At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional care to pets and support complex surgeries in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Highland Vet Referrals, a rapidly growing referral practice in the Highlands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, £2000 welcome bonus, generous leave, and relocation allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Registered Veterinary Nurse with a passion for learning and patient care.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant lifestyle in Inverness with outdoor activities and a friendly community.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Highland Vet Referrals, founded in 2022, is a rapidly growing referral practice delivering a wide range of specialist surgical and medical services across the Highlands and Islands. We’re on the lookout for a passionate RVN to join our warm, supportive team — backed by our dedicated VCAs — so you can focus on providing exceptional care to our patients.
As a valued team member, you’ll enjoy a dynamic and fulfilling role where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. Join us to take your nursing career to the next level in a vibrant environment where your skills make a real difference to pets and the families who love them.
Caseload- Orthopaedics and Soft Tissue Surgery: Caring for patients undergoing anything from routine lump removals to complex orthopaedic, soft tissue, and spinal surgeries. You will work closely with our experienced surgeon and play a vital role in ensuring the highest standards of patient care throughout their surgical journey.
- Internal Medicine: Assisting our Medicine Vet with a diverse range of non-surgical cases, with access to advanced diagnostic facilities including ultrasound, CT, and endoscopy.
- Dermatology: Opportunity to work alongside our visiting European Specialist Dermatologist, gaining hands-on experience in dermatological procedures such as intradermal allergy testing, skin scrapes, and blood tests.
- Pain Management: Supporting our Pain Management Vet, who tailors treatment plans using acupuncture, medication, and home environment adaptations to maximise patient comfort.
- Carry out advanced nursing procedures such as intensive monitoring, wound management, and specialised imaging.
- Support complex surgeries.
- Provide critical care for patients.
- Assist with advanced diagnostic tests.
- Administer/perform laser treatment.
- Support with complex medication regimens.
- Monitor patients with serious or chronic conditions, delivering tailored nursing care.
- Provide detailed aftercare instructions and support for owners of animals with long-term or complex conditions.
Work in an environment where your compassion and nursing skills make a genuine difference every day and be part of a warm, supportive team that truly values you and your work. We welcome RVNs of all backgrounds and experience levels to apply; this is a great opportunity to grow confidence and skills while being supported to reach your professional goals.
You’ll also have the opportunity to work with the latest tech including on-site CT, ultrasound, Scoping, DR X-ray, a full IDEXX lab suite with EPOC, and in-house coagulation testing — giving you the tools to provide top-tier care. We offer a generous relocation allowance and a £2000 welcome bonus.
Who you are- While referral experience is advantageous, we welcome applications from confident RVNs from first opinion practice who have the desire to learn and excel in referral practice.
- You remain calm under pressure, and are compassionate and empathetic.
- A team player with the desire to envisage and implement positive change.
The Capital of the Highlands, Inverness offers a lively urban lifestyle with cafes, restaurants, live music, and the Eden Court venue. If you enjoy the outdoors, there is a wide range of activities including hill walking, wild swimming, mountain biking, and paddleboarding. Inverness is family-friendly with great schools, parks, leisure facilities, and an ice rink.
Working hours and flexibilityThe full-time role is a 40-hour, Monday to Friday position with no out-of-hours duties. Shifts run 07:30–20:30, and we are happy to discuss options for a 4- or 5-day week. Overnight care is provided by Highland Vet Emergencies in the same building, with no patient transfers and continuous care. We are flexible on working patterns and open to part-time arrangements.
Compensation and benefitsIn addition to a competitive salary and a £2000 welcome bonus, you will benefit from:
- Work-life balance
- 6.8 weeks annual leave
- Your birthday as a paid day off
- Relocation allowance up to £3000
- Private Medical Insurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Employee wellbeing initiatives, including discounted gym membership
- Non-accidental injury support
- CPD allowance (£550) with 24 hours paid pro rata
- Certificate support
- Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
- Access to Vetlexicon
- Research funding opportunities for Vets & Nurses
- Infection Prevention and Control Programme
- Quality Improvement Programme
- VDS cover
- RCVS fees
- Pawsome Benefits (discounts and cashback)
- Pension: 5% Employee / 3% Employer
- Discounted staff pet care
Up to £30,879 plus welcome bonus.
Registered Veterinary Nurse - Referral employer: Highland Vet Referrals
Contact Detail:
Highland Vet Referrals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Veterinary Nurse - Referral
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow RVNs, vets, and even pet owners in your area. Attend local vet events or join online forums to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your nursing achievements, case studies, and any special training you've had. This can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the role at Highland Vet Referrals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Veterinary Nurse - Referral
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for veterinary nursing shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for providing exceptional care and how you connect with pets and their families.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience, especially in areas like surgery, internal medicine, or dermatology. We love seeing how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back!
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We’re looking for team players who are compassionate and empathetic, so share a bit about yourself and what makes you unique!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of joining our supportive team, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on the path to an exciting career with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Highland Vet Referrals
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, and internal medicine. Familiarise yourself with the latest techniques and technologies mentioned in the job description, like ultrasound and CT scans, so you can confidently discuss how you would apply them in practice.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about compassion and care for animals. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in your previous roles. Whether it’s a challenging case you handled or a time you went above and beyond for a pet, let your passion shine through!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, opportunities for professional development, or how they handle complex cases. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
The team at Highland Vet Referrals values authenticity. Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through during the interview. Share your experiences, your approach to teamwork, and how you envision contributing to their supportive environment. They want to see the real you!