Head Nurse

Apiam Animal Health Limited; North Rothbury; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent full-time

Competitive salary

Development opportunities

VNCA membership

AVNAT registration support

Staff discounts

EAP & wellbeing

Paid parental leave

Nurse network

Job summary

Branxton Veterinary Hospital in the Hunter Valley, NSW, is seeking a Head Veterinary Nurse (full time) to lead the nursing team while remaining actively involved in surgery, hospital care and day-to-day nursing.

You will mentor staff, onboard and develop skills, coordinate daily nursing activities and uphold high standards in anaesthesia, infection control and patient care, working closely with veterinarians and clinic leadership.

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.
• Significant veterinary nursing experience.
• Leadership/supervisory experience is highly regarded.
• Strong anaesthetic monitoring, patient care and clinical nursing skills.
• Excellent mentoring, communication and organisational ability.
• Passion for patient care and client service.

Responsibilities

• Mentoring, coaching and supporting nurses and animal care attendants.
• Coordinating nurse onboarding, training and professional development.
• Building a positive, engaged 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.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Organisation

Clinical nursing

Anaesthesia monitoring

Education

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Tools

EzyVet

IDEXX Labs

IM3 dental

Job description

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 EzyVet, IDEXX laboratories and IM3 dental equipment will also be highly regarded
  

Why Join Us?

At Branxton Veterinary Hospital and our sister clinic in Singleton, you will be joining a collaborative and experienced team that genuinely values its nurses. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care, nursing standards, team development and clinic culture while continuing to do the hands‑on nursing work you love.

Benefits

• 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