At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch nursing care for animals in a modern, supportive environment.
- Company: Join Portland Vets, a family-owned practice with a focus on compassion and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available, including weekends, to fit your lifestyle.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while growing your skills in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Must be an RCVS registered veterinary nurse with excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 22800 - 27000 £ per year.
Portland Vets Crawley opened in October 2025 and is the latest addition to the Portland family. We have 3 other branches located in East Grinstead, Edenbridge, and Horley, each with their own identity and areas of expertise.
Our Crawley branch provides first class facilities spread over 4 floors, with species specific waiting areas, consult rooms and wards for our feline, canine and exotic patients. We are very proud to offer modern inpatient, surgical and diagnostic facilities for our patients including two theatres complete with laparoscopic equipment, separate dental suite with dental X-ray, digital X-ray suite, Siemens CT scanner, Mi Lab in-house laboratory and even a tortoise hibernation hotel!
Due to ongoing growth, we are now recruiting for an enthusiastic, full time registered veterinary nurse to join our wonderful team of 3.2 FTE RVNs; plus dedicated RVNs for flexible weekend shifts. Whether you’re looking for regular Saturday or the occasional Sunday cover to supplement your week, we offer ‘job crafting’ to help your role fit your lifestyle.
The ideal candidates would be RVNs who want to nurse to a high standard of care, with top class facilities, in a progressive and supportive environment.
- 40 hours per week (full time position)
- 8-hour shifts both week day and weekend positions
- Maximum of 1:4 weekends with time off in lieu (full time position)
- Share of future bank holiday shifts (enhanced compensation)
- 30-minute paid lunch breaks (Practice also provides lunch on Saturdays!)
- 5 weeks annual leave, plus bank holidays, increasing after 5 years of employment
- FTE annual salary range £28,392 to £33,280 depending on experience
- RCVS and VDS memberships paid
- Generous CPD budget to develop your area of interest
Responsibilities and accountabilities:
- Provide nursing care to hospitalised patients, including patient monitoring and health checking, feeding, grooming and walking animals
- Confidently handle and restrain animals (Exotic experience beneficial)
- Assist the VS with patient examinations
- Administer treatments including injections, tablets, fluid therapy, dressings and first aid
- Perform in house diagnostic laboratory tests
- Prepare animals for surgery and perform some minor schedule III procedures
- Monitor anaesthesia and assist veterinary surgeons with surgical/medical/diagnostic procedures
- Nurse consultations – promote and educate pet owners on optimal animal health
- Dispense and prepare prescription medication under direction of the veterinary surgeon
- Safe handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and materials according to practice guidelines
- Hygiene and infection control responsibility for clinical areas
- Equipment and instrument responsibility
- Monitor and re-stock consumables for all clinical areas
- Maintain up to date and accurate clinical records
- Ensure all patients are accurately billed at the time of treatment and clients updated on cost
- Provide guidance and support to client care staff with general client enquiries
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public
- Assist with the clinical training of EMS students, new graduates, veterinary nurses and support staff as required
- Assist with reception cover for the client care team during periods of absence due to lunch breaks, annual leave and sickness
- Adhere to practice policies and protocols
- Adhere to practice health and safety policies
- Undertake any other duties as directed from time to time by line manager/branch manager
- Undertake continuing professional development associated with the role, in accordance with RCVS guidelines
Qualifications:
- RCVS VN qualification and registration
Skills:
- Ability to work under pressure, in a fast paced environment
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Understanding of relevant legislation, policies and procedures
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
- Strong organisational and multi-tasking ability with attention to detail
- Computer literate: Microsoft office, outlook etc
Company mission statement: Portland Vets is a family-owned, independent, small animal veterinary practice that offers the highest standards of patient and client care.
If you are interested in this role please supply CV and covering letter to valerie@portlandvets.co.uk
Full time and Weekend RVN Vacancies at Portland Vets, Crawley employer: XLVets
Portland Vets in Crawley is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and progressive work environment where veterinary nurses can thrive. With state-of-the-art facilities, generous CPD budgets, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing and career development, we empower our team to provide the highest standards of care while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join us for a fulfilling career where your contributions are valued and your professional growth is nurtured.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Full time and Weekend RVN Vacancies at Portland Vets, Crawley
✨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 at Portland Vets or other practices.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Portland Vets and understanding their values and services. Tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their mission of providing top-notch care and support.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your passion for veterinary nursing and how you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Portland Vets family.
We think you need these skills to ace Full time and Weekend RVN Vacancies at Portland Vets, Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the role of an RVN at Portland Vets. Highlight any relevant qualifications, especially your RCVS VN registration, and don’t forget to mention your passion for animal care!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express why you’re excited about joining Portland Vets and how you can contribute to our team. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Experience:If you have experience in specific areas like exotic animals or nurse clinics, make sure to highlight that! We love candidates who can bring unique skills to our practice, so don’t hold back on sharing your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at XLVets
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around the specific duties mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and treatments, as well as any recent advancements in veterinary care that might come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Portland Vets is looking for enthusiastic candidates who genuinely care about animal welfare. Be prepared to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your passion for veterinary nursing and how you’ve gone above and beyond for animals in your care.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the practice. Inquire about their approach to continuing professional development or how they support their staff's wellbeing. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their team culture.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Consider doing a mock interview with a friend or mentor. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Focus on your ability to work under pressure and your teamwork skills, as these are crucial in a fast-paced veterinary environment.
