Ark Vets is in Knocknacarra is seeking a Head Veterinary Nurse for a full-time permanent position.
At Ark Vets, we have a unique opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Nurse to be a part of something special from the very beginning. Our newly expanded branch in Knocknacarra, Galway makes us the largest referral centre on the West Coast with the capacity to treat thousands of pets per year. From the site we provide multi-discipline veterinary referrals. Our clinic has easy access from the M6 connecting us to the midlands and Dublin on the East Coast.
Ark Vets is a two branch, small animal group, First Opinion and Referral, located in the beautiful coastal city of Galway. Our brand-new, custom-built practice has a great array of specialist services and equipment that allow us to provide patients and clients with exceptional veterinary care. Some of these include:
- Well-resourced, spacious consulting rooms
- Dedicated, purpose built operating theatres
- Brand new CT and DR imaging
- State of the art anaesthetic systems and monitoring equipment
- Fully equipped laboratory with comprehensive in-house blood analysers, microscopy and more
- Ultrasound & ECG
- Endoscope
- Ocular tonometry
- New state of the art dental machine and dental radiographs
- Large, open canteen and staff changing rooms
Here, at Ark Vets, we have a large highly skilled veterinary team. Presently, we have ten Veterinary Surgeons, 9 Veterinary Nurses, 3 receptionists and a Practice Manager. Many of our team hold certificates in various disciplines including Small Animal Medicine, Surgery, Emergency and Critical Care, Anaesthesia and Analgesia, Dermatology and Diagnostic Imaging. In addition, we also have a visiting ophthalmologist and physiotherapist who provide a comprehensive service for our patients, colleagues and clients. We strongly encourage professional development and advocate for a supportive learning environment.
The Role
This is a permanent, full-time or part-time position for a Head Veterinary Nurse.
The position is 36-40hours/4-5 days per week, with a 1 in 4 Saturday clinic cover. There is no OOH or Sunday work included in this role.
As a Head Veterinary Nurse, you will be an integral member of our mission as we continue to grow the centre’s reputation by providing world-class clinical standards.
The main purpose of your role is to manage all aspects of the nursing team to ensure excellent team work and the highest level of clinic care. This will encompass a variety of responsibilities that include:
- Ensuring a working nurse rota including OOH, weekends, bank holidays, sick cover and annual leave obligations
- Clinical nursing duties including nurse clinics
- Manage the nursing and reception teams
- Set standards in terms of professional conduct and update all current veterinary legislation
- Clinical coaching
- Organise training to ensure a high level of nursing care
- Monitor staff performance & coordinate biannual appraisals
- Organise/attend meetings
- Client effacing roles
- Support the partners in new projects/encourage team involvement in new projects to ensure the smooth running and continual improvement of the practice
- Manage stocking levels
- Equipment maintenance
- And more
Salary for this position is up to €45,000 commensurate with level of experience plus attractive benefits (see below).
Benefits – Subject to Pro Rata
We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our staff, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive salary, you will also benefit from:
- Work life balance
- Minimum of 22 days annual leave
- 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
- 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
- Sponsorship for overseas employees
- Relocation packages
- Free flu jabs
- Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQIA+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurse Committee, Clinical Board and many more)
As a BAME and LGBTQIA+ inclusive employer we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process. If this position is of interest to you then please get in touch.
Any questions before applying?
Speak with Shónagh Dawson from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.
Shónagh Dawson RVN
Talent Partner
Shonagh.dawson@ivcevidensia.com
+353 (0) 86 085 0891