Veterinary Nurse CV example

A great CV for a vet nurse isn’t about fluff – it’s about clarity and competence. Practices want someone who can handle the technical tasks and the emotional ones, and your CV is your first chance to prove you’ve got both covered.

Over the next few sections, you’ll learn about writing a CV which organises your experience and presents your qualifications to speak confidently to your strengths – whether you’ve just qualified or have years of experience under your belt.

Whether it’s prepping for surgery or managing patient records, structure matters in vet nursing – and it matters just as much in your CV. Recruiters and practice managers need to see your training, experience, and practical skills clearly, so it’s important that your layout is straightforward and easy to scan.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – Keep these personal details at the top so a potential employer can reach out to you.
• Profile – Immediately draw in the recruiter with a brief summary of your skills and experience.
• Core skills – Quickly list your biggest strengths.
• Work experience – Walk through your employment history in reverse chronological order.
• Education & certifications – List the qualifications and certificates that make you the right fit.
• Additional info – You can optionally list any relevant hobbies and interests which help to convey you fit for the role.

Use bullet points throughout your entire format to make your responsibilities and achievements clear. Headings should be bold and consistent so your CV flows logically. Stick to a clean, readable font and keep everything within a length of two pages. Presentation counts – it shows you’re professional and detail-focused, just like in your day-to-day role.

You may be working behind the scenes in the treatment room, but your profile should step right into the spotlight. This brief summary is your chance to show practices what they can expect when they hire you: someone who brings clinical competence and calmness under pressure. Ultimately, your CV profile should show recruiters that you’re someone who will bring genuine value to the role.

Here’s some tips on what to include:

• Where you’ve worked – Small animal practices, hospitals, mixed practice, or specialist clinics.
• Your top qualifications – Diploma or degree in veterinary nursing, plus RCVS registration.
• Essential skills – Clinical procedures, anaesthesia monitoring, record keeping, client communication.
• Special interests – Behavioural care, surgical assistance, inpatient care, or exotic animals.
• Patient care approach – Calm under pressure, compassionate with owners, confident supporting veterinary teams.

This section helps practices quickly identify where your strengths lie. Use it to show both technical know-how and the softer skills that are essential in clinical environments. Avoid simply listing traits – focus instead on CV skills that reflect your working style, responsibilities, and how you interact with both patients and people. Tailor this section to match the job you’re applying for.

Your work experience section is where everything comes together. This is your opportunity to show that you’ve done more than just clock shifts – you’ve made a real difference to clients and your colleagues. Think beyond basic duties and focus on the specific tasks that show your value.

Start with your most recent role and work backward. For each job, give your title, the practice name, and your dates of employment. Then, use bullet points to highlight your contributions – whether that’s patient care, surgical assistance, team coordination, or something else that demonstrates the unique value you bring to a clinic.

• Outline – Give context about the type of clinic or hospital and the services provided.
• Responsibilities – Use action words like “assisted,” “monitored,” “prepared,” or “supported.”
• Achievements – Highlight real impact, such as “streamlined pre-op procedures,” “improved patient handling protocols,” or “mentored new student nurses.”

Your education and qualifications confirm you’re fully trained, legally registered, and up to date with best practice in animal care. Start with your most recent qualification – usually a Level 3 Diploma or BSc in Veterinary Nursing – followed by any short courses, CPD, or professional memberships.

Even if you’re newly qualified, include any hands-on training, placements, or specialist modules you completed. This shows you’re confident working in clinical settings and willing to keep learning.