Lead Referral Veterinary Nurse

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for Anaesthesia and surgery? Are you looking for a rewarding role helping to grow an affordable referral service in Cheshire?

We’re seeking a confident and experienced veterinary nurse to help deliver our affordable, advanced referral service at Ellesmere Port Hospital. This role will provide the right candidate with a varied surgical caseload and the opportunity to advance their skills in anaesthesia.

This role will be theatre-based, where you will work closely with the surgical veterinary team, consisting of residency trained and RCVS advanced clinicians. The right candidate will be confident with anaesthetics and working in a theatre environment, have experience leading a team and will either hold or be keen to obtain a certificate in anaesthesia or surgery. 

We currently offer advanced surgical procedures such as TPLOs, fracture repair, thoracotomy, BOAS, perineal hernia, etc. A good understanding of the needs of these patients is essential for this role, but support and further learning can be provided.

Work closely with our certificate holding and residency trained surgical clinicians to ensure the smooth running for the referral service, helping to plan caseload and ensure appropriate equipment is available to treat cases. Line management of the referral nursing team and support staff, conducting regular 1-2-1 meetings, Oversee rota management for the referral team Responsible for encouraging staff development, mentoring and best practice Work with the relevant staff to ensure effective pre, intra and post operative care for our complex surgical patients.  Monitor anaesthetics for patients undergoing procedures under the referral service. This will include patient preparation for surgical procedures and delivery of multimodal analgesia to surgical cases.  You may be required to be a scrub nurse when required and so knowledge of veterinary instruments and maintaining sterility is essential.  Communicating ongoing treatment plans to our inpatient team.  Carry out diagnostic imaging for advanced orthopaedic and soft tissue procedures, including CT scans.  Ordering of specialist surgical consumable equipment (e.g. surgical implants). Contributing to the external and internal referral process to ensure the prompt processing of referral cases, including liaising with referral clients and referring practices/veterinary surgeons. 

Qualification and registration as a Veterinary Nurse. Leadership experience is advantageous but not necessary Previous referral surgical experience is preferred but not essential. Certification in Veterinary Surgical Nursing or Anaesthesia preferred but not essential. Strong knowledge of veterinary surgical procedures, including patient preparation, veterinary surgical equipment and general anaesthesia.  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure environment.

Comprehensive benefits package, including: 6 weeks of annual leave, including bank holidays. Funded CPD opportunities to certificate level. 52 weeks of sickness benefit and access to a free Employee Assistance Programme after the qualifying period. Enhanced maternity and paternity packages. Contributory pension scheme. RCVS and VDS fees paid. Store discounts. Staff discount. Access to mental health, financial, and life counselling after 12 months. Cycle to work scheme, access to E-Car Scheme and a Refer-a-Friend bonus.

A structured 40-hour week over four days. No weekends Hours of work 08:00-18:30hrs A supportive and inclusive culture without hierarchy, where every team member’s input is valued and encouraged.

Animal Trust is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that prioritises accessible veterinary care over profit. Our core belief is that every pet deserves prompt and expert treatment regardless of their owner's financial situation. This is why we offer free consultations for sick and injured animals, ensuring timely and necessary care. We are committed to a future where no pet suffers due to financial constraints.

Our innovative approach ensures that all pets receive the care they need, tailored to their conditions and owners' financial capabilities. From free consultations to fixed-cost treatments, we provide a range of options to suit every need without compromising on care quality.

At Animal Trust, we deeply value the wellness and satisfaction of our team members. We offer comprehensive support for mental, financial, and life counselling, ensuring each staff member has the resources to thrive both professionally and personally. We are proud to compensate our team members at or above the Real Living Wage rate unless they are attending external training courses. This commitment to fair compensation and sustainable practices reflects our dedication to our staff and our mission.

To apply, click the Apply Now button, fill out your details, and submit your CV through our online portal. Ensure your application reflects your qualifications, passion for veterinary care, and desire to grow with Animal Trust.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Gemma Wall at [email protected]. Join us in making a difference at Animal Trust, where your career growth aligns with compassionate animal care. Apply today!