At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality nursing care and support excellent client experiences.
- Company: Join Shield Vets, a well-established veterinary group in Southampton.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.6 weeks' annual leave, private medical insurance, and a £550 CPD allowance.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and ongoing learning in a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Veterinary Nurse with clinical practice experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ per year.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, team-orientated Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Shield Vets on a full-time basis. Shield Vets is a well-established veterinary group in Southampton. Our 2 sites are based 10-15 minutes apart, with staff working across both sites. Located on the South Coast, we have easy access to the New Forest and excellent transport links to London. We have a team of eight RVNs across our two practices, working a mix of full- and part-time roles, alongside one SVN. Our nursing and vet teams offer a broad range of experience, from new graduates to professionals with over 30 years in practice, supported by a dedicated reception team. Our facilities include digital X-ray, ultrasound, dental X-ray, an in‑house lab, and microscopy. We are working towards becoming a Cat Friendly Clinic and are keen to hear from those who enjoy nurse consults and building strong client relationships.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Registered Veterinary Nurse, you will be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering high-quality nursing care to patients while supporting excellent client experiences. 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. The role involves full-day shifts on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with a rotating schedule of 7:45 am‑4:45 pm, 8 am‑5 pm, and 10 am‑7 pm. Tuesdays are a half-day shift from 8 am‑1 pm. The Saturday rota is currently 1 in 4, working 8 am‑12 pm, with an average of 40 hours per week.
General responsibilities include:
- Assisting with ops in the morning, then help with clearing up and inpatient care
- Kennel work
- Nurse consults
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
- 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
We pride ourselves on being a practice dedicated to learning, so this role would suit an experienced nurse who is interested in supporting student nurses.
How We’ll Support You
- 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
Up to £32,000 DOE
Registered Veterinary Nurse employer: Shield Veterinary Centre
Contact Detail:
Shield Veterinary Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Veterinary Nurse
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow veterinary professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your clinical skills and knowledge. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or mentor to boost your confidence and show off your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for veterinary nursing during interviews! Share stories about your experiences and how you’ve made a difference in patient care. We want to see that enthusiasm shine through!
✨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 at Shield Vets.
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Veterinary Nurse
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for veterinary nursing right from the start! In your application, share why you love working with animals and how you connect with clients. A genuine passion can really make you stand out.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a Registered Veterinary Nurse. Highlight relevant experience, skills, and any special training you've had. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on your key achievements and what you can bring to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shield Veterinary Centre
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around nursing care and common procedures. Familiarise yourself with the latest practices in clinical care and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the team at Shield Vets.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for veterinary nursing shine through! Talk about your experiences that highlight your love for animal care and client relationships. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Team Player Mindset
Since this role involves working closely with a diverse team, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Prepare to discuss how you've supported colleagues in the past and how you can contribute to a positive team environment at Shield Vets.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice, such as their approach to continuous learning or how they support student nurses. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.