Veterinary Nurse – Small Animal

Lakeside Veterinary Centre, Galway

Full-time | Permanent

Salary up to €34,000 DOE

Join a Team Where Nursing Truly Matters

Lakeside Veterinary Centre is seeking an experienced Registered Veterinary Nurse to join our friendly and collaborative team. This is a practice where nursing is genuinely valued, and where you’ll play an important, hands-on role in delivering a high standard of patient and client care every day.

A Varied and Engaging Role

This is a busy, well-rounded position that offers real variety. You’ll be involved across all aspects of the practice, including surgical nursing, anaesthetic monitoring, inpatient care, nurse consultations, and supporting at reception when needed.

Working closely with both vets and fellow nurses, you’ll help ensure a smooth day-to-day running of the practice while delivering excellent care to patients and a welcoming experience for clients. It’s a great fit for someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment and takes pride in their work.

A Supportive and Positive Team

You’ll be joining a close-knit, experienced team of four veterinary surgeons, three nurses, and dedicated support staff. There is a strong sense of teamwork here, and a genuinely positive atmosphere where people enjoy working together and supporting one another.

We encourage learning, open communication, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and confident in their role.

A Great Location and Modern Facilities

Located in Loughrea, just 30 minutes from Galway City, the practice offers a fantastic balance of town and countryside living. Set near the shores of Loughrea Lake, it’s a beautiful place to work and unwind.

Our purpose-built hospital is modern, spacious, and fully equipped, including a full IDEXX lab, ultrasound, digital radiography, dental facilities, and dedicated surgical spaces—providing everything you need to deliver excellent clinical care.

Working Hours and Balance

This is a full-time position, working 40 hours over five days, Monday to Saturday, with shifts typically between 8am and 6pm. Occasional Saturday work is required to support reception cover.

There are no out-of-hours commitments, and bank holidays are paid, helping you maintain a healthy and sustainable work-life balance.

Who This Role Would Suit

This role is ideal for a VCI-registered Veterinary Nurse who is confident, organised, and enjoys working both independently and as part of a team. You’ll have a positive, proactive approach and strong communication skills, with a genuine interest in continuing to develop your nursing career.

Previous experience in areas such as anaesthesia, inpatient care, or nurse consultations is beneficial, but support and training will always be available.

What You Can Expect 

We offer a competitive salary along with a benefits package designed to support you both professionally and personally: 

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, Clinical Board 

The Next Step

If you’re looking for a role where you can build your confidence, feel supported, and be part of a welcoming, well-run practice, we would love to hear from you.