Registered Veterinary Nurse (Hybrid) - Referral Hospital

Vets for Pets Colchester Referral Hospital is seeking a flexible and experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) to join our hybrid day-and-night team. This role offers the unique opportunity to gain experience across both daytime referral care and autonomous overnight patient management.

Working within a progressive, multi-disciplinary referral hospital, you will support advanced patient care, complex case management, and the smooth operation of the hospital across your shifts.

About Us

Our purpose-built Referral Hospital in Colchester is equipped with advanced diagnostic, medical, and surgical facilities, providing 24-hour hospitalisation and continuous inpatient care. We collaborate closely with our associated first-opinion practices to ensure seamless continuity of care.

Across our Colchester sites, our wider team includes:

• 22 Veterinary Surgeons
• 18 Registered Veterinary Nurses
• 5 Student Veterinary Nurses
• 10 Veterinary Care Assistants
• 3 Practice Managers
• 15 Client Care Advisors

Over the past 20 years, Vets for Pets Colchester has experienced consistent growth, investing in state-of-the-art facilities, advanced clinical protocols, and team development.

The Role

As a Hybrid RVN, you will gain exposure to both daytime referral caseloads and night-time autonomous patient care, playing a central role in delivering high-quality nursing support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Daytime support for consultations, diagnostics, and inpatient care
• Monitoring and managing patients overnight, including medical, surgical, and critical care cases
• Administering medications, treatments, and nursing procedures
• Advanced anaesthetic and post-operative monitoring
• Assisting emergency and urgent cases across shifts
• Maintaining accurate patient records and completing handovers
• Ensuring clinical areas are clean, organised, and ready for teams
• Contributing to hospital protocols and continuous improvement initiatives

What we’re Looking For

We are looking for a flexible, proactive, and skilled RVN who enjoys both structured daytime support and autonomous night work.

Key Attributes:

• RCVS-registered veterinary nurse
• Minimum 6 months post-qualification experience; referral experience preferred
• Confident in independent decision-making and escalation
• Strong clinical skills across medical, surgical, and critical care
• Calm, professional, and resourceful under pressure
• Initiative: Takes ownership of tasks and contributes positively to the team
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

About You

Professional Attributes:

• Motivated to develop advanced clinical skills and versatility across shifts
• Dedicated to high standards of patient care and animal welfare
• Organised, proactive, and adaptable to changing priorities
• Committed to professional development and continuous learning

Working Pattern

• Hybrid day-and-night shifts
• Full-time
• Structured rotas with day and night rotation for balanced exposure
• Designed to ensure work-life balance while maximising clinical learning

Salary & Benefits

Salary: From £33,000 per annum (FTE), depending on experience

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary with structured performance reviews
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance (4x annual salary)
• Funded CPD and RCVS/BVA membership
• 28 days annual leave including bank holidays (pro-rata for night shifts)
• Employee discounts at Pets at Home, The Groom Room, and Vets4Pets
• Access to career progression opportunities within referral nursing

Why Join Our Hybrid Team?

• Exposure to a diverse and complex referral caseload across day and night shifts
• Work in a modern, fully equipped referral hospital
• Develop autonomy and advanced clinical skills overnight
• Collaborate with a supportive, learning-focused hospital team

How to Apply

Qualified RVNs interested in a hybrid referral nursing role are encouraged to apply or arrange a confidential discussion.

Email: recruitcolchester@vets4pets.com
Application: Online submission available

All enquiries and applications are treated confidentially and without obligation.

Location: CO3 8PB

We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities. Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!