We are seeking an experienced, team-oriented Equine Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our team at Donnington Grove on a full-time basis.
Donnington Grove Vets is a large equine hospital and ambulatory practice based in Newbury, offering first opinion, referral and emergency services. The practice combines a team-focused culture with impressive in-house facilities, including 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, the hospital oversees a varied caseload ranging from sports and leisure horses through to racehorses and foals.
The nursing team is a huge part of what makes our practice special, with a team of fantastic nurses across a range of experience levels, from pre-trainees through to fully qualified RVNs, alongside dedicated yard and theatre support staff. The structure of our team allows for excellent support and development opportunities.
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.
This role is based on a 14-week rolling rota working 39 hours per week, with 8-hour shifts scheduled between 6 am and 8 pm. You will work 1 in every 3 weekends, with weekend shifts consisting of two 12.5-hour day shifts and one 12.5-hour night shift between Friday and Monday morning. After completing 3 working weekends, you will receive a 6-week break from weekend working. Occasional 10.5-hour night shifts through the week are also required, usually around 3 during the 14-week rota. Paid overtime is also available.
General responsibilities include:
Performing Schedule 3 procedures, including stomach tubing, IV and IM injections, and catheter placement
Monitoring and caring for inpatients, including regular checks and observations
Conducting colic assessments and supporting colic case management, including patient discharge
Administering all medications and managing fluid therapy, including setting up IV fluids
Providing foal care, including administering drugs and oral fluids
Milking mares when required
Managing isolation cases and maintaining appropriate infection control
Assisting in theatre as a circulating nurse and scrubbing in for surgical procedures
Carrying out bandage changes and wound care
Assisting with diagnostic imaging both in practice and occasionally on ambulatory visits
Occasional laboratory work, including running samples and faecal testing
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
Horse handling experience is essential
Some knowledge around foals/race horses would be preferred
An interest in becoming a clinical coach (not essential but something our practice is passionate about)
How We’ll Support You
At IVC Evidensia, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. 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
