Millcroft Vets is the place for RVNs to thrive – join a supportive, award-winning team and enjoy a fulfilling career, breathtaking scenery, and endless outdoor adventures!Since the 1920s, Millcroft Vets has been a cornerstone of animal care in Cumbria. We’re a fiercely independent practice, committed to delivering exceptional veterinary care, and proud winners of XLVets’ Inspirational Teams Award. We’re now looking for an RVN to join our vibrant nursing team at our central Cockermouth hub. Whether you’re in the early years of your nursing career or are an experienced RVN looking to pursue your interests, you’ll thrive in a culture that values mentorship, skills development, and professional growth.
At Millcroft Vets, our large nursing team combines seasoned RVNs, newer recruits, and student nurses, bringing a wealth of experience, skills, and enthusiasm to deliver exceptional care for our patients.
Our nurses rotate across hospital, theatre, and consultation shifts, building skills across a diverse caseload while also having the freedom to focus on the areas you enjoy most. Many of our nurses pursue special interests, including medical nursing, rehabilitation, behaviour, exotics, dental care, anaesthesia, and senior patient care. Career growth at Millcroft Vets
Nichola’s journey from student nurse in 2002 to Clinical Lead Nurse and now Operations Manager showcases how we nurture talent and support career development at every stage. Our RVNs have completed certificates or further training in Emergency and Critical Care (CertVNECC), Internal Medicine, Physiotherapy and Laser Therapy, Feline Nursing and Behaviour, and others are pursuing further study in canine behaviour.
Several RVNs also act as clinical coaches, mentoring student nurses and guiding the next generation through hands-on training, ensuring that knowledge and skills are shared across the team.
Everyone is bubbly, friendly and can have a laugh with, which I think is a key value in a veterinary practice. Bronwyn, RVN
Whatever your interest, there is someone who can either assist you or the company encourages you to pursue all different aspects of career development. Also very supportive of 'extra-curricular' activities.... if you're running a fundraising cake stall, or achieving your sporting goal - this team shouts you across the finish line!" Jade, RVN
Our Facilities
We are a six-branch practice with a central hub in Cockermouth (offering 24-hour care) and branches in Workington, Keswick, Aspatria, Maryport and Egremont. We have excellent, purpose-built facilities, including top-end video endoscopy, high-resolution ultrasound scanning, Class IV laser, multiparameter monitoring, and dental radiography. This allows us to provide comprehensive in-house and second-opinion services.
At Millcroft Vets, we value a healthy work-life balance, with a rota designed to give structure and consistency while keeping the role varied and rewarding.
Full-Time Rota:
~Most team members work a four-day week : three 10-hour shifts + one 8-hour shift, with a fixed day off.
~ Weekday shifts typically start between 7:30 and 8:30 am.
~ Flexible options: five-day week with shorter shifts.
Twilight shifts: occur 1 week in 7, from 2/3 pm – 10:30 pm, during which you’ll support the on-call vet, care for inpatients, and triage calls from the answering service.
Twilight weekends: Approx. 1 in 8 weekends.
Overnight on-call: just one night every two weeks.
Saturday shifts: only three per year, including the Friday night on-call and Saturday consultations.
Salary: £33,000–£36,000 (depending on experience). Paid overtime and lieu time scheme
~ Holidays: 5.8 weeks' holidays, including bank holidays and the option to purchase one week of additional leave
~ Professional development: Optional private healthcare after 1 year, access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, and a company pension
~ Discounted veterinary fees, one free Lifetime Care Club membership, cycle-to-work scheme, and discounted gym membership
With a team of 90, there’s always something being organised, including dog walks, creative activities such as wreath-making, wild swimming, or unwinding at the pub.
We're passionate about giving back to the local community and sponsoring various local sports. We also participate in local dog shows, have a stand at the Cockermouth Agricultural Show, and are always up for getting involved with local initiatives - like proudly sponsoring the Cockermouth Beer Festival with free drinks for all the team!
But, as you can see from our video, the Lake District National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) offers more than just breathtaking views. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless adventures on their doorstep, from hiking and mountain biking to sailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, and climbing. Call us for an informal chat or apply now to discover life at Millcroft Vets.