Registered Veterinary Nurse – 24-Hour Hospital
Location: Dorchester, Dorset
Permanent | Full-time (Part-time considered)
Confidential Opportunity
The Vet Office is recruiting on behalf of a recently refurbished, multi-disciplinary 24-hour small animal hospital in Dorchester, Dorset, located just a short drive from the stunning Jurassic Coast.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Registered Veterinary Nurse who is looking to develop their skills in a busy hospital environment with a varied caseload and strong clinical support.
The Role
- Full-time position (up to 40 hours per week)
- Rotating early and late shifts
- Weekend work included on a rota basis (essential to support 24-hour services)
- Part-time applications considered (weekend availability required)
- Opportunity to work across theatre, diagnostics, emergency and inpatient nursing
The Hospital
- Established 24-hour, multi-disciplinary hospital with strong regional presence
- Provides OOH cover for multiple surrounding practices
- Highly skilled and supportive clinical team including:
- Certificate holders in Diagnostic Imaging, Internal Medicine, Dermatology and ECC
- Vets currently undertaking further qualifications in Surgery and Dentistry
- RCVS-accredited training practice with 24-hour vet and nurse cover
- Strong nurse-led culture with genuine support for professional development
Facilities include:
- CT scanner (internal and referral cases)
- Digital X-ray and ultrasound
- Dental X-ray
- Endoscopy
- Two sterile operating theatres
- Dedicated in-house laboratory
- Hydrotherapy unit
- Peripatetic physiotherapist
- Isolation facilities
- Separate dog and cat wards
- ISFM Silver Cat Friendly status
- 24/7 ECC support with experienced night team
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver exceptional patient and client care at all times
- Support surgical and diagnostic procedures, including all pre- and post-operative care
- Run nurse-led clinics and undertake Schedule 3 procedures
- Monitor hospitalised and critical patients
- Manage patient admissions, discharges and transfers
- Dispense and check medications accurately
- Maintain high standards of clinical, regulatory and operational compliance
- Participate in team briefings to support efficient hospital workflows
Candidate Requirements
- RCVS-registered Veterinary Nurse
- Minimum 1 year post-qualification experience in small animal practice
- Confident working in a fast-paced hospital environment
- Strong team player with excellent communication skills
- Interest in nurse-led clinics and developing clinical skills
- Positive, proactive approach with a focus on high-quality care
Whats on Offer
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- Health cash plan from day one (dental, physio, optical & 24/7 GP access)
- Life assurance (3x salary)
- 5–6 weeks annual leave + bank holidays
- Additional paid personal day (Day for You)
- CPD allowance: £750 per year + 2 paid CPD days
- Funded certificate opportunities
- RCVS & VDS fees paid
- Interest-free travel loan
- Cycle to work scheme
- Staff discounts on veterinary products and services
Why This Role?
- Exposure to a diverse hospital caseload
- Supportive, learning-focused clinical environment
- Strong nurse-led culture with development opportunities
- Excellent location near the Dorset coast
How to Apply
This vacancy is being managed confidentially by The Vet Office.
To apply or request further information, please contact:
info@thevetoffice.com