We’re seeking a compassionate and skilled veterinary nurse to join our dedicated team at Ivybank Vets, Irvine, on a part-time, fixed-term contract basis.
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 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
This part time role averages 19 hours per week. This includes working 2 days during the week between the hours of 08:30-19:00 (1hr unpaid lunch break) and 1:4 Saturday mornings, 08:30-12:00. This is a fixed-term contract position for a maternity cover from July 2025.
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 FTE 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
Up to £30,000 FTE DOE
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