Registered Veterinary Nurse - Referral

Highland Vet Referrals; Inverness; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary referral practice in Inverness is seeking a passionate RVN to join their supportive team. The role involves advanced nursing procedures, assisting with surgeries, and providing critical care to patients. With a focus on growth and professional development, this opportunity offers a £2000 welcome bonus, competitive salary, and various employee benefits in a vibrant community.

Benefits

Generous relocation allowance

£2000 welcome bonus

Private Medical Insurance

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in intensive monitoring and wound management.
• Ability to support complex surgeries and provide critical care.
• Familiarity with advanced diagnostic tests.

Responsibilities

• Carry out advanced nursing procedures.
• Support complex surgeries and provide critical care.
• Administer and perform laser treatment.

Skills

Advanced nursing procedures

Calm under pressure

Compassionate and empathetic

Team player

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)

Tools

CT scanner

Ultrasound

Laser treatment

Job description

Overview

Highland Vet Referrals, founded in 2022, is a rapidly growing referral practice delivering a wide range of specialist surgical and medical services across the Highlands and Islands. We’re on the lookout for a passionate RVN to join our warm, supportive team — backed by our dedicated VCAs — so you can focus on providing exceptional care to our patients.

As a valued team member, you’ll enjoy a dynamic and fulfilling role where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. Join us to take your nursing career to the next level in a vibrant environment where your skills make a real difference to pets and the families who love them.

Caseload

• Orthopaedics and Soft Tissue Surgery: Caring for patients undergoing anything from routine lump removals to complex orthopaedic, soft tissue, and spinal surgeries. You will work closely with our experienced surgeon and play a vital role in ensuring the highest standards of patient care throughout their surgical journey.
• Internal Medicine: Assisting our Medicine Vet with a diverse range of non-surgical cases, with access to advanced diagnostic facilities including ultrasound, CT, and endoscopy.
• Dermatology: Opportunity to work alongside our visiting European Specialist Dermatologist, gaining hands-on experience in dermatological procedures such as intradermal allergy testing, skin scrapes, and blood tests.
• Pain Management: Supporting our Pain Management Vet, who tailors treatment plans using acupuncture, medication, and home environment adaptations to maximise patient comfort.

Your role

• Carry out advanced nursing procedures such as intensive monitoring, wound management, and specialised imaging
• Support complex surgeries
• Provide critical care for patients
• Assist with advanced diagnostic tests
• Administer/perform laser treatment
• Support with complex medication regimens
• Monitor patients with serious or chronic conditions, delivering tailored nursing care
• Provide detailed aftercare instructions and support for owners of animals with long-term or complex conditions

Why join us?

Work in an environment where your compassion and nursing skills make a genuine difference every day and be part of a warm, supportive team that truly values you and your work. We welcome RVNs of all backgrounds and experience levels to apply; this is a great opportunity to grow confidence and skills while being supported to reach your professional goals.

You’ll also have the opportunity to work with the latest tech including on-site CT, ultrasound, Scoping, DR X-ray, a full IDEXX lab suite with EPOC, and in-house coagulation testing — giving you the tools to provide top-tier care. We offer a generous relocation allowance and a £2000 welcome bonus.

Who you are

• While referral experience is advantageous, we welcome applications from confident RVNs from first opinion practice who have the desire to learn and excel in referral practice.
• You remain calm under pressure, and are compassionate and empathetic.
• A team player with the desire to envisage and implement positive change.

Life in Inverness

The Capital of the Highlands, Inverness offers a lively urban lifestyle with cafes, restaurants, live music, and the Eden Court venue. If you enjoy the outdoors, there is a wide range of activities including hill walking, wild swimming, mountain biking, and paddleboarding. Inverness is family-friendly with great schools, parks, leisure facilities, and an ice rink.

Working hours and flexibility

The full-time role is a 40-hour, Monday to Friday position with no out-of-hours duties. Shifts run 07:30–20:30, and we are happy to discuss options for a 4- or 5-day week. Overnight care is provided by Highland Vet Emergencies in the same building, with no patient transfers and continuous care. We are flexible on working patterns and open to part-time arrangements.

Compensation and benefits

In addition to a competitive salary and a £2000 welcome bonus, you will benefit from:

• Work-life balance
• 6.8 weeks annual leave
• Your birthday as a paid day off
• Relocation allowance up to £3000
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee wellbeing initiatives, including discounted gym membership
• Non-accidental injury support
• CPD allowance (£550) with 24 hours paid pro rata
• Certificate support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon
• Research funding opportunities for Vets & Nurses
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme
• VDS cover
• RCVS fees
• Pawsome Benefits (discounts and cashback)
• Pension: 5% Employee / 3% Employer
• Discounted staff pet care

Up to £30,879 plus welcome bonus.