If you are a current Linnaeus Associate, you will need to apply internally. In order to do this, please contact our Talent Acquisition team (details can be found via The Link) and someone will be in touch to discuss and progress your application.
Job Title: Lead Medicine RVN
Location: Veterinary Specialists Scotland (VSS), Livingston
Salary: £34,000 per annum
Hours: Permanent | Full-Time | 40 hours per week (includes weekends & on-call)
Lead and Shape a Growing Medicine Service
We are seeking an experienced and driven Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse to take a key leadership role within our expanding Medicine team at Veterinary Specialists Scotland.
This is an exciting opportunity for a confident nurse who is passionate about clinical excellence, enjoys working in a fast-paced referral environment, and is ready to take the next step into leadership while continuing to develop advanced clinical skills.
You will work alongside an exceptional team of specialists in a state-of-the-art facility, helping to deliver outstanding care to a diverse and complex caseload while supporting and developing the nursing team.
About the Medicine Team
Our Medicine department is a busy, collaborative service working closely with specialists across:
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Internal Medicine
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Cardiology
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Dermatology
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Soft Tissue Surgery
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Orthopaedics
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Neurology
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Anaesthesia
Collaboration is central to our approach. We work closely with our Imaging team to deliver advanced diagnostics and procedures including radiography, fluoroscopy, CT, and MRI — across all stages of patient care.
The Role
As Lead Medicine RVN, you will play a pivotal role in both clinical delivery and team leadership within the Medicine service.
Clinical Responsibilities
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Support the Medicine team with inpatient care and advanced procedures
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Monitor anaesthesia across a wide range of cases, including emergency and critically ill patients
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Assist with advanced diagnostics and treatments
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Deliver exceptional patient and client care
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Maintain high clinical standards and support efficient patient flow
Leadership & Development Responsibilities
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Act as a senior point of contact within the Medicine nursing team
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Support, mentor, and develop RVNs and students within the department
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Assist with rota coordination and day-to-day organisation of the service
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Drive clinical standards, protocols, and best practices
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Work closely with clinicians and senior nursing colleagues to support service development
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Promote a positive, collaborative, and supportive team culture
This is a hands-on leadership role, combining clinical excellence with the opportunity to shape and influence the future of the Medicine service.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
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Is an RCVS-registered RVN
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Has a minimum of 3 years’ experience as an RVN (referral experience advantageous)
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Is confident monitoring anaesthesia across a range of case complexities
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Has strong organisational and leadership skills
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Is passionate about mentoring and supporting others
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Thrives in a fast-paced referral environment
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Demonstrates a proactive and collaborative approach
Previous leadership or senior nursing experience is desirable but not essential for the right candidate. Ongoing support and development will be provided.
What We Offer
We believe in supporting our people as much as our patients. Benefits include:
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Generous CPD allowance with extensive learning and development programmes
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Clear progression and leadership development opportunities
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RCVS fees paid & VDS cover
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272 hours holiday including bank holidays + an additional birthday leave day
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Access to Private Healthcare (opt-in)
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Subsidised pet care
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Enhanced equal family leave
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Enhanced sick pay
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Employer pension contribution
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Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
Wellness Support
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Employee Assistance Programme
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Eyecare voucher scheme
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Free annual flu jab
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Cycle to Work scheme
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Recruitment referral rewards
About Veterinary Specialists Scotland
Veterinary Specialists Scotland is a purpose-built, rapidly expanding, multi-disciplinary referral centre located in Livingston — just 20 minutes from Edinburgh, 40 minutes from Glasgow, and 15 minutes from Edinburgh Airport.
Since opening in October 2020, we have grown significantly across seven clinical disciplines. Our modern facility offers substantial scope for continued expansion, making this an exciting time to join us and help shape the future of the service.
About Linnaeus
Veterinary Specialists Scotland is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world.
At Linnaeus, A Better World for Pets starts with a better world for our people. With a global network of over 6000 associates, we offer outstanding development opportunities, collaboration, and a comprehensive wellbeing package supporting both physical and mental health.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to perform at their best.
Apply
All applications with the relevant skills and qualifications will be carefully considered.
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Coleman – TA Partner
[email protected]
#INDSPO
We are proud to be Linnaeus, part of Mars. Linnaeus is a forward-thinking group of highly respected primary care and specialist referral practices in the UK and Ireland. Being family owned and part of Mars Veterinary Health, the largest veterinary company in the world, allows us to focus on advancing the veterinary profession to provide industry-leading pet care and unique career opportunities for our people. Why Linnaeus? - We pride ourselves in offering high-quality excellence of service and clinical care for our clients and their pets - We lead on sustainability and collectively drive positive change for people, pets and the planet - We prioritise your mental health and wellbeing – valuing equity, diversity and inclusion - We support your personal and professional development with best-in-class career frameworks and training programmes. We will empower and support you to grow your career from day one. We team up within our Mars family in partnership for a stronger future. Linnaeus is an equal-opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We treat each other fairly and equitably and we are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse for all our Associates. At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. If you would like to apply for this role, please click the Apply Button or for more information, please feel free to reach out directly to our Talent Acquisition team at
[email protected]