Animal Trust
Referral Registered Veterinary Nurse (Surgical) - No weekends
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Veterinary Nurse (Surgical & Anaesthesia Specialist)
We’re seeking a confident veterinary nurse to help expand our affordable, specialist-led referral soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery service at Ellesmere Port Hospital. This role offers a varied surgical caseload, opportunities to advance anaesthesia skills, and success-dependent career progression.
About the Role
Working an attractive 4-day week (no weekends), the ideal candidate will enjoy an excellent work-life balance and thrive in a theatre-based environment. You’ll collaborate with:
- Surgical specialists (Diploma holders)
- RCVS Advanced Practitioners in Small Animal Surgery
- Existing surgical referral nurses
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with specialist surgeons and RCVS advanced practitioners to manage caseloads, equipment, and patient care, ensuring efficiency in pre-, intra-, and post-operative support.
- Monitor anaesthetics for complex surgical patients, including multimodal analgesia planning and preparation.
- Perform scrub nursing duties, requiring knowledge of veterinary instruments and sterility protocols.
- Execute diagnostic imaging (CT scans) for orthopaedic and soft tissue procedures.
- Order specialist surgical consumables (e.g., implants) as needed.
- Assist in referral processes, liaising with clients and vets for prompt case progression.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Case Examples: TPLOs, fracture repairs, thoracic surgery, BOAS surgery, and portosystemic shunts.
About Animal Trust
Animal Trust is a unique Community Interest Company (CIC), the only veterinary-focused CIC in the UK. Our people-powered mission ensures fair access to veterinary care, with profit reinvested for wider impact:
- Championing affordable pet healthcare through free consultations and transparent pricing.
- Supporting pet ownership for all, regardless of income.
- Offering a workplace culture that values inclusivity and diversity.
Requirements
Experience & Qualifications
- RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse
- Preferred: Referral surgical experience or certification in veterinary surgical nursing/anaesthesia (not essential if willing to train).
- Essential knowledge of:
- Veterinary surgical procedures
- Anaesthetic management
- Theatre sterility and equipment
- Communication and teamwork skills for high-pressure environments
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Hours & Contract
- 40 hours per week (over 4 days, 08:00–18:30)
- No weekend shifts
Benefits
- 6 weeks holiday (including bank holidays)
- Fully funded CPD
- Employment benefits:
- 52 weeks’ sickness pay
- Free Employee Assistance Programme
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave
- Contributory pension scheme
- Professional support:
- RCVS and VDS fees covered
- E-Car Scheme
- Facilities discounts (high street stores, etc.)
- Psychological support (after 12 months: mental health, financial, life counselling)
- Flexible benefits:
- Charity days
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Refer-a-Friend incentive
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive culture.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location