Referral Registered Veterinary Nurse (Surgical)

We’re seeking a confident veterinary nurse to help expand our affordable, advanced referral service at Ellesmere Port Hospital. This role will provide the right candidate with a varied surgical caseload and the opportunity to advance their skills in anaesthesia.

This role will be theatre-based, where you will work closely with the surgical veterinary team, consisting of surgical specialists (diploma holders), RCVS advanced practitioners in small animal surgery and our existing team of surgical referral nurses. The right candidate will be confident with anaesthetics and working in a theatre environment, and will either hold or be keen to obtain a certificate in anaesthesia or surgery.  

We currently offer advanced surgical procedures such as TPLOs, fracture repair, thoracotomy, BOAS, perineal hernia, etc. A good understanding of the needs of these patients is essential for this role, but support and further learning can be provided.

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 in small animal surgery to ensure the smooth running of the referral service, helping to plan caseload and ensure appropriate equipment is available to treat cases. 


• Work with the relevant staff to ensure effective pre, intra and post operative care for our complex surgical patients.  


• Monitor anaesthetics for patients undergoing procedures under the referral service. This will include patient preparation for surgical procedures and delivery of multimodal analgesia to surgical cases.  


• You may be required to be a scrub nurse when required and so knowledge of veterinary instruments and maintaining sterility is essential.  


• Communicating ongoing treatment plans to our inpatient team.  


• Carry out diagnostic imaging for advanced orthopaedic and soft tissue procedures, including CT scans.  


• Ordering of specialist surgical consumable equipment (e.g. surgical implants). 


• Contributing to the external and internal referral process to ensure the prompt processing of referral cases, including liaising with referral clients and referring practices/veterinary surgeons.  
  

Experience  

• RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse  


• Previous referral surgical experience is preferred but not essential. 


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


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


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 


• Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure environment. 

Hours 

40hrs per week, over 4 days 

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.