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

IVC Evidensia; Kilmarnock; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary clinic is looking for a compassionate and skilled veterinary nurse to join the dedicated team at Ivybank Vets. This role involves a mix of surgical nursing and nurse-led consultations, supported by a friendly multidisciplinary team. Opportunities for professional growth are ample, with a competitive salary and various employee benefits.

Benefits

6.8 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

£550 CPD allowance

Discounted gym membership

Pension 5% Employee/3% Employer

Discounted staff pet care

Qualifications

• Registered Veterinary Nurse with experience in surgical nursing.
• Strong communication skills and compassion for animals.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Deliver surgical nursing including anesthesia and kennel care.
• Conduct nurse-led consultations and post-operative checks.
• Support a diverse veterinary team in patient care.

Skills

Compassion

Surgical nursing

Anesthesia

Patient care

Communication

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse qualification

Job description

We’re seeking a compassionate and skilled veterinary nurse to join our dedicated team at Ivybank Vets.

About the Role

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.

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 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.

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

This full-time role is based on a 39-hour week, typically spread over four weekdays between 8:30 am and 7:00 pm, plus one Saturday morning (8:30 am to 12:00 pm) every four weeks. We’re also open to discussing part-time and flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle. Out-of-hours emergency cover is provided by the local Vets Now service.

Because our people matter

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary up to £30,000 DOE, you will benefit from -

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 - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers

* Pension 5% Employee/3% Employer

* Discounted staff pet care

Up to £30,000 per annum