Oldgal's Activities

What is the realistic next step for an RVN who feels underpaid?

Ben Jamieson — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:47:08 GMT

How many RVNs are feeling like this? I'm guessing, not many.

40 hours per week on minimum wage can currently get you around £26,500 per year.

Average RVN salaries are:
• Greater London: £32,963–£32,976
• North West: £31,051
• Wales: £30,168
• Scotland: £29,318

Head RVN positions:
• Nationally: £40,000.

For the average RVN, the pension position after a full career is likely to be modest at best. In many cases, retirement income will depend heavily on the State Pension, with workplace pension savings often limited unless contributions have gone well beyond the minimum.

You will have read loads of conversations around RVN pay, and for good reason. We have all heard the RCVS reports about pay and chronic stress were among the top reasons given for leaving the industry.

So what is the realistic next step for an RVN who feels underpaid, but still cares about the profession and doesn’t necessarily want to walk away from it altogether?

The obvious routes people tend to mention are things like becoming a head nurse, moving into referral, locuming, teaching, industry, practice management, or leaving clinical work entirely. Some of those may absolutely be the right fit for the right person, but I do wonder whether many RVNs still end up feeling as though they hit a ceiling too early in terms of both earnings and progression. The profession survey also pointed to weak perceptions around career progression and leadership development, which probably adds to that feeling for some people.

I’ve also seen first-hand that there can be other routes which are talked about less often. Setting up my wife Louise in a mobile RVN-led role worked really well for her, and it opened our eyes to the fact that there may be more possibilities for experienced nurses than the usual options people list. I’m not saying it is for everyone, and I’m not trying to turn this into a sales post, but it did make me wonder whether more flexible, community-based or self-employed models should be part of this conversation too. We are starting to explore that more seriously and would be genuinely interested in hearing from other RVNs who have considered something similar. Link for anyone interested.

Have you considered any of the usual routes, or gone down one of them already? Has it improved things financially, professionally, or both? And is there a route you think gets overlooked when people talk about RVN career progression?

So, I've been made redundant. Now what?

Oldgal — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 10:06:58 GMT

Hi all.

After years in animal research the funding plug was pulled and my post has spiralled down the drain. Glug, glug.

I need work but have a few problems

I can't do a full time job in clinical practice due to disability; I need a new hip (I'm not far off 60 and use a walking stick or crutch) but I'm low on the waiting list til I'm over 60 (my consultant actually said "come back when you are no longer ambulatory". Never mind the chronic pain.

I have an inoperable rotator cuff tear so don't have full use of left arm.

I can't relocate

Are there any remote jobs?

Are there any older disabled nurses out there? What are you doing?

Regards

Zumi company?

Oldgal — Tue, 13 May 2025 19:38:24 GMT

Has anybody worked for the Zumi company as a domiciliary visit VN? What's your experience of the set up? Thanks

Job ideas needed

Oldgal — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:03:27 GMT

Hi all,

I've been a qualified vn for 25 years and am nearing 60 now.

Due to the long hours on my feet and heavy lifting my hips are worn out and I need one replaced.

I can't stand for long, or even lift a bag of shopping without severe pain, there's no cartilage left. Some days I use a crutch for weight bearing.

Basically, I became a research assistant four years ago, (I have an MSc.)to reduce load on joints, but my contract finishes soon and I'm out of options.

I cannot relocate (south Wales) and I'm not getting interviews, which doesn't surprise me.

Job ideas please. I'm earning £32k and need to keep up this money to pay bills!

Thank you

Where are all the RVNs VCAs and SVNs?

caz vernon — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 20:22:20 GMT

My practice are short staffed and we've been looking for an RVN an ANA/VCA or a Student nurse for so long now.. no one has applied.. ia this due to covid 19? Would have thought we'd have had some interest by now. Based in Somerton Somerset.

Adhesive tape for avians

Oldgal — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 19:25:00 GMT

I'm sure I read on here a while ago about an adhesive tape similar to micropore that didn’t cause as much feather damage. I can't find the post now.
Does anyone know what brand it is or can anyone recommend one. Needs to be strong, stick to itself but easy peel from feathers.

Thank you everyone

Would you employ a VN who hasn't worked in practice for a while?

Oldgal — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 13:52:14 GMT

Just that really.

Out of practice for 10 years but registered and doing cpd.

Was a head nurse before leaving but now can't get a single reply from anyone even for volunteering.

I want to know what else I could do to better my chances.

I'm obviously seen as a bit of a dinosaur.

Any advice?

Is anyone part time?

Oldgal — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 18:13:16 GMT

I'm trying to find part time working without success.

I'm divorced and my son has autism, which is why I had to give up work originally.

I have no family nearby and have to drive my son to a special school an hours drive away from my house.

So I already spend four hours per day driving and have to fit round that.

Are there any agencies that specialise in part time?

Are there many jobshares? How did others find part-time jobs?

Natamycin eye drops

Oldgal — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 09:43:56 GMT

Does anyone know where these or equivalent are available in UK?

Can't get any even from local pharmacist on private prescription. Not listed in BNF.

Thanks

Part time post wanted glamorgan area

Oldgal — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 15:36:56 GMT

Hi,

Anyone need part time RVN in South Wales between Swansea and Cardiff..?

Diagnostic imaging/radiography courses.

Oldgal — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 16:20:28 GMT

Hi,

Is anyone running a cpd course in the above subject?

Preferably in South Wales/West area.

Thanks

Swansea/ Neath area or Pontyclun.Part time post wanted for nurse returner

Oldgal — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 12:40:29 GMT

Hi,

Looking to get back into nursing after long break to raise family.

Am deregistered currently but eligible for registration

Looking for part time until July 2018; then plan on full time.

Neath area weekends and evenings 5pm til 9pm

Pontyclun area weekdays between 9 and 2pm

Office, reception, insurance or other ancillary jobs ok.

If anyone can help it would be great.

Thanks

Vet Nurse

Mon, 28 Nov 2016 00:11:24 GMT