Small animal senior theatre nurse RVN vacancy, London/Essex

Discipline: Small Animal Veterinary Nurse, Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Nurse, Referral Practice Veterinary Nurse
Contact name: Louise Evans

Contact email: louise@brightleaf.co.uk
Job ref: 8783
Published: about 1 month ago
My client is a small animal Hospital is offering a unique opportunity for an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to take on a 12-month maternity cover as Senior Theatre Nurse, starting this spring. This role is perfect for an RVN with a strong interest in theatre work who is ready to take on leadership responsibilities and ensure the smooth running of the hospital’s four operating theatres. Candidates who haven’t previously held a senior position but are eager to develop their theatre skills and step into a leadership role will also be considered.
The position is full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for either a four- or five-day schedule. It includes a 1:6 weekend rotation with time off in lieu, two bank holidays per year, and participation in the last-resort on-call rotation once every ten weeks.
The Senior Theatre Nurse is responsible for overseeing theatre operations, maintaining high standards of surgical practice, and supporting both staff development and clinical efficiency. Key responsibilities include auditing GA and pre-GA checklists, maintaining surgical kits and equipment, organising theatre schedules, providing GA, ventilator, endoscope, and ethylene oxide training, maintaining scope and theatre SOPs, and contributing to in-house CPD and leadership meetings. The role also involves assisting with cover for the Charge Nurse as needed.
They treat a diverse range of cases, including first-opinion and internal referrals from surrounding branches in East, North, and Central London. The hospital is well equipped, featuring a CT scanner, a commercial laboratory, and a strong surgical team performing advanced orthopaedic, soft tissue, and minimally invasive procedures.
The team is extensive, comprising around 25 veterinarians, 27 RVNs, 14 SVNs, seven VCAs, and a large client-facing team, all supported by a robust management structure that includes a head nurse, two deputy head nurses, a head vet, and a hospital manager. This ensures the Senior Theatre Nurse has ample support while settling into the role.
The hospital is located on the outskirts of urban Essex, offering convenient access to London via a short walk to the Central Line, while still being close to rural areas for a countryside escape. On-site parking is not available, so public transport is recommended.
The role offers a salary ranging from £35,000 to £39,000, depending on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package. This includes 6.6 weeks of annual leave including bank holidays, a generous CPD budget with up to two days of paid CPD leave, paid lunch breaks, and the option to join a private healthcare scheme with cashback incentives.
This position presents an excellent opportunity for an RVN with theatre experience to develop leadership skills, gain exposure to a wide variety of surgical procedures, and contribute to the smooth running of a high-standard, supportive hospital environment.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity or wish to apply, please don't hesitate to contact Louise@brightleaf.co.uk or give us a call at 01422 433900. We are dedicated to assisting talented Small Animal Veterinary Surgeons and nurses like you in finding the ideal job.

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