Head Registered Veterinary Nurse – Raheny
Job description: Head Veterinary Nurse RVN
Location: Village Vets – Raheny
Reports to: Lead Vet
Salary: €38,000- €44,000 DOE
We are looking for a Registered Head Veterinary Nurse to come and join our team of highly skilled vets and nurses at our clinic based in Raheny Veterinary Clinic.
We are located in the heart of Raheny town, and although we have only been here a year, we already feel so settled into the community.
We take the time to get to know each and every one of our patients and strongly believe in pets seeing the same vet every time. We have a lovely client base, with many of our regulars popping in for social visits as they pass by.
We are a small team of 6 in a large and spacious clinic, which we plan to grow as our client base increases. You will work alongside two enthusiastic vets who love both surgery and internal medicine, a really strong and motivated RVN who is passionate about nurse consults, and two brilliant Animal Care Assistants who keep the clinic running smoothly!
Extra perks of the job: we are just 500 meters from St. Anne’s Park and 2km from Bull Island Nature Reserve, perfect for pre- and post-work adventures in Spring and Summer. We are also surrounded by amazing coffee shops and restaurants, not to mention the best SuperValu in Dublin!
Job Summary
The Head Nurse position is a pivotal role within the clinic leadership team, contributing to the holistic success of the clinic by combining clinical excellence with exceptional team collaboration and customer service.
As a Veterinary Head Nurse, you will uphold the highest standards of animal care in line with the values of Village Vets and the Veterinary Council of Ireland. Beyond your primary nursing responsibilities, you will take on leadership duties that support the efficient operation of the clinic, ensuring a cohesive and motivated team environment.
This role provides an exciting opportunity to shape the clinic’s performance and culture, working closely with the Lead Veterinary Surgeon. You’ll also play a critical role in driving engagement within the team and contributing to the clinic’s business objectives.
Responsibilities:
Clinical and Patient Care:
- Assist veterinary surgeons during procedures such as anaesthetics, surgeries, and treatments.
- Administer treatments (e.g., injections, medication, fluid therapy, dressings, first aid, euthanasia) as directed, including minor surgical procedures where permitted.
- Nurse and care for patients to the highest standards, ensuring proper administration of prescribed medications and safe handling of drugs.
- Ensure medications and clinical records are up-to-date and accurate.
- Maintain clinic hygiene, including cleaning equipment and animal quarters to clinic standards.
Administrative and Operational Management:
- Manage team schedules, including rotas, annual leave, and sick leave (recorded on the People system).
- Oversee stock control, monitor usage to prevent waste, and record the Cost of Sale documents.
- Handle financial tasks such as petty cash, lodgements, bad debt control, and end-of-month cash recording.
- Review and verify invoices and process payroll updates.
- Manage compliance, including checking dosimeters, completing incident report forms, and monitoring PHP adherence as a PHP Champion.
Client and Staff Engagement:
- Ensure an outstanding client experience, including promoting Pet Health Plans to support optimal care.
- Oversee front-of-house duties, maintaining an efficient and welcoming reception.
- Respond to Google reviews to engage with client feedback and enhance service reputation.
- Team 1-2-1s and reviews
- Deliver training and clinical support for new graduate nurses and new RVNs to the business with support of nursing mentors
- Provide additional training to staff and assist with uniform orders.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Monitor and manage clinic resources, including timely completion of tasks and minimizing wastage.
- Undertake ad hoc duties and administrative tasks as required by the lead vet or regional director.
Knowledge & Skills
| Criteria | Essential | Desirable |
| Professional/Technical Qualification | Current registration with VCI | Further qualification specific to VN training |
| Experience & Job Knowledge | 3+ years working as an RVN
Interest in working in progressive practice as part of team |
Previous experience of small animal veterinary practice
Head Nurse experience |
| Skills & Competencies | Excellent communication skills (written & oral).
Ability to work well in fast paced environment. Excellent time management Ability to make clinical decisions. Ability to work autonomously. Confident and competent decision-making skills. Ability to provide training and direction to other. Ability to work in team. |
|
| Personal Qualities | Excellent standard of personal presentation.
Professional approach to veterinary nursing and clinical care. Self-motivated to work independently without constant supervision. Trustworthy with a conscious approach to work. |
NB: This job description is developed to help you gain a better understanding of the job role and is by no means exhaustive.