Job description: Head Veterinary Nurse RVN 

Location: Village Vets 

Reports to: Lead Vet 

We are looking for a Head Nurse to join our exceptional team in our newly refurbished Sandyford clinic, conveniently located in the centre of Sandyford. Our Sandyford branch opened as a proud member of the Village Vets family in 2006, and has three consult rooms, dedicated surgical and dental suites, an in-house lab and x-ray, and ultrasound diagnostics. 

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 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 minimising wastage. 

• Undertake ad hoc duties and administrative tasks as required by the clinic or area manager. 

Knowledge & Skills    

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