Veterinary Nurse - Small Animal 

 

Located in the heart of Waterford City, our practice is built around a simple philosophy: exceptional patient care starts with a happy, supported team. We are proud of our friendly, close-knit culture where everyone knows each other, support is always available, and every team member's contribution is valued. With no out-of-hours commitments, no Sunday working, and a manageable workload, this role offers the chance to enjoy a fulfilling nursing career without sacrificing your work-life balance.

 

 

About The Pet Hospital

The Pet Hospital is a well-established small animal clinic with a strong reputation for compassionate care and excellent client service. Although we are a smaller practice, we are equipped with everything we need to provide high standards of veterinary medicine, including ultrasound, digital radiography, and in-house laboratory facilities.

You'll be joining a welcoming team of two Veterinary Surgeons, two Veterinary Nurses, and an experienced support team who work collaboratively to deliver outstanding care to our patients and their owners. We take pride in creating a positive, supportive workplace where nurses are encouraged to fully utilise their skills and play an active role in patient care.

The role itself is varied and rewarding, involving surgical nursing, inpatient care, nurse consultations, laboratory work, and some reception responsibilities. We are looking for someone who enjoys building relationships with clients, takes pride in delivering excellent patient care, and values being part of a genuinely supportive team.

 

 

Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds

While the role is primarily based at The Pet Hospital, we work closely with our sister practice, City Vets, located nearby in Waterford. Together, our two teams form a wider support network, allowing colleagues to share knowledge, experience, and clinical expertise.

You may occasionally provide cover or collaborate with the City Vets team, giving you exposure to a broader caseload and the opportunity to explore particular clinical interests. However, applicants can be reassured that this position remains predominantly based within the warm, community-focused environment of The Pet Hospital. It offers all the benefits of a small practice setting, alongside the opportunities and resources that come from being connected to a larger veterinary hospital.

 

 

Love Where You Work, Love Where You Live

Waterford is Ireland's oldest city and one of the country's most vibrant places to live and work. Combining the charm of a historic city with beautiful coastal scenery, Waterford offers an excellent quality of life, affordable living, and easy access to stunning beaches, walking trails, and the famous Copper Coast. The city boasts a growing food and café culture, a lively arts scene, and excellent transport links, making it an attractive location whether you're relocating or commuting from the surrounding area.

 

 

The Role and Working Pattern

This is a full-time position working a 40-hour week, Monday to Saturday on a rota basis. There are no out-of-hours requirements, no on-call commitments, and no Sunday working, allowing you to enjoy a healthy work-life balance while still developing your clinical skills within a busy and rewarding practice environment.

 

 

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate Veterinary Nurse who is passionate about delivering exceptional standards of patient and client care. Applicants must be VCI registered, or eligible for VCI registration in 2026. We welcome applications from nurses at all stages of their careers and are committed to providing the support and development needed for you to succeed.

The ideal candidate will be a friendly and approachable communicator who enjoys working collaboratively within a team environment. A positive attitude, willingness to learn, and genuine commitment to patient welfare are the qualities that matter most to us.

 

 

Benefits – subject to pro rata 

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our staff, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive salary, you will also benefit from: 

Work life balance 

22 days annual leave (pro-rata) 

Birthday leave

Focus on employee wellbeing 

Paid Maternity, Paternity and Adoptive leave packages 

Cycle to work scheme 

EAP and wellbeing centre access 

Paid bereavement leave 

Company sick pay 

Development 

€600 annual CPD allowance with 3 days paid (pro-rata) 

Funding of any Certificates / Diplomas / PhD’s you may want to pursue 

Bespoke Graduate Nurse Academy, Nurse Evolve and many more in-house academies 

Leadership Academy for all future leaders, including Head Nurses and Practice Managers 

Career progression opportunities 

Professional memberships 

VCI membership paid 

VDS cover paid 

Additional benefits 

Annual pay reviews 

Pawesome benefits – various discounts including retails and virtual gym 

Employee pension contributions 

Discounted staff pet veterinary fees 

Relocation packages 

Free flu jabs 

Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQIA+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurse Committee, Clinical Board and many more) 

 

 

Join Our Team

If you're looking for a practice where you can build confidence, develop your nursing skills, and be part of a genuinely supportive team that values your contribution, we'd love to hear from you.

Come and discover why so many of our colleagues choose to grow their careers with The Pet Hospital, Waterford.