Head Veterinary Nurse - Gorey Veterinary Hospital

 

Are you a passionate and experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse looking to take the next step in your career? We are seeking a dedicated and highly skilled individual for the position of Head RVN in our well-established mixed veterinary hospital. With a focus on clinical excellence and a supportive work environment, this is a fantastic opportunity to lead a dynamic team, contribute to high-quality patient care, and further develop your professional skills. If you have a solid background in first opinion practice, strong leadership abilities, and a commitment to providing exceptional veterinary care, we want to hear from you! 

 

The Role 

• Job Title: Head Registered Veterinary Nurse 

• Contract: Full-Time, Permanent  

• Core Hours: 40 hours per week (5 days), 1 in 3 Saturdays 

• OOH: No OOH, Sundays or Bank Holidays 

• Salary: Up to €45,000 commensurate with experience level plus attractive benefits package 

 

Main Purpose of the Role: 

To effectively manage the nursing team, ensuring exceptional teamwork and the highest standards of clinical care. This includes overseeing clinical nursing duties such as inpatient care, surgical nursing, and consultations, as well as mentoring junior nurses and support staff. 

Additional Responsibilities:  

Set professional conduct standards and support new projects for practice improvement. 

• Manage the Nursing Team, staff performance, and coordinate appraisals. 

• Organise training to ensure high nursing care standards. 

• Oversee stock levels and equipment maintenance. 

• Stay updated on veterinary legislation and ensure compliance. 

• Provide clinical coaching and maintain VCI membership. 

• Attend required CPD hours and manage rota, sick, and on-call cover. 

• Attend meetings and support partners with various tasks. 

• Ensure health & safety protocols are followed and equipment is properly maintained. 

 

Applicant Requirements 

Qualifications	Registered to practice as a Veterinary Nurse in Ireland  Further qualification in an area of clinical nursing is desirable but not essential
Relevant Experience	At least 2+years in first opinion practice setting  Experience in clinical coaching or mentoring of student nurses is desirable
Skills and Abilities	Good leadership attributes or appreciation for same  Ability to work effectively under pressure  Attention to detail and excellent organisational skills  Ability to work flexibly on own initiative and as part of a team
Personal Attributes	Aligned to company values  Commitment to professionalism and integrity  Friendly and approachable  Supportive team member

 

About Us 

Discover a workplace that supports you 

Gorey Veterinary Hospital is a mixed practice located in County Wexford. Situated in the sunny southeast, famed for its vibrant markets, local community, coastal beaches and heritage history, Gorey is about 45 minutes from Dublin city. It is accessible by major roadways, train and bus. Our purpose-built hospital has two examination rooms, a dedicated operating theatre and a prep room with a separate large animal examination unit adjacent to the main building. We have on-site radiography, dentistry facilities, ultrasound, hematology and biochemistry machines.  

Our passionate team includes 3 Veterinary Surgeons, 2 Veterinary Nurses, and 5 reception/admin staff, all dedicated to providing top-notch care. Come and be part of our thriving, dynamic practice! 

 

Comprehensive Benefits Package – 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 

• 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, 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.  

  

Any questions before applying?  

Speak to 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 (Ireland)  

+353 (0) 86 085 0891  

Shonagh.dawson@ivcevidensia.com