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We are seeking to employ a full time registered Veterinary Nurse to work as part of our Theatre Nursing team, as our Orthopaedic Theatre Nurse.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in state-of-the-art theatres, working alongside renowned specialists in Orthopaedics, Soft Tissue, Anaesthesia, Cardiology and Neurology. The Theatre nursing team are actively encouraged to utilise their skills with plentiful opportunity to assist the Surgeons as a scrub nurse for several complex surgical procedures, including total hip replacements and interventional radiography. Schedule 3 work is also encouraged within theatre role, with opportunities for suturing, after undergoing training. This is the ideal working environment for those wishing to pursue advanced qualifications such as the American VTS in Surgery.
Working closely with our orthopaedic team; supporting smooth and efficient running of surgical cases. Responsibilities unique to this role will include; case logistics, managing equipment requirements and maintenance, and supporting effective communication between clinical services involved in patient management.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a high standard of nursing care, a desire to learn, a capability to work under pressure, communicate clearly and confidently, and be a champion for the orthopaedic team.

We are looking for a nurse with at least 1-year experience as a qualified nurse. Previous experience in a referral environment is desirable but not essential. You will be involved with teaching and supervision of Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing undergraduates on clinical rotations. Flexibility will be necessary as the post will require participation in the OOH rota.

Benefits and wellbeing

Our people are at the heart of what we do and as your employer we want to ensure we offer flexibility, support and staff development, where possible, through:

Time off
- 5 weeks holiday per year (plus bank holidays)
- Additional holiday entitlement for Long Service

Wellbeing
- On site Mental Health Champions
- EDI committee
- Employee Forum – to ensure all employees voices can be heard
- Menopause Café
- Wellbeing talks and events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity and paternity pay (after 2 years’ service)

Health
- SimplyHealth Cashplan membership
- Free annual flu vaccination
- Free Specsavers eye test voucher

General
- Free onsite parking
- U2 bus service link to Bristol
- Annual CPD allowance
- Employee discount
- Generous pension scheme – we match up to 8% pension contributions
- Reimbursement of one professional membership fee per year

How to apply

If this role sounds like the right fit for you, don’t delay, click ‘Apply’ and begin your career with Langford Vets.

Closing date: 16th January 2026

Interviews: week commencing 19th January 2026

Langford Vets is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Responsibilities

Job purpose

Job Title: Orthopaedic Theatre Nurse

Reports To: Head Theatre Nurse

Job Purpose: This role will be a key point of contact for the orthopaedic service, supporting to organise their surgical caseload, circulating/scrubbing for their cases, communicating with their clients and generally advocate for this team in the theatre environment, liaising with the head theatre nurse regarding any changes, developments with this service. Including management of orthopaedic surgical instruments; to include repairs and communication.

An integral part in the hip replacement programme, this will include involvement in scheduling, equipment, planning and stock control. When necessary, involvement in hip registry data inputting.

Principal Accountabilities:

To communicate with the orthopaedic team, flow coordinator and Head theatre nurse regarding surgical caseload, flow of surgical cases and kit and personnel requirements. (attending orthopaedic rounds where possible).
To support Head theatre nurse and sterilisation team with communication about orthopaedic kit management, e.g. broken kit, servicing and development in kit needs.
Reporting adverse events and any clinical governance concerns through the appropriate and assigned channels.
To provide specialist nursing support for all surgical activities to include Soft Tissue, Neurology, Orthopaedics, and Cardiology as both a circulating and scrubbed nurse.
To prepare for and assist with the delivery of anaesthesia – to include anaesthetic machine checks, selecting and safety checking breathing systems and endotracheal tubes, assisting with patient restraint and placement of intravenous catheters.
To prepare patients for surgical procedures according to surgeons’ requests and hospital protocols
To prepare theatres and surgical trolleys for use during surgery – to include selecting appropriate surgical instruments and consumables, liaison with clinician in charge regarding requirements, ensuring surgical equipment within theatre (diathermy/suction) functioning and set up, ensuring pre-operative x-rays are available as required.
Proactively coordinate and complete post-operative imaging in theatre, while providing support, training, and development for colleagues as needed.
Sterilising and maintenance of surgical instruments and equipment. Use of instrument disinfector, autoclave, and ethylene oxide sterilizing units – to include cleaning, lubricating, and checking function of instruments and equipment, wrapping of single instruments/kits and consumables to ensure effective sterilisation.
To provide nursing care to patients in the post-operative recovery period as required.
Maintaining accurate patient records with regards to all clinical notes, treatment, diagnoses, client communication and client /patient information.
Ensuring that all procedures and consumables are accurately entered onto the patients’ computer records in order to keep the invoice up to date at all times during their stay.
Assessment and supervision of BVSc and VN undergraduates during clinical rotations. To include working as a Clinical Coach (including attending yearly standardisation) and Professional Mentor for nursing students.
Participating in a nurse rota, working different shifts within the theatre team
Participation in the On-Call rota which includes weekends and bank holidays.
Proactively identify and act upon opportunities for business improvement. Openly identify and discuss problems in order to implement and sustain improvements that increase the value we deliver to our, clients, employees, and students.
Flexibility is key to this role, to provide support to the service and caseload.
Maintaining a good working relationship with all team members.
Communicating in an effective and pleasant manner with clients and colleagues.
Carry out all other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager.

Person Specification

The skills, abilities, experience and knowledge outlined below provide a summary of what is required to carry out this job effectively.

Essential	Desirable
One year in veterinary practice or ability to prove similar levels of knowledge and experience	Advanced Diploma
Able to carry out veterinary nursing duties as listed above	Clinical coach or similar
Confidence and experience in effective handling and restraint of animals	Interest in advancing own qualifications
RCVS Register Veterinary Nurse
Communicating effectively with clients
Ability to work within a team
Ability to act independently
Flexible approach to work
Eligibility to work in the UK