Overview
Registered Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal (12 Month Fixed Term Contract) – Ivybank Vets, Irvine (full time). A 12-month fixed-term maternity cover opportunity for a compassionate and skilled veterinary nurse.
Location: Irvine with travel to other branch locations as required. Four clinics in Irvine, Kilwinning, Kilmarnock and West Kilbride; primary work location in Irvine.
Responsibilities
* Provide surgical nursing including anesthesia and kennel care for day surgical and hospitalised patients.
* Deliver nurse-led consultations such as second vaccinations, post-operative checks, and nurse clinics.
* Support a diverse nursing team and collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team (including vets, nurses, student nurses, animal care assistants, and reception staff).
* Work across multiple clinics and adapt to varied caseloads; participate in professional development and training opportunities.
Team and Training
Team comprises 10 vets, 9 registered veterinary nurses, 2 student nurses, 3 animal care assistants, and reception staff. Two clinics are official training practices; ongoing professional development opportunities available via IVC Evidensia Academy, regular lunchtime learning sessions and all-staff meetings.
Facilities
Clinics equipped with modern consulting rooms, surgical theatres, laboratories, radiography, ultrasound; patient warming devices for comfort during procedures.
Location & Lifestyle
Four clinics in Ayrshire (Irvine, Kilwinning, Kilmarnock, West Kilbride) with coastal scenery and access to Glasgow. Travel to other branches may be required occasionally.
Working Hours
Rota: 4 long days or 5 shorter days; Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week with 1 in 4 Saturdays.
Salary and Benefits
* Base salary up to £31,000 depending on experience
* 6.8 weeks annual leave
* 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
* £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid leave pro rata
* Certificate Support and learning opportunities via IVC Evidensia Academy
* Access to Vetlexicon; potential research funding for vets and nurses
* Infection Prevention and Control Programme; Quality Improvement Programme
* VDS cover; RCVS fees
* Pension: 5% Employee / 3% Employer
* Pawsome Benefits with discounts and cashback
Why Join Us
Join a supportive multidisciplinary environment with a varied and rewarding caseload across medical, surgical, and nurse-led clinics. Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance and opportunities for progression in training and specialist interests.
To apply, please note this is a fixed-term contract role for maternity cover and reflects the responsibilities and benefits described above.
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