The role
Due to the continued growth of Gainsborough Referrals, we are looking for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our small and friendly referral team.
We are an independent specialist referral practice providing orthopaedic, soft tissue, neurosurgery and diagnostic imaging services. Everything we do is centred around the welfare, comfort and individual needs of our patients.
Referral nursing is rewarding, but it is also very different from working in first-opinion practice. The work can be physically and mentally demanding, and we want applicants to understand the nature of the role before applying.
Surgical procedures may last for up to four hours or longer, during which nurses may be required to remain in theatre, closely monitoring anaesthesia and assisting the veterinary surgeon. The role requires sustained concentration, physical stamina, attention to detail and the ability to remain calm and focused throughout complex procedures.
This position would suit an experienced RVN who enjoys theatre and inpatient care, takes pride in working accurately and methodically, and wants to develop their referral nursing skills.
Your responsibilities will include
- Preparing patients, theatres, surgical instruments and equipment for procedures
- Assisting veterinary surgeons during complex orthopaedic, neurological and soft tissue surgery
- Monitoring anaesthesia during lengthy and technically demanding procedures
- Providing attentive post-operative and inpatient nursing care
- Administering medications and treatments under veterinary direction
- Assisting with radiography, CT imaging and other diagnostic procedures
- Carrying out laboratory tests and handling clinical samples
- Maintaining clear, accurate and timely patient records
- Communicating compassionately and professionally with owners
- Completing related administrative duties, including insurance claims and invoicing
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, infection control and theatre organisation
- Monitoring stock levels and assisting with ordering clinical supplies
About you
You must be a qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse with at least three years’ experience.
Previous experience in theatre, anaesthesia or referral practice would be an advantage, but referral-specific training will be provided.
You will need to be:
- Deeply committed to animal welfare and patient comfort
- Comfortable working in theatre for prolonged periods
- Able to maintain concentration during lengthy and complex procedures
- Calm and dependable when the workload is demanding
- Meticulous, organised and disciplined in your clinical work
- Confident following detailed clinical protocols and instructions
- Able to communicate clearly and work collaboratively within a small team
- Willing to support colleagues with both clinical and non-clinical duties
- Keen to learn and develop your nursing knowledge
Because we are a small practice, every team member plays an important part in the running of the hospital. We support one another, but we also rely on each person being dependable, adaptable and willing to contribute wherever needed. The hours are 8 hour shifts, Mon-Friday between 8am and 7pm. 1 weekend in 4 being on call, but not necessarily needing to attend work.
What we offer
- Salary of £33,000–£38,000, depending on experience
- Full-time, permanent employment
- Referral-specific training and professional development
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free on-site parking
- The opportunity to work alongside experienced referral clinicians
- A genuinely patient-centred working environment
- A supportive, close-knit and friendly team
Experience and qualifications
- Registered Veterinary Nurse qualification and current RCVS registration
- Minimum of three years’ experience as an RVN
- Theatre and anaesthesia experience preferred
- Referral experience welcomed but not essential
Please apply with your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in referral nursing and how your previous experience has prepared you for the demands of the role.
Pay: £33,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
