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 developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a registered Veterinary Nurse with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 37900 - 44500 £ 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
At Shield Vets, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where Registered Veterinary Nurses can thrive. Located in the picturesque Southampton area with easy access to the New Forest, our practice offers excellent career progression opportunities, ongoing professional development, and a generous benefits package including 6.6 weeks of annual leave and a £550 CPD allowance. Join our dedicated team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their owners while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Veterinary Nurse
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Dive into local health initiatives or volunteer at community health events. This not only boosts your practical experience but also gets you noticed among professionals in human medicine who may have leads on full-time positions like Registered Veterinary Nurse at Shield Veterinary Centre.
✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from Shield Veterinary Centre!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise Online
Build a personal website or a professional blog where you can share your insights on human medicine topics. This portfolio can catch the eye of recruiters looking for dedicated individuals for full-time roles like Registered Veterinary Nurse.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in or recently graduated from university, don’t hesitate to use your career services. They often have exclusive listings and contacts in the human medicine field that can help you land a full-time gig at places like Shield Veterinary Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Veterinary Nurse
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Registered Veterinary Nurse at Shield Veterinary Centre, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Registered Veterinary Nurse at Shield Veterinary Centre. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like Shield Veterinary Centre will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shield Veterinary Centre
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
