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

British Veterinary Association; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable veterinary practice in the United Kingdom is seeking a dedicated veterinary nurse to join their caring team. The role entails delivering surgical nursing, conducting nurse-led consultations, and supporting a diverse staff to ensure high-quality patient care. With a competitive salary up to £31,000 and benefits including CPD allowance and flexible working arrangements, this position offers an excellent opportunity for professional growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

6.8 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Employee wellbeing initiatives

Discounted gym membership

£550 CPD allowance

Discounted staff pet care

Pawsome Benefits rewards

Pension plan

VDS cover

RCVS fees cover

Qualifications

• Compassionate and skilled veterinary nurse is essential for patient care.
• Experience with surgical procedures and anesthesia is required.
• Ability to work flexibly with a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Provide surgical nursing including anesthesia and kennel care.
• Conduct nurse-led consultations such as vaccines and health checks.
• Support team members in a collaborative work environment.

Skills

Compassionate care

Surgical nursing skills

Anesthesia knowledge

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Education

Registered Veterinary Nurse qualification

Tools

Radiography equipment

Ultrasound equipment

Job description

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!

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 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.

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.

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 £31,000 in line with your level of experience, 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