Veterinary Nurse – Surgical

About the Role

This is a Full Time 12-month fixed-term contract role starting April 2026, based at Vets Now Glasgow’s surgical suite. You’ll be part of a specialised surgical team providing care to referral patients from across the hospital – whether they arrive via external practices or from the internal medicine, oncology, and ECC departments. The role combines daytime work (Monday to Friday, 4 × 10-hour shifts) with a manageable 1:6 weekend rota, giving you predictable scheduling alongside meaningful clinical exposure.

Working closely with orthopaedic surgeons, soft tissue surgeons, a neurologist, and two experienced diplomat anaesthetists, you’ll take on increasing responsibility for monitoring anaesthetics during surgery. You’ll progress from routine cases to complex procedures, learning advanced techniques including invasive blood pressure monitoring, ventilator management, nerve blocks, and observing pain management strategies. This is an ideal stepping stone if you’re keen to develop anaesthesia qualifications and specialist nursing skills.

The hospital operates with a strong ethos of nurse-led care and professional development. You don’t need referral surgical experience – the team is experienced and genuinely invested in supporting your growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor anaesthetics during routine and complex surgical procedures, working under the supervision of diplomat anaesthetists
• Assist surgeons in the theatre environment, maintaining high standards of patient care and safety
• Perform invasive monitoring techniques including blood pressure measurement and ventilator management
• Support pain management strategies and advanced anaesthetic protocols
• Help coordinate the smooth running of the surgical floor on a day-to-day basis, using initiative and problem-solving
• Contribute to the hospital’s nurse-led culture and commitment to excellent patient care

Requirements

• RCVS registered for a minimum of six months
• Motivated and dedicated approach to maintaining high clinical standards
• Genuine passion for animal care and client communication
• Experience with emergency or ECC caseloads (advantageous, not essential)
• Can-do attitude and willingness to learn advanced surgical nursing skills

Benefits

• Salary: up to £36,000 DOE
• 7 weeks annual leave (pro rata)
• Your birthday as a paid day off
• £1,125 CPD allowance plus 20 paid study hours
• RCVS registration fees paid in full
• ECC certificate support and professional qualification opportunities
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced sick pay and maternity pay
• Up to 50% discount on staff pet care
• Reward Gateway scheme with discounts and cashback at 100s of retailers
• Pension contributions: 5% employee / 3% employer (UK Standard)
• Death in service benefit: two times annual salary

About the Practice

Vets Now Glasgow is part of Vets Now Group, a leading 24/7 emergency and critical care provider. The Glasgow location specialises in emergency medicine, ECC, and advanced surgical referral care. The hospital is staffed by highly skilled emergency and surgical teams, supported by specialist consultants (orthopaedic, soft tissue, and neurology surgeons). As a nurse-led hospital, the practice prioritises clinical excellence and continuous professional development for all nursing staff.

The practice operates multiple shifts to provide round-the-clock coverage and maintains strong links with external practices and internal specialist departments. Vets Now Group is committed to being a Disability Confident Employer, welcoming applications from candidates of all backgrounds and providing reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment.