Registered Veterinary Nurse

Job Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic, team‑orientated Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Shield Vets on a full‑time basis. Shield Vets is a well‑established veterinary group in Southampton with two sites 10‑15 minutes apart, staffed across both locations. Located on the South Coast, we have easy access to the New Forest and excellent transport links to London.

Our team of eight RVNs and one SVN share a mix of full‑ and part‑time roles. The nursing and veterinary teams include professionals ranging from new graduates to experts with over 30 years in practice, supported by a dedicated reception team. Facilities include digital X‑ray, ultrasound, dental X‑ray, an in‑house lab and microscopy. We are working towards becoming a Cat Friendly Clinic and welcome those who enjoy nurse consults and building strong client relationships.

As a Registered Veterinary Nurse, you will be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering high‑quality nursing care to patients while supporting excellent client experiences.

• Assisting with ops in the morning, then helping with clearing up and inpatient care
• Kennel work
• Nurse consults

The role involves full‑day shifts on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with a rotating schedule of 7:45 am‑4:45 pm, 8 am‑5 pm, and 10 am‑7 pm. Tuesdays are a half‑day shift from 8 am‑1 pm. The Saturday rota is currently 1 in 4, working 8 am‑12 pm, with an average of 40 hours per week.

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Experience working in clinical practice, with growing confidence in medical and surgical nursing
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage workload effectively
• A proactive approach to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement

• A varied and rewarding nursing role within a supportive primary care environment
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into Senior Nurse, Referral, or leadership roles as well as clinical supervisors, mentors and certificate holders
• Ongoing learning and development supported by experienced colleagues and practice teams
• A collaborative, values‑led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

• 6.6 weeks annual leave plus your birthday off
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
• £550 CPD allowance plus 24 hrs paid leave
• Certificate support
• RCVS and VDS fees covered
• Pension scheme
• Discounted veterinary care
• Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you — including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

Up to £32,000 DOE