VCA

Registered Veterinary Nurse

Linnaeus Eastcott Veterinary Hospital & Referrals Swindon|170109 Full time

Job Title: Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) – Primary Care
Location: Eastcott (part of Linnaeus)
Job Type: Fixed-term (minimum 12 months, with potential to extend or become permanent)
Hours: Full-time – 40 hours per week (4-day week, 10-hour shifts)
Salary: Starting from £29,000

Why Apply for This Role?

If you are looking for a role where you can build confidence, develop strong clinical skills, and keep your career options open, this is a great opportunity.

You will be part of a well-established primary care team within a large hospital setting, working closely with referral services and specialists on-site. This gives you exposure to a varied caseload while still working in a structured primary care environment.

This role suits both newly qualified nurses looking for support and training, as well as experienced RVNs who want a varied, hands-on role with progression opportunities.

About the Role

We are seeking a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) who is highly motivated, caring, and proactive to join our busy primary care team.

You will rotate through a mix of:

  • Nurse consultations
  • Theatre and anaesthesia
  • Supporting vets in consultations
  • General nursing duties

The role is primarily focused on consulting and theatre work, giving you consistent exposure to both patient care and client interaction.

Working Pattern

  • 40 hours per week
  • 4-day working week (10-hour shifts)
  • Structured 8-week rota
  • 1 in 8 weekends
  • Shifts planned in advance for the year

This structure offers consistency, work-life balance, and the ability to plan ahead.

The Team & Environment

You will be joining a primary care nursing team of around 23, supported by student nurses and PCAs.

  • Collaborative and supportive team culture
  • Strong clinical support from senior nurses and leaders
  • Close working relationship with referral and specialist teams on-site

This is an environment where nurses are supported, trained, and encouraged to develop.

Training & Development

Training and development are a key focus within the team.

  • Open to newly qualified RVNs with full support provided
  • CPD actively encouraged, including CPD clubs
  • Structured onboarding and ongoing guidance
  • Opportunities to develop in consulting, theatre, or other areas of interest

Being part of a hospital setting also gives you exposure to referral services, with the option to explore or move into specialist areas in the future.

Career Progression

Although this is a fixed-term role, it offers strong longer-term potential.

  • Minimum 12-month contract with potential to extend
  • Opportunity to move into a permanent position depending on team needs
  • Scope to progress into senior or lead roles
  • Opportunity to specialise or transition into referral nursing

Many nurses join the primary care team and go on to build long-term careers within the practice.

Culture

You will be joining a genuinely supportive and social team where people enjoy coming to work.

  • Regular team events and social activities
  • Monthly meet-ups and team outings
  • Open and approachable working environment

Benefits

  • 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
  • RCVS and VDS fees paid
  • External CPD funded
  • Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program
  • Career progression opportunities
  • Staff discount schemes
  • Life Assurance
  • Enhanced sickness pay
  • Enhanced equal family leave
  • E-car salary sacrifice scheme
  • Employer contribution pension scheme
  • Wellness program including:
    • Employee assistance program
    • Eyecare voucher scheme
    • Free annual Flu jab
    • Cycle to work scheme
    • Recruitment referral reward scheme

About Us

We are a veterinary clinic and referral multi-disciplinary practice that offers the highest care services for small animals. With our primary care and 24-hour emergency services, we care for pets from all over the south as well as animals in our local community. We believe excellence is at the heart of both clinical standards and customer service to ensure our patients have the best quality care.

If you are looking for a role where you can develop, be supported, and work within a strong team while keeping your future options open, this is a solid next step in your nursing career.