Wards Nurse - FTC

Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists; Ringwood; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6.6 weeks' annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Pension scheme

CPD allowance £550

Job summary

Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists is seeking a confident RVN to join our Wards team on a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. The role involves delivering high-quality nursing care across our dedicated wards, supporting complex medical and surgical cases, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

You will be registered with the RCVS as a Veterinary Nurse and bring experience in clinical practice, preferably with wards nursing and complex cases.

Qualifications

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS.
• Significant experience in clinical practice with an interest in Wards nursing.
• Experience working with complex cases in a referral or advanced-care setting would be advantageous.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• A commitment to evidence-based practice, clinical governance, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality nursing care within the Wards facility for hospitalised patients.
• Support management and ongoing care of a variety of complex cases with the wards team.
• Monitor patients, provide individualized nursing care, and support clinical decision-making.
• Collaborate with the wider veterinary team; anaesthesia team available for out-of-hours emergencies.
• Cover a 12-month fixed-term maternity leave with a 40-hour week and 1:5 weekend shifts.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Clinical governance

Evidence-based practice

Education

RCVS registration

Job description

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

We are looking for a confident RVN to join our team at Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists as a Wards Nurse on a 12 month FTC.

SCVS are a specialist-led small animal hospital equipped with the expertise and knowledge to support the most complex of cases. Our recent expansion has provided us with a new purpose-built theatre complex, a two-storey facility housing a large client reception and waiting area, 10 new consulting rooms, along with a new rehabilitation centre. The improvements do not stop here, with further additions to include a new diagnostic suite and ICU area, plus much more.

We have an outstanding team of recognised specialists across a multitude of disciplines. We also have a dedicated rehabilitation team who provide physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to aide post-operative recovery. The care and comfort of our patients is always at the front of our minds. Our advanced nursing team provide excellent care to all patients during their stay at SCVS. We also have a team of dedicated veterinary care assistants to ensure patients feel reassured and comforted during their stay.

How You’ll Make a Difference

As a Wards Veterinary Nurse, you will deliver high-quality nursing care within our dedicated Wards facility, supporting the management and ongoing care of a variety of complex cases.

You’ll work collaboratively as part of our dedicated wards team, providing high-quality nursing care to our hospitalised medical and surgical inpatients. Our diverse caseload offers a varied and challenging environment, with patients requiring a range of medical and surgical nursing care across our different wards. You’ll play a key role in monitoring patients, delivering individualised nursing care, supporting clinical decision-making and working closely with the wider veterinary team to ensure the best possible patient outcomes. We have an anaesthesia team available around the clock for out-of-hours emergency procedures, as well as dedicated specialists on call for each discipline to provide emergency support when required. We house two primary dog wards, a high-dependency unit and a separate cat ward, allowing us to provide comprehensive, patient-focused care tailored to each individual’s needs.

We are looking for a Nurse to join us on a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave.

The role is working 40 hours per week over 3 shifts per week, with shift times of 07:00-19:30. The role also includes working 1:5 weekends, Saturday and Sunday shifts 07:00-19:30.

You Might Be a Great Fit If...

• Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
• Significant experience in clinical practice with an interest in Wards nursing.
• Experience working with complex cases in a referral or advanced-care setting would be advantageous
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• A commitment to evidence-based practice, clinical governance, and continuous improvement

How We’ll Support You

• A specialist nursing role within a referral environment delivering complex and rewarding caseloads
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities within referral nursing and leadership roles
• Ongoing learning and development to support advanced clinical and professional growth
• A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, learning, and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

Benefits may be subject to pro-rata on account of this being a part time position.

• 6.6 weeks' annual leave
• 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 and 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

We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.

Up to £35,000 DOE