Head Nurse

Apiam Animal Health; Newcastle City Council; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Apiam Animal Health's Branxton Veterinary Hospital is seeking a full-time Head Veterinary Nurse to lead the nursing team while actively participating in surgery, hospital care and day-to-day nursing. Located in the Hunter Valley region, Branxton Veterinary Hospital provides care for pets, horses and livestock with a collaborative culture and strong commitment to clinical excellence.

The successful candidate will mentor staff, improve systems and work closely with veterinarians and clinic

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing required.
• Significant veterinary nursing experience.
• Leadership, supervisory or senior nursing experience is highly regarded.
• Strong anaesthetic monitoring, patient care and clinical nursing skills.

Responsibilities

• Mentor, coach and support nurses and animal care attendants
• Coordinate onboarding, training and professional development
• Build a positive, engaged nursing team culture
• Champion high standards in patient care, anaesthesia, hospitalisation and infection control
• Assist with complex nursing, surgical and procedural cases
• Coordinate daily nursing activities, workflow and resource planning
• Identify and implement improvements to systems and processes
• Work closely with veterinarians and clinic leadership to support smooth hospital operations

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Organisational skills

Patient care

Anaesthetic monitoring

Veterinary nursing experience

Client service

Equine handling cross-functional

Education

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Tools

Ezy Vet

IDEXX laboratories

IM3 dental equipment

Job description

Head Nurse to Branxton Veterinary Hospital

Apiam Animal Health

Branxton, Newcastle, Maitland and Hunter NSW

Veterinary Services and Animal Welfare (Farming, Animals and Conservation)

Full time

Head Veterinary Nurse (Full Time)

Branxton Veterinary Hospital | Hunter Valley, NSW

Are you an experienced Veterinary Nurse ready to step into a leadership role where you can mentor others, influence clinic systems and continue delivering exceptional hands‑on patient care?

Branxton Veterinary Hospital is seeking a full‑time Head Nurse to join our growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a capable, motivated nurse who enjoys leading from the front while remaining actively involved in surgery, hospital care, procedures and day‑to‑day nursing.

Located in the beautiful Hunter Valley, our hospitals have been caring for the community’s pets, horses and livestock for more than 28 years. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding veterinary care while fostering a positive, supportive and collaborative workplace culture.

About the Role

As Head Veterinary Nurse, you will play a key leadership role within the hospital. You will help develop the nursing team, support high standards of patient care, contribute to efficient hospital systems and work closely with veterinarians and clinic leadership to shape a positive team culture.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Mentoring, coaching and supporting nurses and animal care attendants
• Coordinating nurse onboarding, training and professional development
• Building a positive, engaged and accountable nursing team culture
• Championing high standards in patient care, anaesthesia, hospitalisation and infection control
• Assisting with complex nursing, surgical and procedural cases
• Coordinating daily nursing activities, workflow and resource planning
• Helping identify and implement improvements to systems and processes
• Working closely with veterinarians and clinic leadership to support smooth hospital operations

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing
• Significant veterinary nursing experience
• Previous leadership, supervisory or senior nursing experience highly regarded
• Strong anaesthetic monitoring, patient care and clinical nursing skills
• Excellent mentoring, communication and organisational ability
• A genuine passion for patient care, nursing excellence and client service
• A positive, collaborative and solutions-focused mindset
• The confidence to work across both companion animal and equine services
• Experience with Ezy Vet, IDEXX laboratories and IM3 dental equipment will also be highly regarded

Why Join Us?

• Permanent full‑time position
• Competitive salary package
• Ongoing professional development and leadership training
• Paid VNCA membership and support for AVNAT registration
• Generous staff discounts on veterinary services, products, retail, travel and lifestyle benefits
• Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing support
• Paid parental leave in addition to the Government scheme
• Access to a broad network of nurses and leaders across Apiam Animal Health

If you are looking for a rewarding leadership opportunity in a supportive mixed practice environment, we would love to hear from you.

Salary:Attractive package will be offered to right candidate