Veterinary Nurse (Out of Hours)
Job Description
Advert
Location: Small Animal Hospital, University of Glasgow
Hours: Compressed shift pattern – 70 hours over 6 shifts every two weeks (full time; part-time hours to be discussed)
This post is open-ended (permanent).
Ready for a new challenge in a fast-paced, state-of-the-art hospital? Are you an experienced nurse looking to expand your skills? This may be your opportunity to thrive in a dynamic Out-of-Hours (OOH) environment.
We’re looking for a dedicated and compassionate nurse to join our OOH team at the Small Animal Hospital. You’ll work alongside a skilled team of vets, nurses, and care assistants, delivering exceptional clinical treatment to both referral and first-opinion in-patients and emergencies.
What you’ll do
- Rotate through various clinical areas including medical and surgical wards, intensive care unit (ICU), theatre, and anaesthesia.
- Provide complete nursing care to patients within a busy hospital environment, prioritising patient care and managing unpredictable workloads.
- Perform advanced nursing skills: monitoring general anaesthesia, radiography, Schedule 3 procedures, dispensing controlled drugs, operating laboratory and diagnostic equipment.
- Execute nursing clinical examinations for in-patients and emergency appointments; provide first-aid interventions; recognise changes in patient status and adjust care plans accordingly.
- Communicate with external/internal parties, triage OOH calls, liaise with duty vet to manage emergency cases.
- Maintain drug and consumable stock levels, pharmacy records, and Controlled Drug registers.
- Ensure equipment is cleaned, maintained and operates correctly; uphold hygiene and organisation standards.
- Adhere to health and safety protocols and complete accurate invoices and finance communication for patient discharge.
- Complete CPD and maintain RCVS registered status.
- Supervise, assess, and train non-academic staff and students; perform staff and student inductions.
- Carry out other tasks within responsibility as directed by line manager.
Benefits
- 35-hour compressed working week.
- 41 days of leave, including public holidays.
- Shift workers’ annual leave totaling 287 hours.
- Competitive pension scheme.
- 20% staff discount on veterinary services and products.
- CPD allowance and subsidised further education.
- Inclusive working environment.
- 24/7 confidential employee support service and wellbeing app.
- Exclusive staff discounts from high street retailers.
Job Purpose
To carry out nursing duties to the highest standard in accordance with hospital systems, ensuring all animal needs are met and excellent standards maintained within the Small Animal Hospital.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide and oversee complete nursing care of patients in a busy hospital, prioritising patient care and managing unpredictable workload.
- Perform advanced nursing skills including monitoring anaesthesia, radiography, Schedule 3 procedures, dispensing controlled drugs, and operating laboratory equipment.
- Conduct clinical examinations for in-patients and emergency appointments; provide first-aid interventions and recognise changes in patient status.
- Communicate with external and internal parties and triage OOH emergency calls.
- Maintain drug and consumable stock levels, pharmacy records and Controlled Drug registers.
- Dispense prescribed medications in line with VMD regulations.
- Ensure equipment is cleaned, maintained and operates correctly.
- Adhere to health and safety protocols.
- Create accurate invoices and monitor outstanding debts.
- Maintain RCVS registered status through CPD and payment of retention fee.
- Supervise, assess and train staff and students; perform inductions.
- Perform other tasks as directed by line manager.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Essential
- A1: RCVS Veterinary Nursing qualification and full registration.
- A2: Knowledge of veterinary nursing protocols and procedures.
- A3: Knowledge of current Health & Safety Legislation.
- C1-C7 essential nursing, teamwork, initiative, communication, organisational, and adaptability skills.
- E1: Demonstrated competencies from previous veterinary nurse role.
Desirable
- B1: Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing or Degree in Veterinary Nursing.
- B2: Clinical Coach experience or willingness to undertake training.
- D1: Good IT skills.
- D2: Ability to operate laboratory and diagnostic equipment.
- F1-F2: Experience in veterinary hospital and supervising students.
Terms and Conditions
Salary: Grade 5, £28,031-£31,236 per annum, pro rata + 33 % allowance for out-of-hours work.
Hours: Compressed shift pattern – 70 hours over 6 shifts every two weeks (full time; part-time hours to discuss).
This post is open-ended (permanent).
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We believe in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. Applications are particularly welcome from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities and other protected characteristics. We endorse the principles of Athena Swan.
Closing Date
23:45 on Tuesday 14th July 2026
