Registered Veterinary Nurse

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. Our 2 sites are based 10-15 minutes apart, with staff working across both sites. Located on the South Coast, we have easy access to the New Forest and excellent transport links to London.

We have a team of eight RVNs across our two practices, working a mix of full- and part-time roles, alongside one SVN. Our nursing and vet teams offer a broad range of experience, from new graduates to professionals with over 30 years in practice, supported by a dedicated reception team.

Our 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 are keen to hear from 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. You’ll work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons and the wider practice team, taking responsibility for the nursing care of a range of first opinion cases, contributing to clinical standards, and supporting the ongoing development of patient care within the practice.

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.

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

• 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

We pride ourselves on being a practice dedicated to learning, so this role would suit an experienced nurse who is interested in supporting student nurses.

• 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 24hrs 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