At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.
We are seeking an experienced, team-oriented Senior Theatre Nurse to join our team at Donnington Grove on a full-time basis. We welcome applications from experienced theatre nurses from either an equine or small animal background, provided you have horse handling experience. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their nursing career within a supportive, specialist-led equine hospital.
Donnington Grove Vets is a large equine hospital and ambulatory practice based in Newbury, providing first opinion, referral and emergency services. Our impressive in-house facilities include a full surgical suite, advanced diagnostic imaging, CT, endoscopy, an on-site laboratory, intensive care and isolation wards.
With a strong reputation for clinical excellence and specialist-led care, we manage a varied caseload ranging from sports and leisure horses through to racehorses and foals.
Our nursing team is a huge part of what makes the practice special. You’ll work alongside colleagues at a range of experience levels, from pre-trainees through to fully qualified RVNs, as well as dedicated yard and theatre support teams. This structure provides an excellent environment for collaboration, mentoring and continued professional development.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As Senior Theatre Nurse, you’ll play a key role in the smooth and safe running of our equine theatre and surgical services, working closely with veterinary surgeons and the wider nursing team to deliver a high standard of patient care throughout the peri-operative period.
Alongside your clinical responsibilities, you’ll help lead standards within theatre, support and mentor junior colleagues and contribute to the ongoing development of our nursing protocols and ways of working.
Working Pattern
40 hours per week across 5 days
Shifts between 7:00am and 8:30pm, with early and late starts to cover morning and afternoon theatre
1 in 7 weekends, 8:00am – 8:30pm
General Responsibilities
Providing high-quality nursing care to equine surgical patients
Preparing patients, theatre and equipment for emergency and elective general anaesthesia and standing procedures
Supporting veterinary surgeons during anaesthesia and surgery
Assisting with patient recovery and post-operative care
Supporting and mentoring junior members of the nursing team, including acting as a Clinical Coach
Maintaining high standards of theatre cleanliness, organisation and infection control
Ensuring theatre equipment and consumables are maintained, prepared and ready for use
Supporting stock control, ordering, equipment servicing and the operational running of theatre
Contributing to the continued development of theatre protocols and nursing standards
Working collaboratively with the wider clinical team to deliver excellent patient care
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
We’re looking for an experienced and confident Registered Veterinary Nurse who enjoys working as part of a team and is ready to take greater responsibility within a busy theatre environment. You’ll bring:
Registration as a Veterinary Nurse with the RCVS
Strong theatre nursing experience gained within an equine or small animal environment
Horse handling experience
Confidence supporting anaesthesia, surgical procedures and peri-operative patient care
Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues
Good organisational skills and the ability to manage priorities effectively within a busy clinical environment
An interest in supporting, mentoring and developing other members of the nursing team
A proactive approach to learning, reflection and continuous improvement
How We’ll Support You
At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:
A varied and rewarding senior nursing role within a specialist-led equine hospital
Opportunities to develop your theatre, surgical and leadership experience
Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into senior nursing, referral and leadership roles, as well as Clinical Coach, mentoring and certificate pathways
Ongoing learning and development supported by experienced colleagues and specialist clinical 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 24 hours' paid CPD leave
Certificate support
RCVS and VDS fees covered
Pension scheme
Discounted veterinary care
Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources.
Whether you’re looking to build on your theatre experience, develop your leadership skills or take the next step in your nursing career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
