Lead Referral Registered Veterinary Nurse

We’re seeking a driven and experienced Veterinary Nurse to lead our affordable, specialist-led referral soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery service at Ellesmere Port Hospital. This role is ideal for a passionate RVN with advanced surgical experience and strong leadership qualities seeking a rewarding and varied caseload.

In this position, you will be responsible for nurturing and supporting a team of referral RVNs while helping to grow and develop the referral side of the business. You will play a key role in case management protocols, maintaining high clinical standards, supporting professional development within the team, and driving service excellence.

This is a hands-on clinical role. You will work closely with our surgical veterinary team, which includes surgical specialists (Diploma holders) and RCVS Advanced Practitioners in Small Animal Surgery. You will have time off your clinical rota to support your management responsibilities. 

We perform a wide variety of advanced orthopaedic and soft tissue procedures including (but not limited to) TPLOs, fracture repairs, thoracic surgery, BOAS surgery, portosystemic shunts, and more. A good understanding of the needs of these patients is essential; however, further support and learning opportunities will be available for the right candidate.

About animal Trust

Animal Trust stands out from other veterinary services. Firstly, we are a unique Community Interest Company, being the only veterinary CIC in the UK to date. Our primary focus isn't solely on maximising profits; instead, we are dedicated to delivering on our mission and ensuring enough profit to sustain our business in the long term. 

Our vision is clear: No pet should go untreated or face euthanasia when there is a viable treatment option. We firmly believe that pet ownership should be accessible to all, acknowledging that individuals earning the Real Living Wage may encounter challenges in affording veterinary care when their pet falls ill. In response, we aim to assist. Our free consultations and transparent pricing enable our vets and nurses to break down the barriers that stand in the way of pets receiving the treatment they need. 

Responsibilities  

• Work closely with our specialist surgeons and RCVS advanced practitioners  to ensure the smooth running of the referral service.


• plan and oversee the rota for the referral vets and nurses., ensuring enough staff onsite to fulfil the needs of the service.


• Conduct regular 1-2-1's


• Take ownership of the recruitment process for the service along with our recruitment lead.


• Manage stock inventory for the referral service


• carry out referral nursing tasks: Monitor anaesthesia for referral patients, including imaging, surgical preparation and multimodal analgesia; scrub in when required; communicate treatment plans to the inpatient team; perform advanced imaging (including CT, training provided); and support the referral process through liaison with clients and referring practices.

Experience  

• RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse  


• Previous advanced surgical experience.


• Previous Team Lead/ Leadership experience preferred but not essential.


• Certification in Veterinary Surgical Nursing or Anaesthesia preferred but not essential. 


• Good knowledge of veterinary surgical procedures, including patient preparation, veterinary surgical equipment and general anaesthesia.  


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 


• Ability to work effectively with the team in a high-paced environment.

Hours 

40hrs per week, over 4 days, 08:00-18:30hrs

No weekends 

Benefits: 

• 6 weeks holiday, including bank holidays 


• CPD funded 


• 52 Weeks sickness benefit and free Employee assistance program — awarded after qualifying perio
  


• Enhanced maternity and paternity package  


• Contributory pension scheme 


• RCVS and VDS fees paid 


• E-Car Scheme 


• Access to discounts from high street stores 


• Access to counselling support including mental health, financial and life counselling after 12 months of service 


• Charity days


• Cycle to work scheme 


• Refer-a-Friend bonus 

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive for all employees.