At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the clinical team in delivering high standards of animal care and client service.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider, dedicated to healthier animals and happier owners.
- Benefits: Enjoy 6.6 weeks' annual leave, career development, and employee wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal welfare while working in a supportive, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: A caring attitude, good communication skills, and a passion for animal welfare.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners. We are seeking an enthusiastic, team‑orientated Veterinary Care Assistant to join our team at Sheriff's Highway on a full‑time basis. Sheriffs Highway Vets is ideally located within easy commuting distance of Newcastle City Centre, the beautiful North East coastline, and the stunning countryside of Durham and Northumberland. Our main branch is based in Gateshead, supported by branches in Whickham, Sunderland, and Crawcrook. Two of our branches also perform procedures, offering a varied and engaging working environment.
Practice Highlights
- Main branch in Gateshead with additional branches in Whickham, Sunderland and Crawcrook
- Two branch sites performing procedures, providing a varied clinical environment
- Digital radiography and dental radiography
- Flexible and rigid endoscopes
- Comprehensive in‑house laboratory including haematology, biochemistry and EPOC machines
- Advanced ultrasound machine with Doppler
- Specialist equipment for soft tissue, orthopaedic and endoscopic surgery
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Veterinary Care Assistant, you will play an important role in supporting the clinical team to deliver high standards of patient and client care, while helping to ensure the practice environment runs smoothly and safely. Working under the direction of a Veterinary Surgeon or Registered Veterinary Nurse, you’ll support inpatient care, assist with patient handling and restraint, help maintain clinical areas and equipment, and contribute to a positive and compassionate experience for both patients and clients.
Working Pattern
- Average 38 hours per week
- 4 working days per week
- 1 in 4 weekend rota (Saturdays, 8:00am – 5:00pm)
Key Responsibilities
- Animal care including feeding, grooming and maintaining clean patient environments
- Assisting vets and nurses with patient restraint during examinations and procedures
- Maintaining high infection control and hygiene standards throughout the practice
- Running diagnostic samples, preparing equipment and supporting laboratory activities
- Assisting with reception duties and supporting clients and their pets
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
You are a reliable and motivated individual who enjoys working as part of a team and is keen to develop within a veterinary environment. You’ll bring:
- A caring, professional approach with a genuine interest in animal welfare
- Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage tasks effectively in a busy environment
- A proactive attitude to learning, with openness to feedback and development
- Experience of working with animals in either a clinical or non‑clinical setting would be advantageous
How We’ll Support You
- Structured development opportunities, including access to VCA development programmes and apprenticeships
- Clear career pathways with progression opportunities into Student Veterinary Nurse roles and beyond
- Supportive, collaborative teams focused on delivering high‑quality patient and client care
- A values‑led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement
What We Offer Our Team
- 6.6 weeks' annual leave plus your birthday off
- Increasing holiday allowance based on length of service
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Employee wellbeing initiatives including Healthcare Cash Plan and Cycle to Work scheme
- Learning and development opportunities via the inspiring vet care Academy
- Pension scheme
- Discounted veterinary care
- Voluntary benefits including Green Cars salary sacrifice scheme and access to discounts and cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world‑class learning resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
Veterinary Auxiliary Nurse in Gateshead employer: Ivc
Inspiring vet care is an exceptional employer, dedicated to the wellbeing of both its staff and the animals they care for. With a strong focus on employee development, our Veterinary Auxiliary Nurses benefit from structured training programmes, clear career progression pathways, and a supportive team environment. Located conveniently near Newcastle City Centre and surrounded by the beautiful North East countryside, we offer a fulfilling work culture that prioritises compassion, community, and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Auxiliary Nurse in Gateshead
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Dive into local health initiatives or volunteer at community health events. This not only boosts your practical experience but also gets you noticed among professionals in human medicine who may have leads on full-time positions like Veterinary Auxiliary Nurse at Ivc.
✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from Ivc!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise Online
Build a personal website or a professional blog where you can share your insights on human medicine topics. This portfolio can catch the eye of recruiters looking for dedicated individuals for full-time roles like Veterinary Auxiliary Nurse.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in or recently graduated from university, don’t hesitate to use your career services. They often have exclusive listings and contacts in the human medicine field that can help you land a full-time gig at places like Ivc.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Auxiliary Nurse in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Veterinary Auxiliary Nurse at Ivc, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Veterinary Auxiliary Nurse at Ivc. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like Ivc will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivc
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
