of IVC Evidensia, the practice offers access to wider professional development resources and support.
