Veterinary Nurse
About the role
Veterinary Nurse – Emergency Veterinary Care
Veterinary Emergency Care Australia (VECA) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Veterinary Nurse to join its emergency veterinary team at the Campbelltown hospital in New South Wales. This is a full-time position working 38 hours per week in a fast-paced, 24/7 veterinary emergency environment. The position is suited to a veterinary nurse who enjoys clinical work, animal care and working collaboratively with veterinarians and other veterinary professionals.
The Veterinary Nurse will contribute to the delivery of high-quality patient care across emergency consultations, procedures, surgery and post-operative recovery. Because the hospital operates around the clock, the position involves working across a range of shifts. VECA states that it aims to provide flexible scheduling while maintaining coverage for its 24/7 service.
Clinical Nursing and Patient Care
The successful candidate will support veterinarians during examinations, treatments and clinical procedures. This includes safely restraining animals of different sizes and temperaments and helping the veterinary team assess and manage patients. A strong understanding of safe animal handling is important because emergency cases can involve frightened, distressed or painful animals.
The nurse will assist with preparation for surgical procedures, including preparing surgical instruments and maintaining clean and sterile clinical environments. The role also involves assisting with anaesthesia and oxygen administration during surgical operations under veterinary direction.
Post-operative patient monitoring is another important part of the position. The Veterinary Nurse will observe animals during recovery, monitor vital signs and watch for changes in condition that may require veterinary attention. Nurses will also administer medications and treatments as directed by the veterinarian and help ensure that patients receive appropriate ongoing care.
The role requires careful attention to hygiene and infection-control procedures. Examination areas, surgical instruments and clinical equipment must be cleaned and sterilised according to established standards. Maintaining a safe and organised clinical environment is particularly important in an emergency hospital where patient needs can change quickly.
Client Support, Records and Hospital Operations
In addition to clinical responsibilities, the Veterinary Nurse will communicate with pet owners and provide practical guidance about animal care, health, hygiene and general wellbeing. Compassionate communication is particularly important in emergency veterinary medicine because owners may be distressed or concerned about their pets.
Accurate documentation is also part of the position. The nurse will maintain patient records and treatment notes and contribute to inventory and stock-control processes. Keeping records complete and up to date supports continuity of care and helps the wider veterinary team make informed decisions.
The position also includes some administrative and reception responsibilities. These may include assisting with appointment scheduling, reception duties and payment processing. Candidates therefore need to be comfortable balancing patient-care responsibilities with general hospital administration when required.
VECA operates a purpose-built emergency veterinary service with facilities including 24-hour hospitalisation, surgery, digital X-ray, ultrasound and an in-house laboratory. The Campbelltown facility additionally provides CT imaging and specialist veterinary services. This environment gives veterinary nurses exposure to a varied emergency caseload and the opportunity to work alongside veterinary professionals across different areas of clinical care.
The role requires teamwork, organisation and the ability to remain composed when workloads are demanding. Veterinary nurses will need to communicate effectively with veterinarians, colleagues and clients while prioritising animal welfare and patient safety.
Applicants should have a genuine passion for animal welfare and high standards of patient care. The advertised position requires at least one year of relevant veterinary nursing experience and relevant qualifications. Candidates should also demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail and confidence handling animals with different sizes and temperaments.
This opportunity is particularly suitable for a veterinary nurse seeking a permanent full-time position in an emergency-focused clinical environment. The Campbelltown hospital is located at 5/10 Blaxland Road, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, serving the Macarthur and South West Sydney areas. VECA’s emergency hospitals operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, meaning nurses form an important part of continuous patient care.
Requirements & Qualifications
Candidates should have relevant veterinary nursing qualifications and at least 1 year of relevant work experience as a Veterinary Nurse. The role requires a genuine commitment to animal welfare and the ability to provide high standards of patient care in a busy emergency environment.
Applicants should be confident assisting veterinarians during examinations and procedures, safely handling animals of different sizes and temperaments, supporting surgical procedures and monitoring patients during post-operative recovery. Experience observing vital signs and recognising changes in an animal’s condition is important.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required because the position involves working closely with veterinarians, nursing colleagues and pet owners. Candidates should be comfortable explaining general animal-care, health and wellbeing information to clients.
The successful applicant should demonstrate good organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. The position also involves maintaining accurate patient records, supporting stock control, assisting with reception and administrative tasks, and following cleaning and sterilisation procedures.
Because VECA is a 24/7 emergency hospital, applicants should be prepared to work rostered shifts and remain effective in a fast-paced clinical setting. Relevant veterinary nursing qualifications and practical clinical experience are required.