At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in surgeries and provide top-notch care for furry patients.
- Company: Join a supportive, nurse-led veterinary hospital in South West Leeds.
- Benefits: Earn up to £36,000, enjoy CPD support, and exclusive staff discounts.
- Why this job: Develop advanced surgical skills while making a real difference in animal care.
- Qualifications: Must be a proactive RVN with a passion for surgical nursing.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 50400 £ per year.
Up to £36,000 DOE + attractive benefits package
Full-time / Permanent – open to part-time applications
South West Leeds
Are you an RVN with a strong interest in surgery, orthopaedics, and anaesthesia? Do you enjoy a hands-on theatre role within a busy hospital environment? Looking to develop advanced surgical nursing skills while remaining rooted in high-quality first-opinion practice?
A rare opportunity has arisen for a surgically biased Registered Veterinary Nurse to join a well-equipped, nurse-led hospital on the outskirts of Leeds.
The Hospital & Role
This is a 24/7 hospital providing predominantly first-opinion care, supporting a large and loyal client base, while also receiving some internal case referrals from local branches. The hospital environment offers a high surgical throughput and modern facilities, making it ideal for an RVN who thrives in a theatre-led role. The nursing team is not split into medical and surgical roles, ensuring all nurses maintain a broad and well-rounded clinical skillset. However, nurses with a surgical interest will spend a greater proportion of their time in theatre and surgical prep, supporting procedures, anaesthesia, and peri-operative care.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing and assisting with first-opinion soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeries
- Monitoring routine to advanced anaesthetic protocols
- Scrubbing in and assisting in theatre, including Schedule 3 procedures
- Post-operative monitoring, analgesia, and patient recovery
- Admitting and discharging surgical patients with excellent client communication
Surgical Caseload
The hospital manages a busy first-opinion surgical caseload, averaging 15–20 surgical cases per day. A significant proportion of this work is orthopaedic, including TPLOs and fracture repairs, alongside laparoscopic procedures and CT-supported diagnostics. This caseload provides excellent exposure to complex first-opinion surgery, allowing nurses to develop strong theatre, anaesthesia, and surgical support skills while remaining clinically versatile.
The Team
You will be joining a large, supportive team of over 60 staff, including experienced vets and nurses, some of whom hold postgraduate certificates in Small Animal Surgery, Anaesthesia, ECC, Medicine, and Dentistry. The ideal candidate will be a confident RVN who is proactive, enthusiastic, and passionate about surgical nursing within a first-opinion setting.
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary up to £36,000 DOE
- Generous CPD allowance with support for surgical and anaesthesia-focused development
- Pension scheme
- Paid professional memberships (RCVS, BVNA, VDS)
- Social events and a strong emphasis on wellbeing
- Exclusive staff discounts and rewards
Location
Located on the outskirts of Leeds with excellent transport links to Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, Manchester, Huddersfield, Doncaster, and surrounding areas.
Interested?
Once you submit your CV, you’ll be contacted within 2 working days with feedback and the option for an informal, no-obligation chat. For more information, contact Compass Associates and ask for Carina Walker (please note information may be limited without a CV).
Recommendations
Compass Associates Ltd are working in partnership on this role. If you’re not interested but know someone suitable, we offer £200 vouchers for every successful recommendation.
Registered Veterinary Nurse - Surgical Bias employer: Compass Associates
Contact Detail:
Compass Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Veterinary Nurse - Surgical Bias
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow RVNs, vets, and even your old classmates. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! Volunteer or shadow at local veterinary practices to gain experience and show your passion for surgical nursing. It’s a great way to build connections and beef up your CV.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places that align with your surgical interests. Check out our website for roles that match your skills and aspirations, and make sure to tailor your approach!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your surgical knowledge and practice common questions. Show them you’re not just a great nurse but also a keen learner ready to take on challenges in the theatre!
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Veterinary Nurse - Surgical Bias
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your surgical experience and any relevant skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your theatre experience!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re passionate about surgical nursing and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, mention specific surgical procedures you’ve assisted with or any advanced anaesthetic protocols you’re familiar with. We’re looking for someone who’s ready to jump into the action, so let us know what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best possible feedback from us quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Associates
✨Know Your Surgical Stuff
Brush up on your surgical knowledge, especially around orthopaedics and anaesthesia. Be ready to discuss specific procedures you've assisted with and any advanced techniques you're familiar with. This shows your passion for the role and that you’re not just another RVN.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be joining a large team, highlight your ability to work collaboratively. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues in a busy environment or contributed to a positive team dynamic. This will resonate well with the hospital's culture.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the types of surgeries you’ll be involved in or how the team supports ongoing training. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the position and eagerness to grow within the role.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since client communication is key, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even role-play scenarios where you explain post-operative care to clients. This will help you stand out as someone who can handle both the technical and interpersonal aspects of the job.