Experienced Veterinary Nurse – Emergency & Critical Care

Ready to take your nursing career to the next level? Build your emergency nursing skills with a privately owned hospital that values its people.

What’s in it for you?

1. Develop your clinical skills: Access on-the-job training, with the opportunity to progress towards sole-charge emergency nursing shifts as your experience grows.
2. Get support to take a break: Dedicated Break Nurses on shift to encourage rest and improve staff wellbeing.
3. Look after your wellbeing: Access an Employee Assistance Program and a Wellness Committee.
4. Work with advanced diagnostics: Gain exposure to in-house pathology and advanced imaging in an emergency and referral hospital.
5. Join a privately owned team: Work in an established hospital where professional development, staff wellbeing and an ethical approach to care are important.
6. Receive competitive remuneration: Plus paid attendance at compulsory staff meetings.

Your next step in veterinary nursing
Do you enjoy the variety of clinical nursing, want to expand your skills and feel ready for the challenges of emergency care?

At the Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (AREC), you’ll work alongside an experienced veterinary team caring for patients with urgent and complex medical needs. Emergency nursing offers plenty of variety, opportunities to think on your feet and the satisfaction of making a difference when patients need it most.

We’re looking for an experienced veterinary nurse to join our Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) team. If you’ve worked in emergency nursing before, you’ll have the opportunity to build on your existing experience. If you’re an experienced general practice nurse looking for a new challenge, this role offers an opportunity to develop your emergency nursing skills through on-the-job training.

Why AREC?
Established in 2004, AREC is a privately owned and operated veterinary hospital in Broadmeadow, Newcastle, providing emergency, critical care and referral services to pets and veterinary clinics throughout the Hunter region.

With a team of more than 110 employees, AREC brings together veterinary professionals across a range of clinical and support services.

Our work is guided by six core values: Respect, Diligence, Professionalism, Excellence, Empathy and Integrity.

We recognise that veterinary emergency work can be demanding. AREC’s approach includes dedicated Break Nurses on shift to encourage staff to rest, alongside an Employee Assistance Program and Wellness Committee.

What you’ll be doing
Working alongside the emergency nursing and veterinary teams, your responsibilities will include:

• Placing intravenous catheters and collecting intravenous blood samples.
  Assisting with radiography and other diagnostic procedures.
• Performing bandaging and monitoring patients under anaesthesia.
• Undertaking advanced nursing techniques, including ventilator care.
• Ensuring diagnostic investigations are completed and results accurately recorded and communicated.
• Communicating patient progress to colleagues, clients and referring veterinary hospitals.
• Working collaboratively with veterinarians, nurses and the client services team.
• Undertaking reception duties as required.
• Using low-stress handling techniques to support patient welfare.

What we’re looking for
You’re an experienced veterinary nurse who takes pride in your clinical skills, communicates effectively and enjoys working as part of a team.

Essential requirements:

• A minimum of three years’ nursing experience in a busy general practice, excluding work experience and student placements.
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience working both independently and as part of a team.
  The ability to remain calm, prioritise tasks and multitask in a busy clinical environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Initiative, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and embrace new challenges.
• Flexibility to work a variety of overnight shifts, weekends and public holidays.
• Experienced general practice nurses looking to transition into emergency nursing are encouraged to consider this opportunity, alongside nurses with previous emergency and critical care experience.

Live and work in Newcastle
Based in Broadmeadow, AREC offers the opportunity to work in Newcastle, a coastal city with beaches, waterways, cafés and access to the wider Hunter region.

Whether you’re already local or considering a move, Newcastle offers plenty to explore outside work. Check it out here

Ready to take the next step?
If you’re ready to develop your clinical skills, embrace new challenges and contribute to compassionate emergency care, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information, contact Sally Groen at [email protected].

AREC is committed to diversity and inclusion, creating an environment where people are valued and included.

Shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo reference checks to verify their identity, qualifications and experience.