At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the clinical team in delivering top-notch care for pets and clients.
- Company: Join the UK's leading vet care provider with a focus on community and teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a vibrant rural community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while kickstarting your veterinary career.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for animal care and a desire to train as a Veterinary Nurse.
The predicted salary is between 18505 - 18505 £ per year.
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 seeking an enthusiastic, team‑orientated Veterinary Care Assistant to join our team at Summerhill Vets on a part‑time basis.
Summerhill Veterinary Centre is a small animal, single site, well‑equipped practice and has been based in Fakenham, Norfolk since 1993. We recently relocated to a purpose‑built site in April 2026, to allow further expansion of our services and facilities. We are an RCVS accredited first‑opinion practice, which also takes local referrals in multiple disciplines. We are a training practice for veterinary nurses. We aim to provide a high quality, professional, friendly service, and all work together as a team, and with our clients, to provide the best care for their pets. All members of our team are equally important to this process, and we are keen to ensure all staff reach their potential and find their own niche within the practice, thus external referrals are rare. Quality of life and the wellbeing of our employees is of paramount importance to enable us to deliver the best service possible. We have a low staff turnover, and are a stable, experienced team in all departments. We are a rural practice in a market town in a close‑knit community, close to the North Norfolk beaches, pinewoods, the Norfolk Broads and equidistant between Norwich and Kings Lynn.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Veterinary Care Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting the clinical team to deliver high standards of patient and client care, while helping to ensure the practice environment runs smoothly and safely. Working under the direction of a Veterinary Surgeon or Registered Veterinary Nurse, you'll support inpatient care, assist with patient handling and restraint, help maintain clinical areas and equipment, and contribute to a positive and compassionate experience for both patients and clients.
Working Pattern
- Up to 28 hours per week
- Normal working days are Monday to Friday
- Shifts vary between 08:00 and 20:00, with flexibility where possible
- Participation in the on‑call rota once trained
- On‑call duty times are between 17:30 and 08:00 Monday to Friday
- Weekend on‑call duties are from 08:30 Saturday to 08:00 Monday
- Weekend duties are either a Saturday or Sunday
- No routine consultations during on‑call periods
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting inpatient and day patient care
- Assisting with theatre nursing and supporting vets and nurses during procedures
- Developing skills in anaesthesia monitoring, pre‑operative planning, patient admissions and discharges, and post‑operative monitoring
- Supporting daily nurse‑led clinics including chronic care packages, blood pressure monitoring, vaccinations, puppy, adult and senior health assessments
- Working across a variety of nursing functions including operations support, hospital nursing, nurse clinics and veterinary consult support
- Progressing towards Student Veterinary Nurse training and eventual RVN qualification
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
We are looking for a VCA who would like to become a Veterinary Nurse and join our newly relocated practice from July 2026. You will be able to work within our skilled, experienced and supportive team and, in time, be comfortable working with a vet on call and participating in the on‑call rota, benefiting from a well‑rounded experience of the role. We would like the successful candidate to progress within the practice and will support them to follow their professional aspirations, find their niche, and build a rewarding long‑term career while helping the team continue to grow together.
How We’ll Support You
At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
- Structured development opportunities, including access to VCA development programmes and apprenticeships
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into Student Veterinary Nurse roles and beyond
- Supportive, collaborative teams focused on delivering high‑quality patient and client care
- A values‑led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
- 6.6 weeks' annual leave FTE
- Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
- Learning and development opportunities via the inspiring vet care Academy
- Pension scheme
- Discounted veterinary care
- Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
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.
£0 - £0 a year Up to £18,505.76 per annum
Veterinary Care Assistant/Student Nurse in Fakenham employer: Ivc
At Inspiring Vet Care, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and nurturing employer, dedicated to the growth and wellbeing of our team members. Located in the picturesque market town of Fakenham, our newly relocated Summerhill Veterinary Centre offers a collaborative work culture, structured development opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of animals and their owners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Care Assistant/Student Nurse in Fakenham
✨Connect with Local Healthcare Communities
Dive into local healthcare communities and networks. Join meetups or workshops relevant to human medicine in your area, where you can chat with professionals and fellow students. Getting to know people in these spaces often leads to part-time opportunities that aren’t advertised!
✨Check with Your University’s Career Services
Use your university’s career services to uncover part-time roles specifically in human medicine. They usually have connections with clinics, hospitals, or research labs looking for students, which can be a foot in the door while you’re still studying.
✨Volunteer for Experience
Consider volunteering in clinics or community health initiatives. This not only builds your CV but also expands your network in the human medicine field. Plus, many of these places might offer part-time positions to dedicated volunteers later!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Boards and Our Website
Frequently check job boards tailored to healthcare roles, but also don’t forget to visit our website for part-time opportunities at Ivc. Regularly applying through us can give you a leg up in the application process because we love seeing familiar names!
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Care Assistant/Student Nurse in Fakenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Healthcare:When applying for a part-time role in human medicine, it’s important to express why you’re passionate about the healthcare field. Convey your interest through your CV and cover letter — highlight any relevant volunteer work, clinical experiences, or coursework that showcases your commitment to improving patient care.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications related to healthcare, like Basic Life Support (BLS) or First Aid, make sure to include these in your CV. They not only boost your credibility but also demonstrate that you’re prepared for the demands of the job, which is super important in human medicine.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, employers will want to know when you can work. In your cover letter, specify your availability and any flexibility you might have. Showing that you’re accommodating with your hours can make a big difference!
Tailor Your Application for Ivc:Lastly, tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for Ivc. Research their mission, values, and recent achievements in human medicine. This personal touch shows you’ve done your homework and genuinely want to be part of their team, which resonates well in the healthcare field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivc
✨Brush Up on Medical Knowledge
Since we're diving into human medicine, it's essential to have your medical theories and practices fresh in your mind. Be prepared to discuss relevant case studies or experiences, and don’t shy away from some light medical jargon that shows you’re grounded in the field.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
Part-time roles in medicine often mean interacting with patients and staff. We need to showcase our ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. Think of examples that highlight your interpersonal skills—maybe a time you helped a patient or resolved a conflict within a team.
✨Get Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
In human medicine, they might throw some hypothetical scenarios your way during the interview. Prepare to think on your feet! Consider common patient situations or ethical dilemmas that could arise. Practising how you'd handle these could set you apart.
✨Discuss Your Availability and Flexibility
For a part-time position, it's key to talk about your availability. Let’s be honest about when you can work and how you can flexibly fit your shifts around any studies or other commitments. This shows you're reliable and genuinely interested in fitting into the team at Ivc.
