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!
About Us
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. What truly sets us apart is the supportive and collaborative spirit of our team.
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.
Our Nursing Team & Culture
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. We also run daily nurse-led clinics, and with high demand for laser therapy and rehabilitation, there are many opportunities to develop skills in areas that inspire you.
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. We actively encourage learning in a supportive and collaborative environment. 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.
What our team says about us
"Since joining Millicroft in August 2024, I have felt part of the team. It is more like a family. Everyone is bubbly, friendly and can have a laugh with, which I think is a key value in a veterinary practice. Everyone welcomed me with open arms, and for me, that instinctively made me feel at ease." Bronwyn, RVN
"Very supportive and extremely knowledgeable team. It’s lovely to work with peers who are happy to share knowledge and experience in a supportive way. 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.
Working Hours & On-Call
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:
* 38 hours per week
* 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.
We proudly run our own out-of-hours service, sharing on-call duties and inpatient care across the team.
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.
We offer:
* 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: CPD fully supported, certificates encouraged, and RCVS & VDS fees paid
* Healthcare & wellbeing: Optional private healthcare after 1 year, access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, and a company pension
* Lifestyle perks: Discounted veterinary fees, one free Lifetime Care Club membership, cycle-to-work scheme, and discounted gym membership
The social side
We’re a tight-knit bunch who love to have fun together. 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!
Life in the Lake District
As director Matt says, "You'll come for the job and stay for The Lakes." Our practice serves half of the national park, and we are fortunate enough to be located in the quieter, less touristy western half. 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. The Lakes is also the birthplace of fell running, with hundreds of fell and trail routes and races to try.
If you’re ready to join a supportive, award-winning team and grow your career in our beautiful part of the world, we’d love to hear from you. Call us for an informal chat or apply now to discover life at Millcroft Vets.