Night Veterinary Surgeon (Primary Care)
Veterinary Specialists Scotland (VSS), Livingston
£60,000 per annum (pro rata) | 7 nights on / 14 nights off | 7pm–7am
Looking for a rewarding night role in a specialist referral hospital?
Are you a Veterinary Surgeon who enjoys managing a varied caseload, caring for hospitalised patients and handling occasional emergency presentations, while having access to an experienced team and specialist support when required?
We’re looking for a Night Veterinary Surgeon (Primary Care) to join the team at Veterinary Specialists Scotland (VSS) in Livingston.
This is a brand-new role created to ensure our hospitalised patients receive outstanding care throughout the night. You'll oversee the ongoing management of inpatients, assess emergency presentations as they arrive, and make important clinical decisions with the support of a highly experienced nursing team and specialist referral clinicians. The role offers an excellent opportunity to further develop your confidence in overnight practice within a well-equipped referral environment.
And with a 7 nights on, 14 nights off working pattern, you’ll have plenty of time away from work to recharge, pursue your interests and enjoy life outside the hospital.
About VSS
Veterinary Specialists Scotland is an established, purpose-built, multi-disciplinary referral centre in the heart of Scotland. Based in Livingston, we’re ideally located for both city life and the great outdoors:
- Around 20 minutes from Edinburgh
- Around 40 minutes from Glasgow
- Approximately 15 minutes from Edinburgh International Airport
Whether you want to enjoy the restaurants, culture and energy of Scotland’s cities or escape to the hills and coastline, it’s all within easy reach.
At VSS, collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We provide referrals across feline and canine internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, orthopaedics, cardiology and neurology, supported by Specialist Anaesthetists and Diagnostic Imagers. You'll have access to the facilities, equipment and nursing support needed to deliver a high standard of care throughout the night. We're passionate about developing our people and creating an environment where you can ask questions, share ideas and continue to build your clinical skills.
Why join VSS?
No two nights are the same. While much of the role centres on the care of hospitalised patients, you'll also manage emergency presentations and make important clinical decisions throughout the night. Our Specialists are always available, affording you the reassurance of having a wealth of knowledge and experience just a conversation away. While this is available when needed, this role offers a high degree of clinical autonomy and the opportunity to take ownership of patient care overnight.
You’ll be joining a vibrant, friendly and collaborative team who share a passion for providing outstanding patient and client care. Our expanding nursing team brings a wealth of experience and is supported by Veterinary Care Assistants, while our dedicated Client Care team manages the administrative side of patient care. Together, we work as one team to ensure our patients receive the very best care, day and night.
You’ll be working in a modern referral hospital equipped with advanced imaging and surgical facilities, including MRI, CT, fluoroscopy and high-end ultrasound. These facilities, together with our experienced nursing team and specialist clinicians, provide the support and resources needed to deliver outstanding patient care overnight.
Your role
As a Night Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll play an important role in ensuring our hospitalised patients receive consistent, high-quality care overnight.
- Assess and manage emergency presentations
- Monitor hospitalised patients and adapt treatment plans as required
- Make confident clinical decisions and manage cases throughout the night
- Communicate clearly with clients regarding their pets’ care
- Work closely with our experienced nursing team
- Liaise with Specialists when additional advice or support is required
- Contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture
- Continue developing your confidence in emergency presentations, inpatient management and overnight decision-making
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for a Veterinary Surgeon who:
- Enjoys the challenge and variety of overnight veterinary practice, including inpatient care and emergency presentations
- Is confident making clinical decisions and managing patients independently
- Can remain calm and organised when faced with challenging cases
- Has excellent communication skills and can provide clear, compassionate updates to clients
- Enjoys working collaboratively and values the expertise of the wider team
- Is keen to develop their clinical skills within a referral environment
- Takes a proactive, adaptable and can-do approach
- Is committed to delivering excellent patient and client care
Previous experience in emergency practice would be beneficial, but we are primarily looking for a Veterinary Surgeon who is confident managing patients overnight, has sound clinical judgement, is committed to delivering excellent patient care and is keen to continue developing.
The working pattern
- 7 nights on / 14 nights off
- 7pm–7am
The rota offers a rewarding blend of overnight inpatient care and emergency case management, balanced by substantial periods of time away from work. It’s a working pattern designed to give you both the professional challenge of overnight veterinary practice and genuine time to rest, recharge and enjoy your life outside the hospital.
What we offer
We want our Associates to feel valued, supported and empowered to build a fulfilling career with us.
Our benefits include:
- 24 days, including bank and public holidays plus birthday leave
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- External CPD funded
- Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD programme
- Career progression opportunities
- Staff discount schemes
- Life assurance
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
- Employer contribution pension scheme
- Wellness programme, including:
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Eyecare voucher scheme
- Free annual flu jab
- Cycle to Work scheme
VSSis part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits.
At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You’ll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritises your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best – care for pets.
We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose.
Ready for your next challenge?
You'll be looking for a role where you can take ownership of overnight patient care, work alongside Specialists, manage a varied caseload and become an integral part of a supportive team, we'd love to hear from you.
Join Veterinary Specialists Scotland and be part of something optimistic and ambitious — a growing referral hospital where your clinical skills, development and wellbeing genuinely matter.
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Night Veterinarian Surgeon in Livingston employer: Linnaeus Group
Chess Veterinary Clinic is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and mentorship for its veterinary team. Located in the picturesque areas of Rickmansworth and Chorleywood, the clinic provides a balanced 40-hour rota, allowing for a fulfilling work-life balance while engaging in diverse surgical and consultative cases. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to clinical excellence, this role presents a unique opportunity for growth and innovation in veterinary care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Night Veterinarian Surgeon in Livingston
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Linnaeus Group often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Linnaeus Group
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Linnaeus Group. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Linnaeus Group.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Linnaeus Group.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Linnaeus Group.
