Registered Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal

Registered Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal

We’re seeking a compassionate and skilled veterinary nurse to join our dedicated team at Ivybank Vets, Irvine.
About the role You’ll work across two of our clinics, delivering a varied mix of surgical nursing—including anesthesia and kennel care for day surgical and hospitalised patients—and nurse‑led consultations such as second vaccinations, post‑operative checks, and nurse clinics.

Our nursing team is diverse, ranging from SVNs to experienced nurses with referral backgrounds and long‑term general practice experience. Two of our branches are official training practices, providing excellent opportunities for professional growth. You’ll be supported by a friendly, multi‑disciplinary team of 10 vets, 9 registered veterinary nurses, 2 student nurses, 3 animal care assistants, and reception staff who all work flexibly to ensure great patient care.

We pride ourselves on being generalists with special interests including ultrasound, medicine, wildlife care, emergency and critical care, anesthesia, and quality improvement. Our well‑established reputation reflects our commitment to providing high standards of first‑opinion medical and surgical care.

Location & Lifestyle
Our four clinics in Irvine, Kilwinning, Kilmarnock and West Kilbride are ideally positioned along Ayrshire’s stunning west coast, offering a unique mix of coastal beauty and countryside charm. The primary work location will be at our practice in Irvine, but travel to other branches will be required on occasion.

When you join our team, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive and friendly multidisciplinary environment where experienced vets, nurses and support staff work closely together to deliver exceptional care. You’ll enjoy a varied and rewarding caseload that covers medical, surgical, and nurse‑led clinics, with access to well‑equipped facilities including advanced diagnostics and surgical tools. We are committed to your ongoing professional development through regular ‘lunch and learn’ sessions and all‑staff meetings, as well as offering opportunities for career progression in training and specialist interests.

Plus, with flexible working arrangements, we strive to support a healthy work‑life balance so you can thrive both professionally and personally.

The rota will involve working either 4 long days or 5 shorter days. The shifts will be from Monday‑Friday 40 hours per week with 1 in 4 Saturdays.

• 6.8 weeks annual leave
• Additional leave for your birthday
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership
• Non‑accidental injury support
• £550 CPD allowance with 24 hours paid leave pro rata
• Certificate support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme
• VDS cover
• RCVS fees
• Pawsome benefits – reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers
• Pension 5% Employee/3% Employer
• Discounted staff pet care