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Full-time, permanent position
40 hours per week over 5 days
Shifts: 8:30am–5:30pm or 9:30am–6:30pm
1 in 4 Saturdays
No Out of Hours
Overseeing nursing rotas
Managing stock control and equipment maintenance
Coordinating training and professional development
Supporting staff appraisals, performance management, and ongoing feedback
Digital Radiography
Modern multiparameter monitors
Ultrasound
Upgraded clinical equipment
Clinically confident and experienced
Proactive and organised
Comfortable leading and supporting others
A strong communicator and natural mentor
Motivated to maintain and improve high clinical standards
22 days annual leave plus birthday leave
No out-of-hours or Sunday work
Paid maternity, paternity and adoptive leave packages
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and access to a wellbeing centre
Paid bereavement leave and company sick pay
€600 annual CPD allowance with 24 hours paid CPD leave
Graduate Nurse Academy and Nurse Evolve programmes
Fully funded certificates, diplomas, or PhDs
Leadership Academy for all future leaders, including Head Nurses and Practice Managers
Career progression opportunities
VCI fees and VDS cover paid
Annual pay reviews
Cycle to work scheme
Employer pension contributions
Pawesome benefits – various discounts including retails and virtual gym
Discounted staff pet veterinary fees across the IVC Evidensia network
Free flu jabs
Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQIA+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurse Committee, Clinical Board and many more) 
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Internal applications only!
Head Veterinary Nurse – Small Animal
Gorey Veterinary Hospital
Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Competitive
Closing Date: 19th March 2026
A Leadership Role Where Nursing Standards Truly Matter
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Nurse to step into a Head Nurse role within a well-established, progressive practice where nursing is respected, supported, and central to clinical excellence.
Gorey Veterinary Hospital is seeking a confident, people-focused Head Veterinary Nurse to lead and develop our nursing team while remaining clinically hands-on. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys mentoring others, setting high standards, and playing a key role in the smooth day-to-day running of a busy small animal practice.
If you’re an experienced RVN who enjoys leadership, takes pride in excellent patient care, and wants a role with real influence, this could be the perfect next step.
The Role & Working Pattern
Alongside your clinical nursing duties, you’ll take responsibility for leading the nursing team and supporting the wider practice leadership in maintaining high standards of care, organisation, and teamwork.
Leading the Nursing Team
As Head Veterinary Nurse, you’ll be the main point of contact for the nursing team, providing guidance, clinical coaching, and day-to-day support. You’ll set professional standards, encourage a positive team culture, and ensure patient care is delivered consistently to the highest level.
Your responsibilities will include:
This is a hands-on leadership role where your clinical expertise, judgement, and people skills will make a genuine difference.
A Practice That Values Teamwork and Progress
Gorey Veterinary Hospital is a long-established practice that has recently benefited from significant investment. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality veterinary care with a strong emphasis on teamwork and client relationships.
Our facilities include:
Our support team includes four dedicated receptionists who keep the day running smoothly, allowing our clinical team to focus on patient care. We foster a friendly, inclusive, and professional environment where all team members are respected, supported, and encouraged to grow.
You’ll work closely with the vets and management team to support new initiatives, encourage team involvement in practice improvements, and help the clinic continue to evolve.
Who This Role Will Suit
This role is suited to a VCI-registered RVN with at least five years’ experience in small animal practice.
You will be:
This role is not suitable for new graduates but is ideal for an experienced nurse ready to take the next step into leadership.
If you’re ready to lead, inspire, and make a real impact within a supportive and progressive practice, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply today to join Gorey Veterinary Hospital and take the next step in your nursing career.
Why Join Us?
Comprehensive Benefits Package – subject to pro rata
We believe that happy staff deliver the best care – which is why we offer a generous and supportive benefits package that goes far beyond the basics:
Work life Balance & Wellbeing
Development & Progression
Financial & Professional Support
Gorey Vets
Arklow Road, Clonatin Lower, Gorey, Y25 DR50, 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.