Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal Wing

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Pension scheme

Family policies

Development support

Wellness programme

Staff discounts

Cycle to work

Travel loans

Eye care vouchers

Gym membership

CPD allowance

Job summary

University of Cambridge's Queens Veterinary School Hospital is seeking a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) to join the small animal nursing team in a permanent role. You will provide nursing care across surgical, medical and critical care areas in a fast-paced setting with a 24/7 rotating shift pattern.

Applicants should have at least 12 months post-registration experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision.

Qualifications

• Must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse with at least 12 months post-registration experience.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team.
• Capacity to work varied shifts including nights in a 24/7 rota.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care in the Small Animal Wing including surgical, medical and critical care nursing.
• Assist with hygiene, admin duties, and patient management as part of inpatient care.
• Communicate effectively with staff, students and clients, working with minimal supervision.

Skills

RVN

Post-registration exp

Communication

Teamwork

Critical care

Education

RVN registration

Job description

Based on August 2025 salary scale - £27,319.00 to £31,236.00

Salary £26,226.24 to £29,986.56 (pro rata for 0.96 FTE) + 15% Shift Allowance =

£30,160.18 to £34,484.54 per annum, working an average of 35 hours a week.

This equates to approximately an hourly rate of £14.32 ¿ £16.38 (£16.47-£18.84 with 15% uplift).

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) to join the dedicated nursing team at the Queens Veterinary School Hospital. This is a permanent position, available to start as soon as possible.

The referral hospital is a very fast-paced environment which requires you to be adaptable with the ability to work well under pressure. The role will be to provide nursing to an excellent standard in the Small Animal Wing. The small animal wing consists of four dog, two cat, critical care and isolation wards housing an average of 15-25 patients during the overnight period.

We are looking for a nurse, who is able to manage routine and complex situations confidently, drawing on experience gained during at least 12 months of post-registration practice, who can cover 24/7 working on a 7 week, generous and attractive rotating shift pattern, covering core, early, late, night shifts and time off (includes 10 day off shift period after weeks of nights). Weekend working (2 in 7). Rotas are planned well in advance to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The role in Small Animal inpatients will include surgical, medical and critical care nursing (training can be given in critical care procedures). Cleaning, hygiene and administration duties linked to inpatient care will form a reasonable percentage of the time. This is a varied role where no two days are the same, so we are seeking individuals with a passion for nursing, with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff, students and clients. The ability to work on your own initiative with minimal supervision is essential. Shifts have student nurse and Veterinary Care Assistant support.

In return, we offer an encouraging and nurturing environment and have a dedicated team of clinicians and nurses who are committed to providing the best care for our patients.

Benefits

• Generous paid annual leave including bank holidays
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Access to a dedicated Personal and Professional Development team
• Wellness programme including Occupational Health team and Staff counselling
• Staff discount scheme including shopping vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Travel to work loans
• Eye care voucher scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• CPD allowance

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact the QVSH Clinical HR Team on [e-mail]. Please quote reference PP51258 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Please quote reference PP51258 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.