Registered Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal
Barnstaple, Devon, England
Primary Care - Vet Nurse – Small Animal /
Market Veterinary Centre, Barnstaple [1667] /
On-site
We are looking to recruit an RVN to join our wonderful team at Market Vets on a full time basis.
We are a friendly, two-site mixed practice based in North Devon, just a short drive from Exmoor and the stunning North Devon beaches. Our practice boasts modern, well-equipped facilities and a diverse range of clinical interests among our team, including exotics and orthopaedics. We strongly encourage our nurses to pursue their individual areas of interest, and many have gone on to achieve certificates in their chosen fields. Our equipment includes an in-house diagnostic laboratory, digital x-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, dental radiography, therapeutic laser (used in nurse-led clinics), and multiparameter monitors in theatre, enabling us to deliver high-quality, progressive care.
Across our two sites, we have a mix of full- and part-time team members, including 14 vets, 12 nurses, 3 student nurses, and 11 members of our dedicated admin team. Our clinical staff bring a wealth of experience, with vets holding certificates in surgery and exotics, and nurses qualified in feline nursing, exotics, and anaesthesia. We actively support and encourage individual interests that align with the goals and values of the practice, fostering a culture of professional growth. We’re also proud to work closely with local charities, including our partnership with a local branch of Cats Protection.
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 is a full position working 37.5 hours per week, with shifts varying between 8:00am and 6:15pm. The role includes working one in six Saturdays, participation in the inpatient rota three times every six weeks, and being part of the second on-call rota from 6:00pm to 7:00pm approximately once every one to two months.
General responsibilities include:
* Assisting our Veterinary Surgeons in theatre and consultations
* Responsibility for inpatient care
* Assisting with patient admits and discharges
* Carrying out nurse consultations
* Responsibility for inpatient care
* Assisting with patient admits and discharges
* Carrying out nurse consultations
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
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
£0 - £0 a year
Up to £28,977 pa DOE (based on 37.5 hours)
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
