Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal - FTC

British Veterinary Association; Shefford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Louth is seeking a full-time Registered Veterinary Nurse. Join a dedicated team that values work-life balance with no out-of-hours, Sundays, or Bank Holiday work. Ideal for those interested in a varied caseload with both companion and farm animals, offering excellent support for professional development and competitive salary based on experience.

Benefits

Enhanced annual leave package

Birthday leave

CPD allowance

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted veterinary fees for your own pets

Qualifications

• Must be VCI registered or eligible to join in 2025.
• All levels of experience considered; experience preferred - new grads welcome.
• Full driver's license and transport essential.
• A proactive, team-focused nurse with a passion for excellent patient care.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality veterinary care to small and large animals.
• Provide surgical support and patient preparation.
• Manage inpatient care and recovery.
• Conduct nurse consultations and clinics.
• Assist in farm vet duties, including TB Testing.

Skills

Veterinary nursing

Patient care

Teamwork

Surgical support

Farm vet assistance

Education

VCI registered

Job description

Registered Veterinary Nurse - FTC

O'Dowd Veterinary, Ardee, Co Louth

Start Date: September 2025

Achieve True Work-Life Balance

Looking for a fulfilling veterinary nursing role without sacrificing your personal life? At O'Dowd's we offer just that.

We are currently seeking an RVN to join our dedicated and supportive team for a maternity leave contract. This is a full-time position (40 hours/week) with no out-of-hours, no Sundays and no Bank Holiday work. A 1 in 4 Saturday rota provides variety while protecting your time off.

Why Join Us?

No OOH, Sundays, or Bank Holidays

Varied caseload - work with both companion and farm animals

Welcoming, supportive team of experienced vets and nurses

Modern facilities: in house lab, digital x-ray, ultrasound, dental suite

Ideal for those interested in developing clinical and consultation skills

Located near the M1, with beaches just 20 minutes away

About the Role

You will be part of a collaborative, friendly team delivering high-quality veterinary care to both small and large animals. Duties include:

Surgical support and patient preparation

Inpatient care and recovery management

Nurse consultations and clinics

Farm vet assistance (including TB Testing)

Supporting reception when needed

What We're Looking For

Must be VCI registered (or eligible to join in 2025)

All levels of experience considered; experience preferred - new grads welcome

Full driver's license and transport essential

A proactive, team-focused nurse with a passion for excellent patient care

What We Offer

Salary based on experience

Friendly, inclusive team with a focus on mentorship and CPD

Access to a wide variety of cases

Enhanced annual leave packages including birthday leave, CPD leave, paid sick leave and more

Opportunity to work in a well-respected, community rooted practice

About Us

O'Dowd Veterinary is a long-established, mixed animal practice based in Louth, just off the M1. Our team consists of 7 Veterinary Surgeons, 5 Veterinary Nurses and 4 support staff, all committed to delivering gold standard care. We believe in nurturing our staff and promoting a healthy work-life balance. We take pride in delivering a high standard of care across all species and building long-lasting relationships with our clients. Our practice values teamwork, compassion and continual improvement.

Benefits - subject to pro-rata

Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing:

Enhanced annual leave package + birthday leave

Paid maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave

Paid bereavement leave

Company sick pay

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Cycle to Work scheme

Free flu jabs

Professional Development:

€600 CPD allowance + 3 paid days (pro rata)

Funded certificates, diplomas, and PhDs

Bespoke academies, including Graduate Nurse Academy and Nurse Evolve

Career progression pathways

Leadership Academy for future Head Nurses/Managers

Other Perks:

"Pawsome" perks - retail discounts, virtual gym, and more

Discounted veterinary fees for your own pets

Employee pension contributions

Access to internal groups such as LGBTQIA+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurse Committee, Clinical Board

Join us and be part of a passionate team making a real difference.