At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional care for small animals and support surgical procedures in a dynamic veterinary environment.
- Company: Progressive veterinary hospital with a supportive and collaborative team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere in Portishead with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real difference in animal welfare while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: RCVS-registered Veterinary Nurse or soon-to-qualify student nurse with a passion for patient care.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 ÂŁ per year.
We are a progressive, friendly, and well‑established veterinary hospital committed to delivering exceptional patient care and outstanding client service. Our team is supportive, collaborative, and passionate about what we do. We’re looking for a confident, compassionate Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our team on a maternity cover contract and help maintain our high standards during this period. You’ll be part of a supportive practice where nurses are encouraged to use their full skillset across theatre, inpatient care, consulting, and client communication. This is a hands‑on clinical role with plenty of scope to develop your interests.
About us: Our small‑animal Veterinary Hospital is situated in the town of Portishead and we have been in the heart of the community for over 25 years. Portishead is in North Somerset on the Severn Estuary, less than 10 miles west of Bristol. We are Portishead’s only veterinary hospital with a team of vets and qualified nurses who are available 24/7 with round the clock on‑site care. We have a certificate holder in ECC and we have vets at various stages of certificates in medicine, exotics and surgery. We offer a high standard of patient care in a clean and professional working environment, and we are proud to have consistently achieved Tier 3 Hospital Status. We are well equipped with various diagnostic and clinical tools, including laparoscopy, endoscopy, ultrasonography, digital radiography (including dental radiography), in‑house laboratory, multi‑parameter monitoring equipment, and much more!
What we are looking for:
- RCVS‑registered Veterinary Nurse (or soon‑to‑qualify student nurse).
- Confident in anaesthesia, inpatient care, and client communication.
- A team player with a positive, proactive approach.
- Ability to stay calm and organised in a busy clinical environment.
- Genuine passion for patient welfare and client support.
Key responsibilities:
- Deliver high‑quality inpatient care, monitoring and supporting patients throughout their stay.
- Assist with anaesthesia, surgical nursing, and theatre preparation.
- Carry out nurse clinics, including post‑operative checks, weight management, preventative healthcare, and general advice.
- Perform diagnostic tasks such as blood sampling, laboratory work, and radiography (if qualified).
- Maintain accurate clinical records and ensure excellent communication with clients.
- Support infection control, stock management, and smooth day‑to‑day practice operations.
Because our people matter: We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do.
Benefits: In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from:
- Work‑life balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays; increasing holiday allowance based on length of service; your birthday as a paid day off.
- Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance; Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline; enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay; initiatives focused on employee wellbeing.
- Development: ÂŁ550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid CPD leave pro rata; certificate support; learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy; access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider; all our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding; Infection Prevention and Control Programme; Quality Improvement Programme.
- Professional Memberships: VDS cover; RCVS fees.
- Colleague Benefits: Company pension scheme; IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well; supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria; voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you; access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers; discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice.
Registered Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal 12-month FTC in Bristol employer: Vale Vets, Portishead
Contact Detail:
Vale Vets, Portishead Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal 12-month FTC in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to veterinary nursing. Show off your skills in anaesthesia and patient care, and don’t forget to highlight your passion for animal welfare!
✨Tip Number 3
When you apply, make sure to tailor your approach. Research the practice and mention how your values align with theirs. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in our team and mission!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Regularly check our website for new opportunities and apply directly. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal 12-month FTC in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for animal care shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in veterinary nursing and how you connect with our mission of delivering exceptional patient care.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your qualifications!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your key achievements stand out!
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vale Vets, Portishead
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around anaesthesia and inpatient care. Familiarise yourself with the latest practices and tools mentioned in the job description, like laparoscopy and ultrasonography, so you can confidently discuss them during the interview.
✨Show Your Compassion
This role requires a genuine passion for patient welfare and client support. Be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated compassion in previous roles or during your training. This will show that you align with their values and are ready to contribute positively to their team.
✨Team Player Vibes
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively in a busy clinical environment. Share experiences where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team, especially in high-pressure situations. This will reassure them that you can maintain a calm and organised approach while supporting your colleagues.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice and its approach to patient care. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if this is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their ongoing training opportunities or how they support their staff's professional development.