Night Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Coombefield Three Counties Veterinary Emergencies - Axminster, Devon
Salary up to £69,000 DOE FTE, up to £5,000 welcome bonus and relocation allowance up to £5,000
At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK's number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.
Coombefield Three Counties Veterinary Emergencies, part of ivc, are looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our emerging night service at our longstanding small animal hospital in Axminster, Devon.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a vet who enjoys the challenge of emergency and critical care and wants to develop their skills in a supportive environment. Working alongside a dedicated night RVN, you'll have the opportunity to manage a varied and interesting caseload while providing a high-quality overnight service to our surrounding practices and clients.
ECC Without the Daytime Pressure
The caseload is predominantly cats, dogs and rabbits, with the occasional exotic or wildlife patient adding a little extra variety. You'll manage emergency consultations, surgery and inpatients throughout the night, with the time and space to properly work up your cases without the pressure of a full daytime consult and surgery list.
The shift starts and finishes with a handover from the day team, helping to provide excellent continuity of care for our patients.
You'll work sole charge overnight, but with a dedicated RVN on site throughout your shift, so you'll have experienced nursing support alongside you.
A Team That Wants You to Grow
You'll become part of a team of 15 Veterinary Surgeons, supported by a large nursing, reception and administration team. Many of our colleagues have been with us for years, creating a friendly and supportive environment where people genuinely enjoy working together.
We have certificate holders in ECC, Ophthalmology and Feline Medicine, alongside vets working towards further qualifications, and a visiting Orthopaedic Specialist. We're committed to supporting professional development, so if you're keen to gain further experience or work towards a certificate, we'll encourage you every step of the way.
A Hospital Equipped for Emergencies
You'll be based at our purpose-built small animal hospital, with everything you need to manage your overnight caseload. We have two operating theatres, a dedicated dental room, imaging suite, in-house laboratory including an EPOC machine, cattery, kennels, isolation unit and pharmacy, alongside external laboratory support when required.
A Night Pattern That Gives You Your Days Back
This is a part-time night role, working two nights every three weeks, currently Thursday and Friday, although there is some flexibility around the days. Shifts are 7pm-8am.
And importantly, there are no weekends and no on-call requirements, giving you a predictable working pattern and plenty of time to enjoy life outside the practice.
Thinking of Moving to Devon?
Axminster sits right on the Devon and Dorset border, surrounded by beautiful countryside and within easy reach of the Jurassic Coast. You're close to Lyme Regis and the coast, while Exeter is around 30 miles away, making the area a great option if you're looking for a quieter pace of life without being too far from a city. With charming towns, countryside walks, beaches and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
How We’ll Support You
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles
- Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role-relevant courses
- £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet
- Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
- Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities
- A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
- 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
- BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
- Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
- Retail discounts and cashback offers
- Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
We're committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
Up to £69,000 pa DOE
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Contact Details:
Coombefield Veterinary Hospital Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Night Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Axminster
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Coombefield Veterinary Hospital often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coombefield Veterinary Hospital
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Coombefield Veterinary Hospital. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Coombefield Veterinary Hospital.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Coombefield Veterinary Hospital.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Coombefield Veterinary Hospital.
