Veterinary Nurse - Ireland

About The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland

The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland (TDSI) is part of an international animal welfare organization dedicated to ensuring donkeys worldwide have a good quality of life. Our mission is to enhance the wellbeing of donkeys daily through fostering understanding, collaboration, and supportive relationships.

Position Overview

We invite applications for a part-time Veterinary Nurse to join our team based at Hannigans Veterinary Hospital in Liscarroll, County Cork. This fixed-term contract runs until 31 December 2026 with 23 hours per week, requiring flexibility for evening and weekend shifts as part of the out-of-hours rota.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians in all medical and surgical procedures including patient preparation, equipment setup, dosage calculations, anesthesia monitoring, and recovery supervision.
• Deliver nursing care and monitoring for hospitalized and farm-based donkeys, adapting care plans as necessary and maintaining accurate patient records.
• Perform minor surgeries and medical procedures, administer medications under veterinary supervision.
• Collaborate with farm personnel regarding donkey health and treatments.
• Support a safe work environment by adhering to risk assessments, health and safety protocols, and department security measures.
• Provide education and training for student and qualified nurses, as well as support for visiting veterinarians, volunteers, and students, ensuring excellent customer service.
• Manage proper handling, storage, and disposal of dangerous substances and clinical waste in line with COSHH regulations.

Candidate Profile

• Must be a Registered Veterinary Nurse with the Veterinary Council of Ireland.
• Proven experience in delivering high-quality nursing care.
• Knowledge of general equine care is important.
• Strong communication and IT skills.
• Capability to perform physically demanding tasks and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Organizational skills to coordinate efficient nursing rotas.

Employment Details and Benefits

This position offers an annual salary of €22,030 with a competitive pension scheme and life assurance. Annual leave includes 20 days holiday per year, increasing by one day each year up to 25 days, plus 10 public holidays. Additional benefits include wellbeing support, recorded Pilates classes, long service awards, a Healthshield plan that covers some medical expenses and provides discounts, access to a 24/7 GP and counselling, and free parking.

Additional Information

The Donkey Sanctuary is committed to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and follows strict recruitment procedures including possible Garda vetting and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. The organization participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to ensure staff suitability for the role. The Guaranteed Interview Scheme applies only to UK-based candidates with disabilities.

Applicants are reminded to submit work in their own words without the assistance of AI writing tools, as submissions not meeting this criterion may not be shortlisted.

Application Deadline

Completed applications must be received by Thursday, 30 July 2026.