Veterinary Nurse - Graduate / Junior

IVC Evidensia; Galway; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days annual leave

Birthday leave

Maternity/Paternity/Adoptive leave

Cycle to work scheme

EAP and wellbeing centre

Paid bereavement leave

Company sick pay

CPD allowance €600 with 3 days paid

Graduate Nurse Academy

VCI membership paid

VDS cover paid

Relocation packages

Free flu jabs

Job summary

Barna & Moycullen Vets in Galway is seeking a Registered Veterinary Nurse – Graduate / Junior to join a friendly team. The role covers consults, inpatient care, anaesthesia and surgical support in a busy small animal practice. 36 hours across 4 days, plus 1 in 4 Saturdays and 5 on-call weekends per year.

This supportive environment focuses on growth, with mentoring and a clear pathway for a new graduate or junior nurse. VCI registration is required or expected in 2026.

Qualifications

• Graduate or junior nurse starting out in practice with support and guidance.
• VCI registration or eligibility to register in 2026.
• Full-time role with 36 hours across 4 days, 1 in 4 Saturdays, and on-call weekends.

Responsibilities

• Involved in consults, inpatient care, anaesthesia, and surgical support including orthopaedics.
• Provide high-standard nursing care in a busy small animal practice.

Skills

Graduate/Junior mindset

Willingness to learn

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

VCI registration or eligible to register in 2026

Job description

Registered Veterinary Nurse – Graduate / Junior position

Barna & Moycullen Vets, Galway

Full-time | Permanent

Salary Up to €33,000 DOE (FTE)

Start Your Nursing Career with Confidence

Your first role should be something to look forward to. At Barna & Moycullen Vets, we’ve built a supportive, friendly environment where graduate and junior nurses can grow without feeling overwhelmed.

From day one, you’ll be guided by a team that understands what starting out is like. You’ll be encouraged to ask questions, build your confidence, and take on new experiences at a pace that works for you. This is a place where you will feel supported, not just trained.

Learn, Grow and Get Hands-On

You’ll gain real experience in a busy small animal practice where nursing is highly valued. Every day brings something different, giving you the chance to develop practical skills across all areas of clinical nursing.

You’ll be involved in consults, inpatient care, anaesthesia, and surgical support including orthopaedics. It’s a well‑rounded role designed to give you a strong foundation early in your career. If you enjoy variety, learning in practice, and making a genuine difference to patients and their owners, you will thrive here.

A Team You Will Enjoy Working With

Barna & Moycullen Vets is a well‑established practice with a strong local reputation and a genuine community feel. You’ll join a small, welcoming team of 4 vets, 3 nurses and receptionist who work closely together and support one another across our 2 practices. There is a relaxed, respectful atmosphere and a strong focus on teamwork and balance. Flexible and part‑time working arrangements are already part of the team, helping create a positive environment day to day.

The full‑time role involves 36 hours (4 days) per week plus 1 in 4 Saturdays, and 5 on‑call weekends per year.

Who This Role Is Perfect For

This role is perfect for a graduate or junior nurse ready to build a strong start in practice. You do not need lots of experience. What matters most is your mindset and approach. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, keen to learn, and takes pride in delivering great patient care. Being a positive team player is key.

You will need to be VCI registered or due to register in 2026.

Support That Grows With You

We know how important your first few years are, which is why you will have access to our Graduate Nurse Academy. This provides structured learning, mentoring, and practical support to help you transition with confidence.

You will also benefit from funded CPD, ongoing training, and the opportunity to explore areas of interest as your career develops. Whether you are still discovering what you enjoy most or already have a path in mind, we will support you along the way.

What You’ll Get in Return

We believe in supporting our people both professionally and personally. Alongside your salary, you will receive:

Work life balance

• 22 days annual leave entitlement
• Birthday leave

Focus on employee wellbeing

• Paid Maternity, Paternity and Adoptive leave packages
• Cycle to work scheme
• EAP and wellbeing centre access
• Paid bereavement leave
• Company sick pay

Development

• €600 annual CPD allowance with 3 days paid (pro-rata)
• Bespoke Graduate Nurse Academy, Nurse Evolve and many more in‑house academies
• Funding of any Certificates / Diplomas / PhD’s you may want to pursue
• Leadership Academy for all future leaders, including Head Nurses and Practice Managers
• Career progression opportunities

Professional memberships

• VCI membership paid
• VDS cover paid

Additional benefits

• Annual pay reviews
• Pawesome benefits – various discounts including retails and virtual gym
• Employee pension contributions
• Discounted staff pet veterinary fees
• Relocation packages
• Free flu jabs
• Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQIA+, Wellbeing Champions, Clinical Board and many more)

More Than Just Your First Job

This is more than a starting point. It is a place where you can build confidence, develop real clinical skills, and enjoy being part of a supportive team.

If you are looking for a role where you will be encouraged, valued, and given the chance to grow, we would love to hear from you.