Job Description

Job Title: Lead Medicine RVN

Location: Veterinary Specialists Scotland (VSS), Livingston

Salary: £34,000 per annum

Hours: Permanent | Full-Time | 40 hours per week (includes weekends & on-call)

Lead and Shape a Growing Medicine Service

We are seeking an experienced and driven Lead Registered Veterinary Nurse to take a key leadership role within our expanding Medicine team at Veterinary Specialists Scotland.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident nurse who is passionate about clinical excellence, enjoys working in a fast-paced referral environment, and is ready to take the next step into leadership while continuing to develop advanced clinical skills.

You will work alongside an exceptional team of specialists in a state-of-the-art facility, helping to deliver outstanding care to a diverse and complex caseload while supporting and developing the nursing team.

About the Medicine Team

Our Medicine department is a busy, collaborative service working closely with specialists across:

• Internal Medicine
• Cardiology
• Dermatology
• Soft Tissue Surgery
• Orthopaedics
• Neurology
• Anaesthesia

Collaboration is central to our approach. We work closely with our Imaging team to deliver advanced diagnostics and procedures including radiography, fluoroscopy, CT, and MRI — across all stages of patient care.

The Role

As Lead Medicine RVN, you will play a pivotal role in both clinical delivery and team leadership within the Medicine service.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Support the Medicine team with inpatient care and advanced procedures
• Monitor anaesthesia across a wide range of cases, including emergency and critically ill patients
• Assist with advanced diagnostics and treatments
• Deliver exceptional patient and client care
• Maintain high clinical standards and support efficient patient flow

Leadership & Development Responsibilities

• Act as a senior point of contact within the Medicine nursing team
• Support, mentor, and develop RVNs and students within the department
• Assist with rota coordination and day-to-day organisation of the service
• Drive clinical standards, protocols, and best practices
• Work closely with clinicians and senior nursing colleagues to support service development
• Promote a positive, collaborative, and supportive team culture

This is a hands-on leadership role, combining clinical excellence with the opportunity to shape and influence the future of the Medicine service.

About You

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is an RCVS-registered RVN
• Has a minimum of 3 years’ experience as an RVN (referral experience advantageous)
• Is confident monitoring anaesthesia across a range of case complexities
• Has strong organisational and leadership skills
• Is passionate about mentoring and supporting others
• Thrives in a fast-paced referral environment
• Demonstrates a proactive and collaborative approach

Previous leadership or senior nursing experience is desirable but not essential for the right candidate. Ongoing support and development will be provided.

What We Offer

We believe in supporting our people as much as our patients. Benefits include:

• Generous CPD allowance with extensive learning and development programmes
• Clear progression and leadership development opportunities
• RCVS fees paid & VDS cover
• 272 hours holiday including bank holidays + an additional birthday leave day
• Access to Private Healthcare (opt-in)
• Subsidised pet care
• Enhanced equal family leave
• Enhanced sick pay
• Employer pension contribution
• Electric car salary sacrifice scheme

Wellness Support

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Eyecare voucher scheme
• Free annual flu jab
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Recruitment referral rewards

About Veterinary Specialists Scotland

Veterinary Specialists Scotland is a purpose-built, rapidly expanding, multi-disciplinary referral centre located in Livingston — just 20 minutes from Edinburgh, 40 minutes from Glasgow, and 15 minutes from Edinburgh Airport.

Since opening in October 2020, we have grown significantly across seven clinical disciplines. Our modern facility offers substantial scope for continued expansion, making this an exciting time to join us and help shape the future of the service.

About Linnaeus

Veterinary Specialists Scotland is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world.

At Linnaeus, A Better World for Pets starts with a better world for our people. With a global network of over 6000 associates, we offer outstanding development opportunities, collaboration, and a comprehensive wellbeing package supporting both physical and mental health.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to perform at their best.

Apply

All applications with the relevant skills and qualifications will be carefully considered.

For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Coleman – TA Partner
rebecca.coleman@linnaeusgroup.co.uk

Salary Value: £34,000 per annum;