Veterinary Nurse jobs in United Kingdom

Are you a skilled and organised Registered Veterinary Nurse with a passion for surgery? We’re looking for an exceptional Lead Theatre Nurse to join our busy, multi-disciplinary veterinary hospital in Barnet. This is a fantastic opportunity to combine hands-on clinical work with leadership and coordination responsibilities in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.

As our Lead Theatre Nurse, you’ll be responsible for the smooth, efficient running of our surgical theatres, ensuring gold-standard care for every patient. This is a full-time role working 40 hours per week across 8-hour shifts. Shifts typically start at 8:00am, with an occasional later shift required approximately once every six weeks. You will also take part in our Saturday rota, working one in six weekends.

You’ll coordinate surgical activities, mentor and support the nursing team, maintain surgical equipment, and manage stock and consumables. Your role will involve liaising with vets and reception to optimise scheduling, maintaining accurate theatre records, and ensuring patient flow is seamless. This is an exciting opportunity to work across a varied caseload including orthopaedics, soft tissue, and emergency surgery.

We’re looking for an experienced RVN (minimum 3 years, ideally in a hospital or surgical setting) who thrives on organisation and leadership. You’ll need to be confident in anaesthesia, surgical preparation, and post-op care, with excellent communication skills and a passion for continuous improvement. Previous leadership experience is an advantage, but training and support will be provided for the right candidate.

You’ll be part of a collaborative, highly skilled team in a hospital setting that offers access to advanced equipment and technology. We actively encourage CPD and professional development, with opportunities to take on further training and responsibilities.

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary of up to £35,000 DOE and a £2,000 relocation allowance, you will benefit from:

• 6.6 weeks annual leave
• Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
• Your birthday as a paid day off

• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership
• Non-accidental injury support

• £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid pro rata
• Certificate Support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider
• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme

• VDS cover
• RCVS fees

• Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers
• Pension - 5% Employee/3% Employer
• Discounted staff pet care

Up to £35,000 DOE