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

British Veterinary Association; Irvine; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Irvine is seeking a compassionate and skilled veterinary nurse to cover maternity leave for 12 months. The role involves varied surgical nursing duties and nurse-led consultations across clinics. Join a dedicated team committed to high-quality patient care in a supportive environment. The role offers competitive salary and development opportunities.

Benefits

6.8 weeks annual leave

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Private Medical Insurance

Development CPD allowance

Discounted gym membership

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• Experience in surgical nursing and delivering nurse-led consultations.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel between clinics as needed.

Responsibilities

• Deliver surgical nursing including anesthesia and kennel care.
• Conduct nurse-led consultations such as vaccinations and post-operative checks.
• Collaborate with a team of veterinary professionals.

Skills

Compassion

Surgical nursing

Nurse-led consultations

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.

Role and responsibilities

You’ll work across two of our 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, post-operative checks, and nurse clinics.

Team and training

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 excellent 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 who all work flexibly to ensure great patient care.

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 theaters, 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.

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 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.

What we offer

• Work-life balance: 6.8 weeks annual leave
• Additional leave for your birthday
• Wellbeing: Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership
• Non-accidental injury support
• Development: £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid leave pro rata
• Certificate Support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider
• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme
• Professional Memberships: VDS cover, RCVS fees
• Additional: Pawsome Benefits - discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers
• Pension 5% Employee/3% Employer
• Discounted staff pet care
• Up to £31,000 per annum