Ophthalmology Veterinary Nurse in Ringwood

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. We are looking for a motivated RVN to join our team at Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists as an Ophthalmology Nurse on a permanent basis. SCVS is a specialist‑led small animal hospital equipped with the expertise and knowledge to support the most complex of cases.

Our recent expansion has provided us with a purpose‑built theatre complex, a two‑storey facility housing a large client reception and waiting area, 10 new consulting rooms, and a new rehabilitation centre. The improvements also include a new diagnostic suite, ICU area, and more. We have an outstanding team of recognised specialists across a multitude of disciplines, and a dedicated rehabilitation team providing physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to aid post‑operative recovery. The care and comfort of our patients are always at the front of our minds. Our advanced nursing team provides excellent care to all patients during their stay at SCVS. We also have a team of dedicated veterinary care assistants to ensure patients feel reassured and comforted.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As an Ophthalmology Nurse, you will deliver advanced nursing care within our Ophthalmology service, supporting the daily case management of complex cases. You’ll work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary hospital team, contributing specialist nursing expertise to patient care, supporting clinical decision‑making, and sharing knowledge with colleagues to continually improve standards within your discipline. This is a part‑time position working approximately 34 hours per week. We can be flexible with the days of work and shift times, and your desired working hours can be discussed on application. We also have a 1:5 Saturday rota covering inpatients and procedures.

General Clinical Duties

• Lead ophthalmology‑specific inpatient care
• Assist clinicians with consults and in theatre, including occasional scrub assisting
• Admission and discharge of patients
• Involvement in the preparation and administration of perioperative/postoperative medications
• Assist in the induction and monitoring of anaesthesia
• Patient preparation and recovery

Requirements

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Significant experience in clinical practice with an interest in ophthalmology
• Experience working with complex ophthalmology cases in a referral or advanced‑care setting is advantageous
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• A commitment to evidence‑based practice, clinical governance, and continuous improvement

Support and Development

• A specialist nursing role within a referral environment delivering complex and rewarding caseloads
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities within referral nursing and leadership roles
• Ongoing learning and development to support advanced clinical and professional growth
• A collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, learning, and continuous improvement

Benefits

• 6.8 weeks' annual leave
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee wellbeing initiatives, including a Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• £550 CPD allowance plus 24 hours paid leave
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you – including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

Compensation

£0 - £0 an hour Up to £16.83/hr DOE