At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our surgical nursing team and provide world-class care for companion animals.
- Company: Be part of the University of Edinburgh's vibrant community and cutting-edge veterinary services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Comprehensive training and career growth opportunities await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be RCVS registered as a Veterinary Nurse.
The predicted salary is between 39906 - 39906 £ per year.
UE06: £34,610 - £39,906 per annum
CMVM / Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Full-time: 35 hours per week + 2.5 hours of contractual overtime paid above salary (Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm (TBC with successful candidate))
Fixed-term: 14 month contract
Our full and part time nurses are required to cover one weekend shift per month, paid as overtime according to university guidelines.
Be part of something bigger, there’s a career for everyone at the University of Edinburgh. Our technical staff are essential to supporting teaching, research, and the smooth operation of our facilities. Whether you’re maintaining cutting-edge lab equipment, facilitating ground-breaking research, developing new techniques, or enhancing student and staff experience with top-notch facilities, your work will have a lasting impact that stretches far beyond our academic community.
The Opportunity:
We have an exciting opportunity for an RCVS registered veterinary nurse to join our dedicated surgical nursing team at the Hospital for Small Animals. This role will see you working in our wards and in our surgical suites as required.
The Surgery Service at HfSA delivers world-leading care for companion animals, with cutting-edge treatments, surgeries and investigations. Our team contains RCVS and European board-certified Specialists clinicians working alongside our specialist nurses. We are proud to deliver the highest level of care to patients with life-threatening conditions as well as those with more routine needs, ensuring every animal receives the attention and expertise they deserve.
Our Specialist Services at HfSA include:
- Anaesthesia
- Cardiology Service
- Dermatology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Dick Vet Rabbit and Exotic Practice
- Emergency & Critical Care
- The Feline Clinic
- The Internal Medicine Service
- Neurology and Neurosurgery
- Ophthalmology Service
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Soft Tissue Surgery
- REPAIR Centre
- The Riddell-Swan Veterinary Cancer Centre
- The Behaviour Clinic
Our 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
- Four theatre suites
- MRI and CT imaging
- Vital Beam linear accelerator
Training & Support
We offer a comprehensive 6–8 week training programme to help you settle into the role. You’ll normally start by shadowing our friendly and experienced team during standard daytime hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm) to build your confidence and skills. Any hours worked beyond your contracted weekly hours during training will be paid as overtime according to university guidelines.
We welcome applications from all RCVS qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) candidates. Contact Senior Surgical Nurse, Shirley Simpson at Shirley.Simpson@ed.ac.uk for more details.
How to apply
Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Cover letter
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- 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
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.
On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 1 September 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone.
Registered Veterinary Nurse - Surgical in Edinburgh employer: University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and inclusion. With over 400 years of history, it provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive community of more than 17,000 staff and 50,000 students. As a leading research-intensive university, it empowers its employees to drive organisational transformation and innovate in a dynamic environment, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Veterinary Nurse - Surgical in Edinburgh
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We think you need these skills to ace Registered Veterinary Nurse - Surgical in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Registered Veterinary Nurse - Surgical at University of Edinburgh, 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 - Surgical at University of Edinburgh. 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 University of Edinburgh will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Edinburgh
✨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.
