At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our team in caring for pets and assisting with surgeries.
- Company: Join Blue Cross, a charity dedicated to helping pets and their owners.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, learn new skills, and make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, perfect for gaining diverse experience.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team and help pets in need.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified veterinary nurse registered with RCVS.
Are you a qualified veterinary nurse with time to spare or a newly qualified vet nurse looking to gain experience and confidence in your skills? Would you like an opportunity to use your skills and qualifications to help pets? Blue Cross helps thousands of pets and their people every year in our pet hospitals. As a charity, we see a wide range of conditions so volunteering with us will allow you to see a broader breadth of cases than in most private practices. You’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing your skills and experience will help pets whose owners may struggle to get the treatment without us. You’ll be part of an incredible team saving lives and keeping families together.
If you’re interested, we’re now recruiting for volunteer vet nurses.
Volunteer role- Volunteer Registered Veterinary Nurse
- Hospital
We would love for you to join our team which will enable us to help more pets in need. Your Veterinary Nurse experience, organisational skills and flexibility will ensure we can help more sick pets, increasing our consulting and operating hours.
What you will be doing- Supporting our team by monitoring or shadowing patients undergoing surgery
- Supporting our clinics by seeing patients for routine consultations and appointments
- Supporting the team with running lab samples or caring for patients in kennels
- Helping to promote preventive treatments to our clients
- Cleaning/shutting down our theatres and minor operating areas
- Feeding and walking dogs
- Cleaning and preparing kennels, washing bedding and putting food bowls in kennels
- Assisting nurses/Animal Care Assistants (ACAs) or vets with paperwork
- Cleaning and packing of surgical instruments
- Stocking up consumables, and monthly tasks such as cleaning baskets and walls
- Assisting in dispensary putting away deliveries and helping with stock taking
- Must hold appropriate veterinary nurse qualification and be registered with RCVS
- Ability to work comfortably in a team or alone
- Willingness and ability to learn and follow instructions quickly and accurately
- Compassion and understanding for our clients
- Interest or experience in shelter medicine/pragmatic vet care as we also support pets in our Rehoming centres
- See a broad range of cases and have the opportunity to shadow the more complex cases we see
- Be part of an incredible supportive team
- Gain a variety of experience for your CV
- Learn new skills such as customer service, communication and team working
- Meet new people and get involved with your local community
- Receive all the training we need, including our GUEST customer service training
- Help more pets in need
You need to be a qualified vet nurse and provide your registration number. Your own VDS insurance will be required. We believe that every pet should enjoy a healthy life in a happy home, and we always seek to involve the best people who share our values and commitment so we can continue to help and support pet owners across the UK to achieve this.
At Blue Cross, we want you to feel that you belong, without the need to hide any part of who you are. Diversity and inclusion at Blue Cross means creating an organisation where all people, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, nation or country of origin, disability, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds are welcome, respected, supported, and have access to equal opportunities. We are working hard to reflect the world we live in and the communities we serve at every level of our organisation. As much as we have made positive advances, we consider diversity and inclusion to be a work in progress – a continual commitment that remains a priority for all of us.
If you would like to talk to us about any accessibility needs that we can support with in terms of our volunteer recruitment processes, please do get in touch. You can email volunteering@bluecross.org.uk and we can organise for the right team member to get in touch with you for a discussion.
Volunteer Registered Veterinary Nurse (Merton hospital, flexible shifts) employer: The Blue Cross
At Blue Cross, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our Volunteer Registered Veterinary Nurses. Located in Merton, our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, allowing you to gain invaluable experience while making a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners. With flexible shifts and comprehensive training, you'll be part of a dedicated team committed to animal welfare and community engagement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Registered Veterinary Nurse (Merton hospital, flexible shifts)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Blue Cross and its mission. Understanding their values will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in helping pets.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your skills! If you're a newly qualified vet nurse, consider volunteering at local shelters or clinics to gain hands-on experience. This will not only boost your confidence but also give you some great stories to share during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your compassion! During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you've handled difficult situations with clients or patients. Highlighting your empathy and understanding will resonate well with the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make it easy for you to join our incredible team. Head over to the Blue Cross website to submit your application and let us help you land that volunteer role!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Registered Veterinary Nurse (Merton hospital, flexible shifts)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your love for animals shine through! Share your experiences and why you want to volunteer with Blue Cross. We want to know what drives you to help pets in need.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your veterinary qualifications and any relevant experience. We’re looking for skills that match our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your strengths!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to read and get straight to the heart of why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Blue Cross
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge and skills. Familiarise yourself with common conditions and treatments, especially those relevant to shelter medicine. This will not only show your expertise but also your genuine interest in the role.
✨Show Your Compassion
As a volunteer, your ability to connect with both pets and their owners is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated compassion in previous roles. This will highlight your suitability for a charity that prioritises the well-being of animals and their families.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the organisation. This could include inquiries about the types of cases you'll encounter or how the team supports each other. It shows you're engaged and genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Be Yourself
Diversity and inclusion are key values for the organisation, so don’t hesitate to be authentic during your interview. Share your unique experiences and perspectives, as this will help them see how you can fit into their supportive team environment.
