Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal Wing [Temporary Cover]

Department/Location: Department of Veterinary Medicine, West Cambridge Site

Salary: 25,742.00 to 29,605.00 (pro rata for 0.96 FTE) + 15% Shift Allowance =  28,419.00 to 32,683.00 per annum, working an average of 35 hours a week. 

This equates to approximately an hourly rate of 14.32 - 16.38 (16.46-18.83 with 15% uplift). 

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) to join the dedicated nursing team at the Queens Veterinary School Hospital. This is a temporary position, available to start as soon as possible, for a period of 12 months or until the return of the current postholder - whichever comes first. 

The referral hospital is a very fast-paced environment which requires you to be adaptable with the ability to work well under pressure. The role will be to provide nursing to an excellent standard in the Small Animal Wing. The small animal wing consists of four dog, two cat, critical care and isolation wards housing an average of 15-25 patients during the overnight period. 

We are looking for nurses who can cover 24/7 working on a 7 week, generous and attractive rotating shift pattern, covering core, early, late, night shifts and time off (includes 10 day off shift period after the week of nights). Weekend working (2 in 7). Rotas are planned well in advance to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

The role in Small Animal inpatients will include surgical, medical and critical care nursing (training can be given in critical care procedures). Cleaning, hygiene and administration duties linked to inpatient care will form a reasonable percentage of the time. This is a varied role where no two days are the same, so we are seeking individuals with a passion for nursing, with the ability to communicate with all levels of staff, students and clients. The ability to work on your own initiative with minimal supervision is essential. Shifts have Veterinary Intern and Veterinary Care Assistant support. 

In return, we offer an encouraging and nurturing environment and have a dedicated team of clinicians and nurses who are committed to providing the best care for our patients.  

Benefits: 

• Generous paid annual leave including bank holidays
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Access to a dedicated Personal and Professional Development team
• Wellness programme including Occupational Health team and Staff counselling
• Staff discount scheme including shopping vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Travel to work loans
• Eye care voucher scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• CPD allowance 

If you have any questions about this role, please contact the Clinical HR Team on qvsh.hr@vet.cam.ac.uk. Please quote reference PP47478 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. 

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Closing date: Tuesday 04 November 2025 

Applications will be monitored regularly, and we may contact candidates prior to the closing date.  We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. 

Temporary cover: This post is fixed-term for 12 months or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier. 

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment. 

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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