Veterinary Nurse

Registered Veterinary Nurse – 24-Hour Hospital

Location: Dorchester, Dorset
Permanent | Full-time (Part-time considered)
Confidential Opportunity

The Vet Office is recruiting on behalf of a recently refurbished, multi-disciplinary 24-hour small animal hospital in Dorchester, Dorset, located just a short drive from the stunning Jurassic Coast.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Registered Veterinary Nurse who is looking to develop their skills in a busy hospital environment with a varied caseload and strong clinical support.

The Role

• Full-time position (up to 40 hours per week)

• Rotating early and late shifts

• Weekend work included on a rota basis (essential to support 24-hour services)

• Part-time applications considered (weekend availability required)

• Opportunity to work across theatre, diagnostics, emergency and inpatient nursing

The Hospital

• Established 24-hour, multi-disciplinary hospital with strong regional presence

• Provides OOH cover for multiple surrounding practices

• Highly skilled and supportive clinical team including:

  • Certificate holders in Diagnostic Imaging, Internal Medicine, Dermatology and ECC

  • Vets currently undertaking further qualifications in Surgery and Dentistry

• RCVS-accredited training practice with 24-hour vet and nurse cover

• Strong nurse-led culture with genuine support for professional development

Facilities include:

• CT scanner (internal and referral cases)

• Digital X-ray and ultrasound

• Dental X-ray

• Endoscopy

• Two sterile operating theatres

• Dedicated in-house laboratory

• Hydrotherapy unit

• Peripatetic physiotherapist

• Isolation facilities

• Separate dog and cat wards

• ISFM Silver Cat Friendly status

• 24/7 ECC support with experienced night team

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver exceptional patient and client care at all times

• Support surgical and diagnostic procedures, including all pre- and post-operative care

• Run nurse-led clinics and undertake Schedule 3 procedures

• Monitor hospitalised and critical patients

• Manage patient admissions, discharges and transfers

• Dispense and check medications accurately

• Maintain high standards of clinical, regulatory and operational compliance

• Participate in team briefings to support efficient hospital workflows

Candidate Requirements

• RCVS-registered Veterinary Nurse

• Minimum 1 year post-qualification experience in small animal practice

• Confident working in a fast-paced hospital environment

• Strong team player with excellent communication skills

• Interest in nurse-led clinics and developing clinical skills

• Positive, proactive approach with a focus on high-quality care

Whats on Offer

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)

• Health cash plan from day one (dental, physio, optical & 24/7 GP access)

• Life assurance (3x salary)

• 5–6 weeks annual leave + bank holidays

• Additional paid personal day (Day for You)

• CPD allowance: £750 per year + 2 paid CPD days

• Funded certificate opportunities

• RCVS & VDS fees paid

• Interest-free travel loan

• Cycle to work scheme

• Staff discounts on veterinary products and services

Why This Role?

• Exposure to a diverse hospital caseload

• Supportive, learning-focused clinical environment

• Strong nurse-led culture with development opportunities

• Excellent location near the Dorset coast