Job description: Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Nurse

Location: Village Vets Dundrum

Contract type: Part time ECC nurse- average 5 shifts per month

Salary: €40,000 – €45,000 per annum pro- rated DOE plus 1k joining bonus

This night ECC RVN role will allow you to have a great working life balance with a rota average of 5 shifts per month very competitive salary.

We are thrilled to announce that we have an overnight service in our clinic in Dundrum. At Village Vets, we take pride in our dedication to delivering the highest standards of animal care. As an ECC nurse you will continue to provide the highest standards throughout the night and during weekends to Village Vets existing clients and new clients. You will be instrumental in the success of Village Vets 24hr hospital through the provision of care, fostering excellent relationships with colleagues, and delivering outstanding customer service.

As a valued ECC RVN, you’ll play a key role in upholding the standards and values of Village Vets and the Veterinary Council of Ireland, ensuring unparalleled care for our patients, fostering excellent relationships with colleagues, and delivering outstanding customer service. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of our brand new Out of Hours emergency care service, allowing us to provide 24/7 care to our patients.

Key Responsibilities of an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Nurse:

Patient Care and Monitoring:

• Provide round-the-clock nursing care to critically ill and injured animals.
• Monitor vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and blood pressure.
• Assess pain levels and administer appropriate pain management measures.

Emergency Response:

• Assist veterinarians during emergency procedures, including resuscitation, wound management, and surgery.
• Triage incoming emergency cases to prioritize treatment based on the severity of the condition.

Medical Procedures:

• Place and maintain intravenous catheters, nasogastric tubes, and other critical care equipment.
• Administer medications, fluids, and nutritional support under veterinary supervision.
• Perform diagnostic tests, including blood work, urinalysis, and imaging preparation.

Anaesthesia and Recovery:

• Assist with induction, maintenance, and monitoring of anaesthesia in critical patients.
• Provide post-operative care and ensure safe recovery from anaesthesia.

Infection Control:

• Maintain a sterile and clean environment to prevent the spread of infections.
• Follow strict protocols for cleaning and disinfecting equipment and workspaces.

Client Communication:

• Provide empathetic support and clear communication to pet owners regarding their pet’s condition, treatment plans, and prognosis.
• Educate clients on post-care management for their pets.

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with veterinarians, other nurses, and support staff to provide cohesive and effective care.
• Assist in training and mentoring junior staff members.

Equipment and Supplies Management:

• Ensure all emergency and critical care equipment is functional and properly maintained.
• Monitor and manage inventory of medical supplies and medications.

Record Keeping:

• Accurately document patient care, treatments, and progress in medical records.
• Update patient charts and provide detailed handovers between shifts.

Continued Education and Skill Development:

• Stay current with advancements in emergency and critical care techniques and best practices.
• Attend training sessions, workshops, and conferences to enhance skills and knowledge.

This role demands strong clinical skills, resilience, and compassion to deliver high-quality care to patients in urgent need.

While at work all staff are required to take care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts and omissions & co-operate with Village Vets policies and procedures.

Knowledge & Skills :

Essential Criteria

Professional/Technical Qualification:

Current registration with VCI

5 years of post-qualified small animal veterinary nursing experience

Desirable

Further qualification specific to ECC

Experience & Job Knowledge

Desire to work nights and weekends

Interest in working in progressive practice as part of team

Previous experience working in a busy emergency hospital and/or in a referral hospital

Skills & Competencies

Excellent communication skills (written & oral).

Ability to work well in fast paced, high-pressure environment both independently and as part of a team

Confident and competent decision-making skills.

Ability to provide training and direction to others.

Good emotional intelligence and empathetic skills

Personal Qualities

Excellent standard of personal presentation.

Calm under pressure

Professional approach to veterinary nursing and clinical care.

Self-motivated to work independently without constant supervision.

Trustworthy with a conscious approach to work.

Benefits:

• Great work life balance with 7 days on and 14 days off rotas
• Holidays are pro rata and included in base salary
• Professional fees paid for VCI and VDS
• Gym contributions, health plan, and cycle-to-work scheme

If you would like to know more about our amazing nursing team, please call us for an informal chat or apply now!

NB: This job description is developed to help you gain a better understanding of the job role and is by no means exhaustive.

Job Type: Full-time