Registered Veterinary Nurse

Millcroft Veterinary Group; England; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in the UK is seeking a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) to join their supportive team. The role involves providing exceptional care across various clinical areas while mentoring student nurses. Candidates should have a strong commitment to professional growth and teamwork. This position offers a competitive salary, holidays, and opportunities for continuing professional development in a beautiful location.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development support

Healthcare benefits

Lifestyle perks including gym discounts

Qualifications

• Must be a registered veterinary nurse.
• Experience in veterinary nursing preferred.
• Ability to work in a team and support colleague development.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care for patients across multiple areas.
• Support veterinary staff in clinical procedures.
• Mentor student nurses and assist in their training.

Skills

Team collaboration

Veterinary knowledge

Patient care

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse qualification

Job description

Overview

Millcroft Vets is the place for RVNs to thrive – join a supportive, award-winning team and enjoy a fulfilling career, breathtaking scenery, and endless outdoor adventures!

About Us

Since the 1920s, Millcroft Vets has been a cornerstone of animal care in Cumbria. We’re a fiercely independent practice, committed to delivering exceptional veterinary care, and proud winners of XLVets’ Inspirational Teams Award. What truly sets us apart is the supportive and collaborative spirit of our team.

We’re now looking for an RVN to join our vibrant nursing team at our central Cockermouth hub. Whether you’re in the early years of your nursing career or are an experienced RVN looking to pursue your interests, you’ll thrive in a culture that values mentorship, skills development, and professional growth.

Our Nursing Team & Culture

At Millcroft Vets, our large nursing team combines seasoned RVNs, newer recruits, and student nurses, bringing a wealth of experience, skills, and enthusiasm to deliver exceptional care for our patients.

Our nurses rotate across hospital, theatre, and consultation shifts, building skills across a diverse caseload while also having the freedom to focus on the areas you enjoy most. Many of our nurses pursue special interests, including medical nursing, rehabilitation, behaviour, exotics, dental care, anaesthesia, and senior patient care. We also run daily nurse-led clinics, and with high demand for laser therapy and rehabilitation, there are many opportunities to develop skills in areas that inspire you.

Career Growth at Millcroft Vets

Nichola’s journey from student nurse in 2002 to Clinical Lead Nurse and now Operations Manager showcases how we nurture talent and support career development at every stage. We actively encourage learning in a supportive and collaborative environment. Our RVNs have completed certificates or further training in Emergency and Critical Care (CertVNECC), Internal Medicine, Physiotherapy and Laser Therapy, Feline Nursing and Behaviour, and others are pursuing further study in canine behaviour.

Several RVNs also act as clinical coaches, mentoring student nurses and guiding the next generation through hands-on training, ensuring that knowledge and skills are shared across the team.

What Our Team Says

"Since joining Millicroft in August 2024, I have felt part of the team. It is more like a family. Everyone is bubbly, friendly and can have a laugh with, which I think is a key value in a veterinary practice. Everyone welcomed me with open arms, and for me, that instinctively made me feel at ease."

Bronwyn, RVN

"Very supportive and extremely knowledgeable team. It’s lovely to work with peers who are happy to share knowledge and experience in a supportive way. Whatever your interest, there is someone who can either assist you or the company encourages you to pursue all different aspects of career development. Also very supportive of 'extra-curricular' activities.... if you're running a fundraising cake stall, or achieving your sporting goal - this team shouts you across the finish line!"

Jade, RVN

Our Facilities

We are a six-branch practice with a central hub in Cockermouth (offering 24-hour care) and branches in Workington, Keswick, Aspatria, Maryport and Egremont. We have excellent, purpose-built facilities, including top-end video endoscopy, high-resolution ultrasound scanning, Class IV laser, multiparameter monitoring, and dental radiography. This allows us to provide comprehensive in-house and second-opinion services.

Working Hours & On-Call

At Millcroft Vets, we value a healthy work-life balance, with a rota designed to give structure and consistency while keeping the role varied and rewarding.

Full-Time Rota

• 38 hours per week
• Most team members work a four-day week: three 10-hour shifts + one 8-hour shift, with a fixed day off.
• Weekday shifts typically start between 7:30 and 8:30 am.
• Flexible options: five-day week with shorter shifts.

We proudly run our own out-of-hours service, sharing on-call duties and inpatient care across the team.

Twilight shifts occur 1 week in 7, from 2/3 pm – 10:30 pm, during which you’ll support the on-call vet, care for inpatients, and triage calls from the answering service.

Twilight weekends Approx. 1 in 8 weekends.

Overnight on-call just one night every two weeks.

Saturday shifts only three per year, including the Friday night on-call and Saturday consultations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: £33,000–£36,000 (depending on experience). Paid overtime and lieu time scheme
• Holidays: 5.8 weeks' holidays, including bank holidays and the option to purchase one week of additional leave
• Professional development: CPD fully supported, certificates encouraged, and RCVS & VDS fees paid
• Healthcare & wellbeing: Optional private healthcare after 1 year, access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, and a company pension
• Lifestyle perks: Discounted veterinary fees, one free Lifetime Care Club membership, cycle-to-work scheme, and discounted gym membership

The Social Side

We’re a tight-knit bunch who love to have fun together. With a team of 90, there’s always something being organised, including dog walks, wreath-making, wild swimming, or unwinding at the pub. We sponsor local sports, participate in dog shows, have a stand at the Cockermouth Agricultural Show, and sponsor local initiatives such as the Cockermouth Beer Festival with free drinks for the team.

Life in the Lake District

As director Matt says, "You\'ll come for the job and stay for The Lakes." Our practice serves half of the national park, and we are located in the quieter, less touristy western half. The Lake District National Park offers outdoor adventures on your doorstep, from hiking and mountain biking to sailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, and climbing. The Lakes is also the birthplace of fell running, with many routes and races to try.

Ready to Apply

If you’re ready to join a supportive, award-winning team and grow your career in our beautiful part of the world, we’d love to hear from you. Call us for an informal chat or apply now to discover life at Millcroft Vets.