Student Veterinary Nurse / Animal Care Assistant

Athlone Veterinary Hospital | Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Part-Time | Fixed-Term Contract (3 Months) Potential for Extension

Weekend Hours:

Saturdays 8:30am to 4:00pm, plus 4 flexible hours on Sundays (2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening) to support the care of inpatients and boarding animals.

Build Your Veterinary Skills While You Study

Are you a Student Veterinary Nurse looking to gain valuable hands-on experience alongside your college studies?

Athlone Veterinary Hospital is seeking a motivated and compassionate Student Veterinary Nurse / Animal Care Assistant to join our team on a part-time basis. Designed to fit around your studies, this weekend role offers the opportunity to gain practical experience in both animal care and veterinary reception, helping you develop the clinical, communication, and customer care skills that are so important for a successful career in veterinary nursing.

Working alongside experienced Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses, you'll gain exposure to the day-to-day realities of practice life while contributing to the care of our patients and the experience of our clients.

Gain Experience Across Both Patient Care and Client Care

This is a unique opportunity to develop skills across both the clinical and customer care aspects of veterinary practice.

During weekend shifts, you'll work as part of a two-person team, alternating between front-of-house reception duties and caring for inpatients and boarding animals. This varied role will give you valuable experience supporting patient welfare behind the scenes while also developing the communication and client relationship skills that are essential in modern veterinary nursing.

When working in the hospital and boarding areas, you'll assist with the daily care and monitoring of inpatients and boarders, ensuring they remain comfortable, clean, and well cared for throughout their stay. You'll support feeding, cleaning, exercise, husbandry, and general patient welfare while helping maintain excellent hygiene standards across the practice.

Reception shifts will involve welcoming clients, answering telephone enquiries, managing appointments, processing payments, and providing a friendly, professional service to pet owners. You'll gain firsthand experience of how the client journey works within a busy veterinary hospital while developing confidence communicating with a wide range of people.

This varied position offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience across multiple areas of veterinary practice, helping you develop the well-rounded skills that employers value in newly qualified Veterinary Nurses.

Designed Around Your Studies

We understand the demands of veterinary nursing education, which is why this role has been structured to complement your academic commitments.

Working Saturdays and a small number of flexible hours on Sundays allows you to gain meaningful veterinary experience while continuing your studies during the week. It's an ideal opportunity for students who want to build their confidence and practical skills without committing to a full-time schedule.

About Athlone Veterinary Hospital

Athlone Veterinary Hospital is a well-established mixed animal practice located in the heart of Ireland. We provide high-quality veterinary care to companion animals and farm animals across the region, supported by modern facilities and a dedicated team committed to excellent patient outcomes.

Our collaborative team includes experienced Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses who are passionate about supporting the next generation of veterinary professionals. We pride ourselves on creating a positive learning environment where students are encouraged to develop their skills, ask questions, and grow in confidence.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a Student Veterinary Nurse or qualified Animal Care Assistant with a genuine passion for animal welfare and a desire to learn.

You'll be dependable, organised, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to get involved in all aspects of animal care are essential. Previous experience handling animals is beneficial, but most importantly we're looking for someone who is enthusiastic, caring, and eager to further their veterinary career.

Why Join Us?

This role offers much more than weekend work. It's an opportunity to gain valuable practical experience, learn from experienced veterinary professionals, and develop skills that will support your future career in veterinary nursing.

You'll join a friendly, supportive team that values learning and development and is committed to helping individuals achieve their potential. There is also potential for the contract to be extended for the right candidate.

Start Building Your Future Today

If you're a Student Veterinary Nurse looking for an opportunity to gain meaningful hands-on experience, work alongside a supportive team, and develop your skills in a busy veterinary hospital, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and take another step towards your veterinary nursing career with Athlone Veterinary Hospital.

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€14.15 - €14.15 an hour

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Student Veterinary Nurse / Animal Care Assistant

Job Description