At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional care to animals during night shifts and assist in surgeries.
- Company: Join the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, a leader in veterinary education.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, staff discounts, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Enjoy a balanced shift pattern of 4 nights on, 8 nights off.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Edinburgh - Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, United Kingdom (100% On-campus)
Job Identification: 14402
Organization: Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh University Group
Department: Veterinary Clinical Services
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Work Duration: 14 Months
Job Schedule: Part time (29.2 hours on average per week)
Grade: UE06
Number of Openings: 1
Job Function: Nursing
Job Description:
Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is seeking a part-time Registered Veterinary Nurse for a 14-month maternity cover contract. The shift pattern is from 8pm to 8:30am, working a rolling schedule of 4 shifts on and 8 shifts off.
This role requires dedication, resilience, flexibility, and a proactive approach. You will be expected to cover an equal share of the annual leave in your pod of night RVNs, accruing paid overtime for all additional hours worked. Our dedicated night team provides round-the-clock care to our patients, handling a variety of cases, including ward-based patients and those requiring intermediate and emergency critical care. You may also assist with surgeries or endoscopies that run out of hours.
The hospital is equipped with:
- Three canine wards
- Four exotics wards
- One feline ward
- Purpose-built isolation units
- A fully equipped emergency room
- Dedicated Intermediate Care and Intensive Care Wards
Training & Support:
We offer a comprehensive 6–8 weeks training programme to help you settle into the role, starting by shadowing our experienced team during standard daytime hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm). Any hours worked beyond your contracted weekly hours during training will be paid as overtime according to university guidelines.
Shift Pattern:
You’ll work a rolling pattern of 4 night shifts on, followed by 8 nights off, providing a great balance of work and rest. You’ll be part of a supportive pod system, sharing annual leave cover equally with your two pod-mates.
Holiday Commitment:
You’ll also cover a fair share of public holidays, including over the Christmas period, if your shifts fall on those dates.
We welcome applications from all RCVS qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) candidates.
Contact: Out of hours senior nurse Nicola Cochrane at Nicola.Cochrane@ed.ac.uk for more details.
Comprehensive Staff Benefits:
Including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion:
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK.
Registered Veterinary Nurse - Nights employer: The University of Edinburgh
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies offers a unique opportunity for Registered Veterinary Nurses to thrive in a supportive and dynamic environment at our Easter Bush Campus in Edinburgh. With a commitment to excellence in patient care, we provide comprehensive training, generous benefits, and a flexible work schedule that promotes a healthy work-life balance. Join our dedicated night team and be part of a culture that values professional growth, diversity, and the well-being of both our staff and patients.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Veterinary Nurse - Nights
✨Get Hands-On with Local Clinics
One of the best ways to land a part-time nursing role is to visit local clinics and hospitals. Drop by or call in to inquire about opportunities—many places value a personal touch and are often searching for part-time staff to assist in patient care.
✨Join Nursing Community Groups
Engage with local nursing community groups or online forums. They can be valuable resources for finding out about part-time roles and networking with other professionals in the field who might know of openings at places like The University of Edinburgh.
✨Stay Sharp with Continuous Learning
Part-time roles sometimes demand specific skills or certifications. Keep an eye on workshops or webinars that enhance your nursing skills, and don't forget to share your achievements on your social media or professional profiles to catch the eye of employers.
✨Apply Online with Us!
Don’t forget to apply for the part-time nursing positions directly through our website. We make it easy to connect with employers like The University of Edinburgh who are looking for fantastic patient care professionals, so get your application in and showcase your passion for nursing!
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Veterinary Nurse - Nights
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Clinical Skills:When you’re crafting your CV for a nursing role, make sure to focus on your clinical skills and hands-on experience. Detail any specific areas of patient care you excel in, such as wound management or patient education.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:In nursing, strong communication is key, both with patients and fellow staff. Use your cover letter to tell us about a time you effectively communicated with a patient or a team member, showing your ability to work well in a part-time capacity.
Tailor Your Availability:As you’re applying for a part-time position, specify your availability clearly in your application. Highlight how your schedule can support the team's needs at The University of Edinburgh, making you an ideal choice for flexible shifts.
Include Relevant Certifications:Don’t forget to mention any nursing certifications or training you’ve completed that are relevant to the role. This could make your application really stand out, especially for a part-time position at The University of Edinburgh where specific skills might be in demand.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Show Off Your Empathy Skills
As a nursing intern, you'll need to convey your empathy and patient care skills. Use specific examples from your studies or previous experiences where you made a positive impact on a patient's experience. This is a great way for us to highlight our interpersonal skills and show that we're tuned into patient needs.
✨Know Your Clinical Knowledge
Expect some technical questions related to nursing practices, patient management, and healthcare ethics. Make sure we brush up on key clinical competencies or procedures, so we're ready to discuss how to handle patient scenarios confidently.
✨Flexibility is Your Friend
Part-time roles often require us to adapt to varying schedules. Be prepared to talk about our availability and flexibility in taking on shifts, as this is crucial for nursing positions. Showing that we're willing to be available when needed can set us apart!
✨Bring a Reflective Portfolio
Since this is a part-time nursing role, it’s a great chance to showcase any relevant work or volunteer experiences. Create a reflective portfolio that includes notes, feedback from mentors, or case studies. This allows us to demonstrate our learning journey and commitment to improving our patient care skills.