About the Role
<h2>Registered Veterinary Nurse (Fixed-Term – Maternity Cover)</h2>
<p><strong>Location:</strong> Essex<br />
<strong>Job Type:</strong> Full Time | <strong>Salary:</strong> From £29,000 DOE</p>
<p>We are currently working with a <strong>well-established, progressive veterinary hospital in Essex</strong> to recruit <strong>two Registered Veterinary Nurses</strong> on a <strong>12-month fixed-term basis</strong> (maternity cover).</p>
<p>These positions offer a fantastic opportunity for experienced RVNs to <strong>step into a role with increased responsibility</strong>, supporting the team during the absence of senior nurses while gaining valuable leadership exposure within a busy hospital environment.</p>
<hr>
<h2>The Practice</h2>
<p>This is a <strong>busy, well-equipped hospital site</strong> supported by several branch practices, with a strong reputation for delivering high standards of patient care. The team includes experienced clinicians and multiple certificate holders, working collaboratively in a supportive environment.</p>
<p><strong>Facilities include:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>CT & MRI
<li>Laparoscopy
<li>Rigid & flexible endoscopy
<li>Ultrasonography
<li>Dental X-ray
<li>In-house laboratory
</ul>
<p>The practice is also <strong>ISFM Silver Cat Friendly accredited</strong>, reflecting its commitment to patient wellbeing.</p>
<hr>
<h2>The Role</h2>
<p>This role is ideal for a confident RVN looking to <strong>build on their clinical experience and gain leadership exposure</strong>.</p>
<p>Key responsibilities include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Supporting the hospital team in the absence of Lead Nurses
<li>Taking ownership of key areas such as:
<ul>
<li>Stock control and ordering
<li>Laboratory support
<li>Dentistry
<li>Other clinical areas based on experience
</ul>
<li>Mentoring and supporting student nurses (clinical coaching desirable)
<li>Working closely with senior leadership and the wider nursing team
</ul>
<p><strong>Working pattern:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>40 hours per week
<li>Flexible rota (4 x 10-hour days or 5 x 8-hour days)
<li>Rotating early, late, and occasional twilight shifts
<li><strong>1:6 weekend rota</strong> with time off in lieu
<li><strong>No out-of-hours</strong> (dedicated night team in place)
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>About You</h2>
<p>We’re looking for a nurse who is:</p>
<ul>
<li>RCVS registered
<li>Ideally <strong>1+ year qualified</strong> (strong candidates with less experience considered)
<li>Confident, proactive, and team-focused
<li>Interested in <strong>leadership and development opportunities</strong>
<li>A strong communicator with a collaborative approach
</ul>
<p>This role would particularly suit an RVN looking to <strong>step up and gain leadership experience</strong> without moving into a permanent senior position just yet.</p>
<hr>
<h2>Development & Progression</h2>
<ul>
<li>Funded external CPD and extensive internal training programmes
<li>Support for further qualifications
<li>Exposure to <strong>hospital-level nursing and advanced procedures</strong>
<li>Opportunity to work across both hospital and branch settings
</ul>
<p>While this is a fixed-term role, there may be <strong>future permanent opportunities</strong> within the wider group.</p>
<hr>
<h2>Benefits</h2>
<ul>
<li>5 weeks holiday + bank holidays + birthday leave
<li>RCVS & VDS fees paid
<li>External CPD funded + CPD days
<li>Pension scheme with employer contribution
<li>Life assurance (4x salary)
<li>Enhanced sickness and family leave
<li>Cycle to work & electric car schemes
<li>Staff discounts and benefits platform
<li>Wellbeing support including Employee Assistance Programme, eyecare vouchers & annual flu jab
</ul>
<hr>
<h2>Why This Role?</h2>
<p>This is an excellent opportunity to join a <strong>forward-thinking hospital environment in Essex</strong>, offering the chance to <strong>develop your clinical and leadership skills</strong> within a supportive and well-resourced team.</p>
<hr>
<p><strong>Contact:</strong><br />
Perry Ward<br />
📧 perry.ward@gvcvets.com<br />
📞 01392 401 078</p>