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Head Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal
Vetcare, Athy, Athy
Discipline: Small Animal
Full Time, Part Time, Flexible
Up to €45,000 DOE (FTE)
Head Veterinary Nurse – Small Animal
Vetcare Athy, Co Kildare
Full-time or Part-Time, Permanent
Salary up to €45,000 DOE (FTE)
Lead, Inspire and Stay Clinical
Vetcare Athy has an excellent opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Nurse to step into a senior, hands-on leadership role within our flagship practice. This is a position for a confident, capable RVN who enjoys leading by example, supporting others to thrive, and maintaining high clinical and professional standards while remaining fully involved in day-to-day nursing.
The role is full-time, although part-time will be considered for the right candidate. Working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm, with one in four Saturdays and a day off in lieu. There are no out-of-hours duties and no Sundays, allowing for a strong and sustainable work-life balance.
A Senior Nursing Role With Real Clinical Scope
This is a genuinely hands-on clinical role within a large, referral-level small animal hospital. You’ll work closely alongside a skilled veterinary and nursing team, remaining actively involved in patient care while also providing leadership, guidance and structure to the nursing department.
As Head Nurse, you’ll be the key point of contact for a team of four nurses, supporting their development, setting standards and helping to create a positive, collaborative working environment. You’ll work closely with the Practice Manager and clinical leadership team, contributing to the smooth running of the hospital and supporting new initiatives and projects as the practice continues to grow.
Leadership, Standards and Team Development
In this role, you’ll play a central part in maintaining professional standards, organising training and supporting ongoing clinical development across the nursing team. You’ll be involved in performance reviews, coaching and mentoring, rota planning and ensuring the nursing team feels supported, engaged and well-led.
You’ll also take responsibility for stock control, equipment maintenance, compliance with veterinary legislation and ensuring the practice continues to deliver high-quality nursing care at every level. This is a role that offers autonomy, trust and influence, balanced with strong support from an experienced management and clinical team.
About Vetcare Athy
Vetcare Athy is the flagship and referral hub of the Vetcare group, supporting sister practices in Carlow, Rathcoole and Portlaoise. While remaining a busy first-opinion practice, Athy also manages more complex procedures, second opinions and detailed case work-ups. This creates an excellent clinical environment with exposure to advanced diagnostics, varied caseloads and a strong culture of learning and collaboration.
Who This Role Suits
This position would suit an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse who enjoys leadership, thrives in a hospital environment and takes pride in delivering and maintaining high standards. You’ll be organised, approachable and confident, with a genuine interest in supporting others and shaping how nursing care is delivered across the practice.
Why Join Us?
At Vetcare, you’ll be part of a practice that truly values its people. We recognise that our team is at the heart of everything we do, and we invest in staff wellbeing, development and long-term career progression.
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
Relocation packages
Free flu jabs
Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQIA+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurse Committee, Clinical Board and many more)
A Rare Opportunity to Step Forward
Opportunities like this don’t come up often within Vetcare Athy. If you’re ready to take the next step in your nursing career, combining clinical work with leadership and influence, we would love to hear from you.
Vetcare, Athy
Gallowshill, Athy, R14 KH33, Ireland
Animals treated
Dogs, cats & small pets
At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, 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 Shonagh Dawson from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.