Overview
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.
Role and Responsibilities
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 west coast, offering a mix of coastal beauty and countryside charm. Glasgow is nearby for access to city amenities, dining, shopping, and entertainment. The primary work location will be Irvine, with travel to other branches required on occasion.
Why Join Us?
We offer a supportive multidisciplinary environment with experienced vets, nurses, and support staff, delivering medical, surgical, and nurse-led clinics in well-equipped facilities. There are opportunities for ongoing professional development, including regular ‘lunch and learn’ sessions and all-staff meetings, as well as career progression in training and specialist interests. Flexible working arrangements support work-life balance.
Working Hours
Rota: 4 long days or 5 shorter days. Shifts are Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week, with 1 in 4 Saturdays.
What We Offer
We recognise that our people are fundamental to success. In addition to a competitive base salary up to £31,000 (in line with experience), benefits include:
* Work-life balance
* 6.8 weeks annual leave
* Additional leave for your birthday
* Enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay)
* Private Medical Insurance
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Discounted gym membership and wellbeing initiatives
* Non-accidental injury support
* £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid leave pro rata
* Certificate Support
* Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
* Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia access
* Research funding eligibility for Vets & Nurses
* Infection Prevention and Control Programme
* Quality Improvement Programme
* VDS cover and RCVS fees
* Pawsome Benefits with discounts and cashback
* Pension scheme (5% Employee / 3% Employer)
* Discounted staff pet care
* Up to £31,000 per annum
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