Head Veterinary Nurse – Small Animal

Anicare Vets Clontarf, Dublin

Full-time, Permanent

Salary up to €42,000 DOE

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 Dublin practice where nursing is respected, supported and central to clinical excellence. Anicare Vets Clontarf 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 and Working Pattern

This is a full-time, permanent position, working 40 hours per week across five 8-hour days, with a 1-in-3 weekend rota (typically closer to 1-in-4 in practice). There is no out-of-hours work, supporting a healthy and sustainable work–life balance.

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 positive team culture, and help ensure that patient care is delivered consistently to the highest level.

You’ll oversee nursing rotas, manage stock levels, support equipment maintenance, and coordinate training to ensure the team continues to develop clinically and professionally. You’ll also play a key role in staff performance management, including appraisals, feedback and ongoing development. This is a hands-on leadership role where your experience, judgement and people skills will make a genuine difference.

A Practice That Values Teamwork and Progress

Anicare Clontarf is a modern, well-equipped small animal practice with digital radiography and orthopaedic tools, supported by a friendly and experienced team of four vets, four nurses and three support staff. The atmosphere is professional, collaborative and supportive, with a strong focus on communication and mutual respect.

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.

Part of a Trusted Dublin Network

Anicare Veterinary Group is one of Dublin’s longest-established veterinary groups, with practices in Clontarf, Santry, Blanchardstown and Glasnevin. Being part of the wider group gives you access to additional support, shared knowledge and development opportunities, while still maintaining the close-knit feel of the Clontarf practice.

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’ll be confident clinically, proactive by nature, and comfortable taking responsibility for leading others. You’ll be a strong communicator, a natural mentor, and someone who enjoys being a point of reference for advice and support. This role is not suitable for new graduates, but ideal for an experienced nurse ready to take on leadership responsibility.

Investing in Your Career and Wellbeing

In return for your experience and commitment, you’ll receive a competitive salary aligned with your experience, alongside a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing and long-term career:

Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing:

*22 days annual leave

*Paid maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave

*Paid bereavement leave

*Company sick pay

*Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

*Cycle to Work scheme

*Free flu jabs

Professional Development:

*€600 CPD allowance + 3 paid days (pro rata)

*Funded certificates, diplomas, and PhDs

*Bespoke academies, including Graduate Nurse Academy and Nurse Evolve

*Career progression pathways

*Leadership Academy for future Head Nurses/Managers

Other Perks:

*“Pawesome” perks – retail discounts, virtual gym, and more

*Discounted veterinary fees for your own pets

*Employee pension contributions

*Access to internal groups such as LGBTQIA+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurse Committee, Clinical Board

Ready to Lead?

If you’re an experienced Veterinary Nurse looking for a Head Nurse role where your leadership is valued, your voice is heard, and your standards truly shape a practice, we’d love to hear from you.

Join Anicare Clontarf and take the next step in a nursing career built on trust, teamwork and clinical excellence.

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€0 - €42,000 a year

Up to €42,000 DOE

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Head Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal

Benefits

Job Description