We are seeking an enthusiastic, team-orientated Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Shield Vets on a full-time basis.
Shield Vets is a well-established veterinary group in Southampton. Our 2 sites are based 10–15 minutes apart, with staff working across both sites. Located on the South Coast, we have easy access to the New Forest and excellent transport links to London.
We have a team of eight RVNs across our two practices, working a mix of full- and part-time roles, alongside one SVN. Our nursing and vet teams offer a broad range of experience, from new graduates to professionals with over 30 years in practice, supported by a dedicated reception team.
Our facilities include digital X-ray, ultrasound, dental X-ray, an in-house lab, and microscopy.
We are working towards becoming a Cat Friendly Clinic and are keen to hear from those who enjoy nurse consults and building strong client relationships.
IVC Evidensia is the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals, united by a shared purpose of happier animals, happier owners.
At IVC Evidensia, we believe careers should be built without limits. Our people are supported to make more clinical impact, access more career opportunities, and play an active role in their local and professional communities. Through investment in learning, innovation, and wellbeing, we create environments where our teams can grow in confidence, capability, and fulfilment—at every stage of their career.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Registered Veterinary Nurse, you will be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering high-quality nursing care to patients while supporting excellent client experiences.
You’ll work collaboratively with veterinary surgeons and the wider practice team, taking responsibility for the nursing care of a range of first opinion cases, contributing to clinical standards, and supporting the ongoing development of patient care within the practice.
The role involves full-day shifts on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with a rotating schedule of 7:45 am–4:45 pm, 8 am–5 pm, and 10 am–7 pm. Tuesdays are a half-day shift from 8 am–1 pm.
The Saturday rota is currently 1 in 4, working 8 am–12 pm, with an average of 40 hours per week.
General responsibilities include:
Assisting with ops in the morning, then help with clearing up and inpatient care
Kennel work
Nurse consults
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
We’re looking for a confident and motivated Registered Veterinary Nurse who enjoys working as part of a team and delivering high standards of care. You’ll bring:
Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
Experience working in clinical practice, with growing confidence in medical and surgical nursing
Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with clients and colleagues
Good organisational skills and the ability to manage workload effectively
A proactive approach to learning, reflection, and continuous improvement
We pride ourselves on being a practice dedicated to learning, so this role would suit an experienced nurse who is interested in supporting student nurses.
How We’ll Support You
At IVC Evidensia, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and well-being. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
A varied and rewarding nursing role within a supportive primary care environment
Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into Senior Nurse, Referral, or leadership roles as well as clinical supervisors, mentors and certificate holders.
Ongoing learning and development supported by experienced colleagues and practice teams
A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
6.6 weeks' annual leave plus your birthday off
Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
Private Medical Insurance
Employee wellbeing initiatives including - Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
£550 CPD allowance plus 24hrs paid leave
Certificate support
RCVS and VDS fees covered
Pension scheme
Discounted veterinary care
Voluntary benefits: choose from a range of benefits to suit you - including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers