Registered Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal (12 Month Fixed Term Contract)

Ivybank Vets, Irvine; Irvine; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated veterinary practice in Irvine is seeking a full-time veterinary nurse to join their compassionate team for maternity cover. The role involves a mix of surgical nursing tasks, nurse-led clinics, and collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team to deliver high-quality patient care. The position offers competitive salary and a range of benefits, fostering professional development and work-life balance.

Benefits

Competitive salary up to £31,000

6.8 weeks annual leave

Birthday leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

CPD allowance with 24 hours paid leave

Pension scheme with contributions

Qualifications

• Experience in surgical nursing, including anesthesia and kennel care.
• Ability to support a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver mixed surgical nursing including anesthesia and kennel care.
• Provide nurse-led consultations and clinics.
• Support a multi-disciplinary team for high patient care standards.

Skills

Compassionate care

Surgical nursing

Anesthesia

Team collaboration

Job description

Overview

We’re seeking a compassionate and skilled veterinary nurse to join our dedicated team at Ivybank Vets, Irvine, on a full-time basis to cover maternity leave for 12 months.

Responsibilities

• You’ll work across two clinics, delivering a varied mix of surgical nursing—including anesthesia and kennel care for day surgical and hospitalised patients—and nurse-led consultations such as second vaccinations and post-operative checks.
• Provide nurse clinics and support a multi-disciplinary team to ensure high standards of patient care.

Who we are looking for / Qualifications

• Our nursing team is diverse, ranging from SVNs to experienced nurses with referral backgrounds and long-term general practice experience.
• Two of our branches are official training practices, providing opportunities for professional growth.
• You’ll be supported by a friendly, multi-disciplinary team including 10 vets, 9 registered veterinary nurses, 2 student nurses, 3 animal care assistants, and reception staff.

Environment and Training

We pride ourselves on being generalists with special interests including ultrasound, medicine, wildlife care, emergency and critical care, anesthesia, and quality improvement. Our well-established reputation reflects our commitment to providing high standards of first-opinion medical and surgical care. Our clinics are equipped with modern consulting rooms, surgical theatres, laboratories, radiography, and ultrasound equipment at the three larger branches, including patient warming devices like MPMs and air warmers to ensure comfort during procedures.

Location & Lifestyle

Our four clinics in Irvine, Kilwinning, Kilmarnock and West Kilbride are ideally positioned along Ayrshire’s stunning west coast, offering a unique mix of coastal beauty and countryside charm. Whether you enjoy coastal walks, beach days, or countryside adventures, you’ll find plenty to love here. Plus, Glasgow is just a short drive away, perfect for those who want access to city amenities, dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Living in Ayrshire means you can enjoy a balanced lifestyle with the best of both worlds—peaceful, scenic surroundings and urban convenience close by. The primary work location will be at our practice in Irvine, but travel to other branches will be required on occasion.

Working Hours

The rota will involve working either 4 long days or 5 shorter days. The shifts will be from Monday-Friday 40 hours per week with 1 in 4 Saturdays.

Why Join Us?

When you join our team, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive and friendly multidisciplinary environment where experienced vets, nurses, and support staff work closely together to deliver exceptional care. You’ll enjoy a varied and rewarding caseload that covers medical, surgical, and nurse-led clinics, with access to well-equipped facilities including advanced diagnostics and surgical tools. We are committed to your ongoing professional development through regular ‘lunch and learn’ sessions and all-staff meetings, as well as offering opportunities for career progression in training and specialist interests. Plus, with flexible working arrangements, we strive to support a healthy work-life balance so you can thrive both professionally and personally.

Working Environment & Benefits

• Competitive base salary up to £31,000 in line with your level of experience
• Work-life balance: 6.8 weeks annual leave
• Birthday leave and additional leave policies
• Wellbeing: Enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay), Private Medical Insurance, Cycle to Work, discounted gym membership, and non-accidental injury support
• Development: £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid leave pro rata, certificate support, learning and development via the IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon access, research funding opportunities, Infection Prevention and Control Programme, Quality Improvement Programme
• Professional Memberships: VDS cover, RCVS fees
• Additional: Pawsome Benefits (discounts and cashback), Pension 5% Employee / 3% Employer, discounted staff pet care
• Up to £31,000 per annum