At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the feline champion, lead ISFM Gold accreditation, and run feline nurse clinics.
- Company: Independent vet practice with a focus on feline care and innovative tech.
- Benefits: 5 weeks holiday, unlimited CPD, health cash plan, and relocation support.
- Other info: Supportive team with excellent career growth and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Shape a brand new hospital and make a real difference for cats.
- Qualifications: RVN with 2+ years experience and a passion for feline medicine.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 35200 £ per year.
If you’re an RVN who genuinely loves cats and wants your fingerprints all over a brand new hospital, this might be the role for you. We have a brand new, ISFM Gold-eligible hospital in Sevenoaks, and we need a feline champion to grow our caseload, raise our standards, and make this a place cats actually want to come to. Both our Group Clinical Director and our Hospital Director are feline vets, so the leadership genuinely cares about getting this right.
Honest bit up front: this won’t be feline-only from day one. You’ll still nurse dogs and the occasional rabbit while we grow the feline caseload – but getting us there is the whole point of the role.
A Bit About Us
We’re independent and under clinical leadership, and we like it that way. We’re not trying to compete with the big corporates – we steadily carve out our own niche, and we’re quick to jump on new tech and equipment when it makes life better for our pets and our people. We’re hot on AI too, not to replace the fun of clinical work, but to take the boring and the admin off your plate.
This is also a hybrid hospital, so we offer referral-level care alongside our first opinion work, and our nurses get to support cases under the instruction of our specialists. You’ll work alongside a wide range of certificate holders – vets and nurses – so there are plenty of people to learn from. More clinical depth, more variety, no commute to a referral centre.
What You’ll Be Up To
- Be the voice of cats across the hospital – from layout to handling to client conversations
- Lead our journey to ISFM Gold accreditation and keep us there
- Coach the team on feline-friendly handling until it’s second nature
- Support referral-level cases under the instruction of our specialists
- Run feline nurse clinics – weight, dental, senior, behaviour, the lot
- Work with marketing to grow the feline caseload with content clients actually want to read – bonus points if you fancy being the voice of our cat patients on Insta
- Bring new techniques and ideas in, and help redesign the processes that need it
What We Bring to the Table
- A brand new hospital you can genuinely help shape
- A leadership team who are feline vets and who actually listen
- Real investment in your feline CPD – ISFM membership, certificates, conferences
- Referral-level cases on your doorstep
- Flexibility that respects real life
- Relocation support may be available depending on circumstances – happy to discuss
- 5 weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays (rising by an extra week after 5 years), and your birthday off if you’re rota’d to work
- Unlimited CPD (subject to Director approval) and your professional fees covered – RCVS, VDS, the lot
- Medicash health cash plan covering you and your family for things like dental and optical bills (after probation)
- Pension scheme (after 6 months) and Group Life Assurance worth 4× your annual salary, including access to specialist bereavement counselling
- Proper wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Programme, trained Mental Health First Aiders on site, and free access to Vetlife
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental pay (after 2 years’ service)
- Optional staff Pet Health Care Scheme (£11/month for cats, £11.50/month for dogs) and a refer-a-friend bonus if you bring someone great with you
You’ll Fit Right In If You…
- Are an RVN with ideally 2+ years post-qualification experience and a real interest in feline medicine
- Genuinely love cats and feel a bit offended on their behalf when they’re misunderstood
- Thrive in “we’ve always done it that way” situations – bring fresh thinking without losing what works
- Get a bit fired up by a good process redesign and aren’t afraid of new tech
- Lead with kindness, clarity, and a little humour
- Care deeply about the animals, the clients, and the people you work with
Feeling That Little Tingle of “This Might Be Me”?
Senior Nurse – Feline Champion vacancy, Pennard Vets, Kent in Sevenoaks employer: XLVets
Scott Mitchell Veterinary Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the heart of Hexham. With flexible hours, a balanced workload, and opportunities for professional growth within the XLVets community, employees enjoy a fulfilling career while benefiting from generous annual leave and a diverse caseload that includes consulting, surgery, and medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Nurse – Feline Champion vacancy, Pennard Vets, Kent in Sevenoaks
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at XLVets for the Senior Nurse – Feline Champion vacancy, Pennard Vets, Kent role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Nurse – Feline Champion vacancy, Pennard Vets, Kent in Sevenoaks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with XLVets, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at XLVets, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at XLVets
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at XLVets.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like XLVets appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how XLVets supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
