Night Registered Veterinary Nurse in Debenham

A night role that feels different… because it is. If you’re an RVN who thrives in ECC, enjoys autonomy with strong support behind you, and wants to be part of a genuinely collaborative, forward-thinking independent practice, this is something a little bit special.

Set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, Debenham Vets is not your typical veterinary practice. Privately owned, genuinely independent, and purpose-built with both people and patients in mind, this is a place where clinical excellence is matched by a strong, supportive culture, even when the sun goes down.

As part of our continued growth, we’re launching a dedicated night RVN team to support our expanding services and caseload, working closely alongside an established, highly experienced day team with structured handovers at both ends of the shift.

So what makes this night role different? It’s an opportunity to work within a practice that offers both first-opinion and referral services under one roof. You’ll be supporting a varied and interesting caseload, from stable inpatients through to complex surgical and referral cases.

A team that makes the difference: At Debenham, nursing isn’t an afterthought; it’s central to how the practice delivers exceptional patient care, from inpatient and surgical nursing through to imaging, laboratory work, and client-focused clinics. You’ll be working alongside a highly experienced clinical team. The six-vet first-opinion team brings a breadth of interests and further qualifications, including imaging, emergency medicine, neurology, cardiology, and feline medicine. Alongside this sits an exceptional referral service, including ophthalmology, orthopaedics and soft tissue surgery, dermatology, advanced imaging, and a radioactive iodine referral service—all working seamlessly together.

The nursing team mirrors that depth. It is large, highly skilled, and structured, with multiple Senior RVNs leading key clinical areas including anaesthesia, imaging, wards, pharmacy, surgical referrals, and first-opinion theatre work. This ensures strong leadership, clear clinical direction, and consistent support across all departments. Several nurses hold additional qualifications and certificates, including in emergency and critical care, feline nursing, behaviour, anaesthesia, and imaging, alongside postgraduate study such as a Master’s in Anaesthesia, and a range of specialist clinical interests.

The team is also actively engaged in CPD development, quality improvement, and clinical progression, with published contributions to the wider profession, including in Inspired Veterinary Magazine and Vet Times. Importantly for this role, the night service is fully integrated into this wider nursing structure. While the night team will be newly formed, it will sit within a well-established, supportive, and clinically led nursing department, ensuring clear protocols, strong handovers, and immediate access to experienced colleagues when needed. This is backed by a culture of collaboration across the practice. Cases are discussed openly, support is always available, and nursing input is genuinely valued at every level.

Weekly practice meetings bring the whole team together, creating space for communication and shared learning, while initiatives such as the Above & Beyond Award recognise and celebrate everyone’s contributions. You’re not stepping into isolation—you’re stepping into a structured, experienced nursing team that genuinely supports each other.

A place that invests in people: Development doesn’t stop when the day team goes home; learning and progression are part of everyday life. Certificates are supported, CPD is actively encouraged, and there is a genuine investment in helping people grow in confidence and capability. That culture is something the team highlights: “At a time when the veterinary industry faces challenges in staff retention, Debenham Vets recognises the importance of being able to promote a healthy work‑life balance. Investing heavily in their team to allow them to thrive in their roles and pursue additional qualifications and skills has always been at the heart of DVP’s ethos. They acknowledge the importance of allowing every member of the team to have a voice and lead with respect, encouragement and compassion.”

Whether that’s developing ECC skills, pursuing further qualifications, or simply becoming a stronger all‑round nurse, the support is there. Alongside this, regular in‑house CPD sessions held in the dedicated function room ensure learning is continuous, practical, and shared across the team. You’re joining a practice that invests in you, not just your role.

A role with real clinical support: This is a permanent night RVN position designed with both flexibility and work‑life balance in mind, forming part of a dedicated team of three night RVNs. You’ll work two nights per week, with shifts of either 12 or 14 hours, and a set, consistent working pattern that allows for forward planning and routine. Saturday nights are included on a shared 1:3 rota basis, providing built‑in flexibility across the team. You’ll be part of a team that values calm, confident ECC nursing, where your skills are trusted and fully utilised. Nights are supported by clear communication channels to the on‑call veterinary team and a strong focus on collaborative patient care. You’ll care for a varied caseload, from inpatients through to emergency and referral cases, playing a central role in monitoring, coordination, and clinical decision‑making throughout the night. Continuity of care is a real priority. You’ll work closely alongside the day team through structured handovers, with early RVN shifts starting at 7:30 am and late shifts running until 10 pm, ensuring you’re never picking things up in isolation and always have the full clinical picture.

Life beyond the practice: Outside of work, there’s the option of a slower pace of life, with countryside walks and nearby villages offering a strong sense of community. Alternatively, you’re within easy reach of local towns, coastal getaways, and destinations such as Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Norwich, and London. It’s the kind of place where you can genuinely switch off at the end of the day. Within the team, there’s also a strong social side, including informal get‑togethers, practice events, or the slightly more competitive bake‑offs and seasonal challenges that have become part of life at Debenham.

What’s on offer:

• £19 per hour (equivalent to approx. £27,500 - £30,500 per annum)
• Permanent dedicated night RVN role within a 3‑RVN team
• 2 nights per week (12 or 14‑hour shifts) on a consistent, predictable rota
• Additional Saturday nights on a shared 1:3 rotation
• Annualised hours – cover is arranged collaboratively within the team
• Job share requests also considered
• Supportive ECC and referral clinical environment
• RCVS & VDS fees paid
• CPD is actively encouraged and funded
• Company pension
• Short‑term accommodation available on‑site to support relocation

Interested? If you’re ready to join a night team where you’re trusted, supported, and part of something clinically exciting—we’d love to hear from you. Come and see what makes Debenham Vets genuinely different.