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Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal - FTC
Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital, Northpoint, Northpoint
Discipline: Small Animal
Full Time
Up to €35,000 DOE
Veterinary Nurse – Small Animal
Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital, Co. Cork
Full-time | Fixed-Term (12 months maternity cover) | Salary up to €35,000 DOE
Start date from May 2026
Step Into Referral Nursing at Its Best
If you’re a veterinary nurse who thrives in a fast-paced, high-standard clinical environment, or a graduate eager to gain hands-on experience in a leading referral hospital, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital is seeking a Small Animal Veterinary Nurse to join our large, supportive team on a minimum 12-month fixed term contract.
This role offers true exposure to referral-level nursing, advanced diagnostics and complex case management, all within a hospital that places just as much value on teamwork, wellbeing and work–life balance as it does on clinical excellence.
A Hospital That Sets the Standard
Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital is a long-established, highly regarded small animal referral centre based in Northpoint on the north side of Cork city. With excellent transport links, on-site staff parking and easy access to the city, the location is as practical as it is convenient.
Our facilities are exceptional and include CT scanning, digital radiography, ultrasound, laparoscopy, endoscopy, advanced orthopaedics (including spinal surgery), in-house laboratory services, canine hydrotherapy and rehabilitation, and a fully staffed 24-hour emergency and inpatient service. This is a true referral environment where nurses are deeply involved in patient care and clinical decision-making.
The wider Sunbeam group also includes clinics in Blackpool, Cobh, Passage West and on the Kinsale Road, all working closely with the referral hospital to deliver outstanding care across Cork.
Your Role in the Team
As part of our nursing team, you’ll be involved in every aspect of hospital life. Your days will include preparing patients for surgery, monitoring anaesthesia, assisting with procedures, and providing high-level inpatient care. You’ll gain hands-on experience with advanced diagnostics such as radiography, laboratory testing and phlebotomy, while also playing a vital role in nurse clinics, client education and patient discharges.
You’ll work closely with our veterinary surgeons, fellow nurses, animal care assistants and front-of-house team to ensure every patient receives compassionate, gold-standard care from admission to discharge. Accurate record keeping, pharmacy and stock management also form part of the role, giving you a well-rounded hospital nursing experience.
Working Pattern
This is a full-time position, averaging 40 hours per week across four or five days. The rota includes 1 in 4 Saturdays, 1 in 8 Sundays and two bank holidays per year, shared fairly across the team and planned well in advance.
Who This Role Is For
We welcome applications from both experienced veterinary nurses and newly qualified or graduate nurses. Experience is desirable but not essential – this role offers an outstanding opportunity for a graduate nurse to build confidence and competence in a busy referral hospital, supported by a large team of experienced colleagues, including many certificate holders and specialists.
If you’re technically capable, keen to learn, and motivated by high clinical standards and patient welfare, you’ll fit in well here.
Benefits – subject to pro rata
At Sunbeam, we believe our people are fundamental to our success. Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from a comprehensive package focused on wellbeing, balance and career development. This includes generous annual leave plus birthday leave, enhanced family leave packages, company sick pay, bereavement leave, access to an EAP and wellbeing centre, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
Your development is actively encouraged through a €600 annual CPD allowance with paid CPD days, fully funded certificates, and access to structured in-house programmes such as our Graduate Nurse Academy, Nurse Evolve and Leadership Academy. VCI and VDS memberships are covered, and you’ll also enjoy annual pay reviews, pension contributions, discounted staff pet care, relocation support, free flu vaccinations and access to Pawesome Benefits and company-wide interest groups.
Join a Team Where Nurses Truly Matter
If you’re looking to grow your skills, challenge yourself clinically, and be part of a hospital that genuinely supports its nurses, this role at Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital could be the perfect next step.
Whether you’re early in your career or ready to deepen your referral experience, we’d love to hear from you.
Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital, Northpoint
Unit 22, Northpoint Business Park, Northpoint, T23 FXY9, Ireland
Animals treated
Dogs, cats & small pets
Exotic Friendly
Rabbit Friendly
Chicken Friendly
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.