Registered Veterinary Nurse - Referral Hospital

Vets for Pets Colchester Referral Hospital is seeking an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) to join our established clinical team. This role offers excellent professional development opportunities within a progressive, multi-disciplinary referral hospital environment, supporting advanced patient care and complex case management.

About Us

Our purpose-built Referral Hospital in Colchester is equipped with advanced diagnostic, medical, and surgical facilities and provides 24-hour hospitalisation and continuous inpatient care. We work closely with our associated first-opinion practice to ensure seamless continuity of care.

Across our Colchester sites, our wider team includes:

• 22 Veterinary Surgeons


• 18 Registered Veterinary Nurses


• 5 Student Veterinary Nurses


• 10 Veterinary Care Assistants


• 3 Practice Managers


• 15 Client Care Advisors

Vets for Pets Colchester has experienced consistent growth over the past 20 years, with continued investment in facilities, services, and team development.

The Role

As an RVN, you will be central to delivering gold-standard nursing care for complex medical and surgical referral cases within a collaborative, specialist-led environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Patient admissions and client communication


• Advanced anaesthetic monitoring and post-operative recovery care


• Inpatient nursing and continuous patient monitoring


• Nurse-led client consultations and discharge education


• Surgical preparation and theatre support


• Close collaboration with veterinary surgeons, referral clinicians, and support teams

This role offers significant exposure to referral-level medicine and surgery, with strong support for developing advanced nursing competencies.

About You

Essential Requirements:

• RCVS registration as an RVN


• Excellent communication and client care skills


• We are looking for an RVN who is confident in their clinical skills and able to work proactively within a busy referral hospital environment.

Professional Attributes:

• High standards of patient advocacy and attention to detail


• Team-focused, collaborative approach


• Strong interest in clinical development and advanced nursing skills


• Dedication to exceptional animal welfare standards

Working Pattern

• 4 days per week


• 1 in 4 weekends as part of a fair and structured rota


• FT Applicants (30-40hours) or Weekend positions available


• Built in 4 day weekend within rota pattern for excellent work life balance

Salary & Benefits

Salary: From £30,000 per annum (FTE), dependent on experience

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary with structured performance reviews


• Pension scheme


• Life assurance (4x annual salary)


• Fully funded CPD and support for additional certifications


• RCVS and BVA membership fees covered


• 22 days annual leave including bank holidays


• Increasing to 26 days after 24 months’ service (Based on 10H shifts)


• 20% colleague discount at Pets at Home, The Groom Room, and Vets4Pets


• Access to additional corporate benefits and wellbeing initiatives

Why Join Our Referral Hospital?

• Exposure to a diverse and complex referral caseload


• Modern, well-equipped referral facilities


• Strong clinical governance and nursing support


• Collaborative, learning-focused hospital culture


• Excellent long-term career progression opportunities

How to Apply

Qualified RVNs interested in developing their referral nursing career are encouraged to apply or arrange a confidential discussion. 

Email: [email protected]
Application: Online submission available

All enquiries and applications are treated confidentially and without obligation.

Location: CO3 8PB

We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities. Even if your skills and experience don’t perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you!