Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) – 6-9 Month Maternity Cover
Location: Hook Norton, Oxfordshire
Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) – choose between 5 x 8-hour shifts or 4 x 10-hour shifts
Out of Hours Requirement: Weekend rota (1:6 days/nights, no mid-week nights)
Reports To: Head of Nursing Services
Salary Bracket: £28000
Hook Norton Veterinary Group is proud to be an independent, well-established practice with a strong reputation for quality care and teamwork. The practice is currently seeking a passionate and dedicated Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) to join its Small Animal nursing team at the hospital, covering a maternity leave position. There is potential for the role to become permanent, subject to business needs.
The successful candidate will join a supportive and collaborative team comprising 17 RVNs, 5 Student Nurses, and 6 Veterinary Care Assistants, working alongside experienced veterinary surgeons in a busy hospital setting. Applications are welcomed from both seasoned RVNs and those recently qualified with a minimum of one year’s experience. While prior hospital experience is desirable, full training will be provided for the right candidate.
Although Hook Norton Veterinary Group also serves Farm and Equine clients, this role is dedicated exclusively to Small Animal care, allowing the RVN to focus on delivering outstanding clinical standards within a hospital environment.
Role Overview
The RVN will be actively involved in all aspects of nursing, including patient care, inpatient monitoring, surgical support, and emergency triage. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support high-quality veterinary care including:
- In-house lab and diagnostics suite
- Class 4 laser therapy
- Laparoscopic surgical kit
- ECG machine, EPOC, multi-parameter and blood pressure monitors (including Doppler)
- Separate cat, dog, and isolation wards
- Two theatres and a dedicated dental suite
A Day in the Life
Nurses at Hook Norton Vets are clinical professionals, not just support staff. The role includes rotation through:
- Nurse consults and clinics
- Inpatient and emergency care
- Surgical and anaesthesia support
- Diagnostic procedures and lab work
The RVN will be fully integrated into the care team, working in close partnership with vets and receptionists, sharing responsibility for cases from admission to discharge.
What Hook Norton Vets Is Looking For
- RVN with a minimum of 1 year post-qualification experience in the UK
- Confident, compassionate, and calm under pressure
- Skilled at prioritising, multi-tasking, and using initiative
- A team player with a passion for high-quality care
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Full driving licence and access to own vehicle
- Competent with IT and quick to learn new systems
What’s in It for the Successful Candidate?
- Salary starting from £28,000 per annum, depending on experience
- 5.6 weeks’ holiday, increasing with service
- RCVS fees paid
- £600 CPD allowance + 2 days (additional sponsorship available)
- Free health cash plan and annual flu jab
- Enhanced sick pay and family policies
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Generous staff discount on veterinary services and products
Why Join Hook Norton Vets?
Hook Norton Vets is more than just a workplace; it’s a community. Team members are supported in their professional development, valued for their contributions, and surrounded by colleagues who genuinely care. This is a role for someone ready to make a meaningful impact, grow, learn, and thrive.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a CV and short covering letter (including preferred working hours/pattern and salary expectations) to: careers@hooknortonvets.co.uk
For an informal chat, call 01608 730501.
Visit the website and follow Hook Norton Vets on Facebook and Instagram to explore life at the practice.