Surgical Nurse

VetPartners Australia and New Zealand; Willoughby City Council; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD access

Health & wellbeing programs

Paid parental leave

Staff discounts

Job summary

North Shore Veterinary Hospital in Artarmon (Sydney) is seeking an experienced Surgical Veterinary Nurse for our Emergency & Referral team. You will work in a specialist‑focused surgical environment, supporting a wide range of advanced procedures with anaesthesia and peri‑operative care.

You will join a hospital recognized for its high clinical standards and collaboration across a busy referral service. Applicants should have a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or Vet Tech) and at least 3

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or Veterinary Technician) is required.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in veterinary nursing with strong exposure to surgery and anaesthesia.
• Experience caring for compromised or critical patients; ability to prioritise in a busy environment.
• Clear, professional communication with vets, nurses and clients.

Responsibilities

• Support a wide range of advanced surgical procedures and peri‑operative care.
• Ensure patients are prepared, monitored and recovered with precision.
• Involve diagnostic imaging and cross‑department coordination for patient care.
• Provide clear, compassionate communication for clinicians and clients.

Skills

Surgical nursing

Communication with vets/clients

Team collaboration

Education

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or Vet Tech)

Job description

Surgery Veterinary Nurse – Emergency & Referral

North Shore Veterinary Hospital – Artarmon, Sydney I Full Time

A referral hospital where skilled nursing, teamwork and high standards truly matter.

North Shore Veterinary Hospital is a 24/7 emergency and referral hospital based in Artarmon. We’ve recently achieved international recognition and Facility Certification from the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society for emergency and critical care, placing us among a small group of leading facilities globally, and the only one in NSW, Australia. It’s a reflection of our clinical standards, our systems, and the calibre of our people.

We’re excited to share we are looking for an experienced Veterinary Nurse to join our emergency and referral nursing team - someone who enjoys complexity, values collaboration, and wants to work in a hospital where nursing expertise is genuinely respected.

We know this part of the industry can be demanding - and we take that seriously.
Clear protocols, strong teams and meaningful support are part of everyday life here.

About the role

This is a specialist‑focusedSurgical Veterinary Nurse role within a busy referral and emergency hospital, where nursing skill, precision and teamwork make a genuine difference to patient outcomes.

You’ll play a central role in the day‑to‑day running of the surgical service, working alongside specialist and residency‑trained veterinarians, anaesthesia support and an experienced referral nursing team. Your time will be spent supporting a wide range of advanced surgical procedures, ensuring patients are expertly prepared, closely monitored and carefully recovered.

In addition, you’ll be involved in diagnostic imaging, critical patient support, and coordinating care across departments, with clear and compassionate communication for both clinicians and clients. This role is well suited to a nurse who enjoys responsibility, values structure and protocols, and takes pride in delivering consistently high‑quality surgical and peri‑operative care within a supportive, high‑standard environment.

Who you’ll work with

You’ll be supported by:

• Experienced ECC and referral veterinarians
• Specialist and residency‑trained vets across surgery and internal medicine
• Highly skilled ECC and referral nurses
• Interns and visiting referral clinicians

To see the broader specialist, internal medicine and exotic team you’ll have the opportunity to learn from, visit: Staff – North Shore Specialist Vet

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a Veterinary Nurse who enjoys working at a higher clinical level and takes pride in their craft.

You’ll bring:

• A Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or Veterinary Technician qualification)
• Minimum 3 years’ experiencein veterinary nursing, with strong exposure to surgery and anaesthesia
• Confidence supporting surgical procedures and monitoring patients through anaesthesia and recovery
• Experience caring for compromised or critical patients
• A high level of organisation, attention to detail and ability to prioritise in a busy environment
• Clear, professional communication with vets, nurses and clients
• A calm, capable presence - especially when cases are complex or time‑critical

Previous experience in referral or specialist surgery is highly regarded, but not essential. More importantly, we’re seeking someone who values clinical standards, works well within a team, and is motivated to keep learning and growing in a progressive surgical environment.

What’s in it for you

North Shore Veterinary Hospital is proudly part of VetPartners, giving you the feel of a close‑knit hospital team backed by a strong national network.

• Professional development support - CPD, study leave and access to advanced training
• Health & wellbeing programs - EAP, Mental Health First Aid and VP Cares support
• Paid parental leave - flexible options and return‑to‑work bonuses
• Everyday perks & discounts - fuel, groceries, entertainment, health insurance and more
• Career pathway Opportunities - Across emergency, referral and specialist hospitals

Interested?

If you’re a Veterinary Nurse who wants to work in a capable, collaborative referral hospital — and be part of a team that genuinely values nursing - we’d love to hear from you.

VetPartners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.