Senior Theatre Nurse - Equine

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 experienced, team-oriented Senior Theatre Nurse to join our team at Donnington Grove on a full‑time basis. We are happy to welcome applications from an experienced theatre nurse, from either an equine or small‑animal background, so long as you have some horse handling experience. This role would be ideal for someone looking to take the next steps in their career within a welcoming and friendly practice. Donnington Grove Vets is a large equine hospital and ambulatory practice based in Newbury, offering first opinion, referral and emergency services. The practice combines a team‑focused culture with impressive in‑house facilities, including a full surgical suite, advanced diagnostic imaging, CT, endoscopy, an on‑site laboratory, intensive care and isolation wards. With a strong reputation for clinical excellence and specialist‑led care, the hospital oversees a varied caseload ranging from sports and leisure horses through to racehorses and foals. The nursing team is a huge part of what makes our practice special, with a team of fantastic nurses across a range of experience levels, from pre‑trainees through to fully qualified RVNs, alongside dedicated yard and theatre support staff. The structure of our team allows for excellent support and development opportunities. How You’ll Make a Difference As Senior Theatre Nurse, you will play a key role in the smooth and safe running of our equine theatre and surgical services. Working closely with our veterinary surgeons and nursing team, you will help deliver a high standard of patient care throughout the peri‑operative period. You’ll work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons and the wider practice team, taking responsibility for the nursing care of a range of first opinion cases, contributing to clinical standards, and supporting the ongoing development of patient care within the practice. This role entails working 40 hours across 5 days per week between 7 am - 8:30 pm with both early and late starts to cover morning or afternoon theatre. You will also be required to work 1:7 Saturdays 8 am - 8:30 pm. General responsibilities include: Providing high-quality nursing care to equine surgical patients. Preparing patients, theatre and equipment for a wide range of emergency, elective general anaesthesia and standing procedures. Supporting veterinary surgeons during anaesthesia and surgery. Assisting with recovery and post‑operative patient care. Supporting and mentoring junior members of the nursing team, including being a clinical coach. Contributing to the continued development of theatre protocols and nursing standards by maintaining high standards of theatre cleanliness, organisation and infection control Ensuring equipment and consumables are maintained, prepared and ready for use. This would include stock control, ordering and overseeing the operational running of theatre and service contracts of the equipment. Contributing to the continued development of theatre protocols and nursing standards. Working collaboratively with the wider clinical team to ensure excellent patient care. You Might Be a Great Fit If… We’re looking for a confident and motivated Registered Veterinary Nurse who enjoys working as part of a team and delivering high standards of care. You’ll bring: Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS Experience working in clinical practice, with growing confidence in medical and surgical nursing Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues Good organisational skills and the ability to manage workload effectively A proactive approach to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement Horse handling experience is essential 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: A varied and rewarding nursing role within a supportive primary care environment Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into Senior Nurse, Referral, or leadership roles as well as clinical supervisors, mentors and certificate holders. Ongoing learning and development supported by experienced colleagues and practice teams A collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement What We Offer Our Team 6.6 weeks’ annual leave plus your birthday off 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 - Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme £550 CPD allowance plus 24hrs paid leave Certificate support 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 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 £34,000 DOE #J-18808-Ljbffr