Job Description

We are looking for a care-driven RVN who has a passion for wards nursing to join our team at Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists on a full time basis. We can offer a permanent position or a 12 month fixed term contract option. Our team provides advanced wards-based nursing care to a variety of cases including medical, surgical, and high dependency patients.

Your role will include communicating with the clinical team and discipline-specific specialists, to ensure high-quality care, recovering patients from anaesthesia, and nursing our inpatients. You will be encouraged to build on your existing knowledge and skills. This role will suit a confident nurse with the ability to utilise initiative whilst working alongside a dedicated team of interns, nurses and VCAs.

A supportive team and a world of opportunity

SCVS are a specialist-led small animal hospital equipped with the expertise and knowledge to support the most complex of cases. As a large multidisciplinary referral hospital, we offer impressive facilities and state-of-the-art equipment which enable us to provide outstanding treatment to our patients from the initial consultation right through to discharging them from our care. We are conveniently based in Ringwood, Hampshire, just off the A31.

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.

Qualities we seek

We are looking for a dynamic individual with high attention to detail and an empathetic approach to patient care. You should possess the confidence to take initiative and actively contribute to the care of our patients. Previous experience in a referral practice is beneficial.

Working pattern

This is a full time role, equating to 39hrs/week. We can offer a permanent position or a 12-month fixed term contract option. Working 3 days per week from 7am-7:30pm, and 1:5 weekends (Saturday and Sunday) 7am-7:30pm. We can offer some flexibility with the days of work, as outlined below:

Option 1: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday + 1:5 weekends
Option 2: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday + 1:5 weekends
Option 3: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday + 1:5 weekends

Because our people matter

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business, and investing in our people, teams and hospitals is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary up to 33,500 in line with your level of experience, you will benefit from -

Work-life balance6.6 weeks annual leave Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday


WellbeingPrivate medical insurance Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay Cycle to Work scheme Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing


Development550 CPD allowance with 3 days paid leave 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 All our Vets get 1000 per annum to spend via our Care Fund Infection Prevention and Control Programme Quality Improvement Programme


Professional MembershipsVDS cover RCVS fees


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




Up to 33,500 DOE