Veterinary Nurse

VetsCape Small Animal Hospital; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship from vets

Teaching hospital environment

Referral-level case exposure

Job summary

VetsCape Small Animal Hospital in Paarl offers a 24-hour referral and emergency nursing role, working with vets and the surgical team to ensure high-quality patient care across all shifts. The hospital provides mentorship and exposure to referral-level cases within a teaching hospital environment.

Ideal candidates are Diploma-qualified veterinary nurses registered or eligible with SAVC, willing to work rotational shifts, with a valid SA driver’s license and reliable transport.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Veterinary Nursing or equivalent.
• Registered with SAVC or eligible for registration.
• Newly qualified nurses welcome.
• Willingness to work rotational shifts including nights/weekends/holidays.
• Valid driver’s licence and own transport.
• Right to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care for hospitalised, surgical, ICU and emergency patients.
• Monitor and record vitals, fluids, medications, and treatment plans.
• Assist with anaesthesia: induction, monitoring, recovery, theatre support.
• Prepare patients, instruments and theatre for procedures.
• Perform routine nursing procedures including IV catheter placement, sample collection, wound care and bandaging.
• Assist with diagnostic imaging and laboratory work.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and handover notes.
• Communicate clearly with clients during admissions, updates and discharges.
• Maintain hygiene, infection control and equipment readiness.
• Support the team during emergencies across shifts.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Reliability

Punctuality

Willingness to learn

Patient welfare

Education

Diploma in Veterinary Nursing

Job description

About VetsCape

VetsCape Small Animal Hospital is a 24-hour referral and emergency practice based in Paarl. We are an ECVS-approved residency training centre for Small Animal Surgery and operate at specialist level across multiple disciplines.

Our nursing team is central to how the hospital runs. We look for nurses who care about doing the work properly, who can think on their feet, and who understand that patient care always comes first.

Role overview

The GP Veterinary Nurse is responsible for the day-to-day nursing care of hospitalised, surgical, and emergency patients. The role works closely with the vets, the surgical team, and the wider nursing team to ensure consistent, high-quality patient care across all shifts.

This is a hands‑on clinical role suited to someone who wants to grow inside a referral hospital environment.

Key responsibilities

• Provide nursing care for hospitalised, surgical, ICU, and emergency patients.
• Monitor and record patient vitals, fluid therapy, medication administration, and treatment plans.
• Assist with anaesthesia: induction, monitoring, recovery, and theatre support.
• Prepare patients, instruments, and theatre for surgical procedures.
• Perform routine nursing procedures including IV catheter placement, sample collection, wound care, and bandaging.
• Assist with diagnostic imaging (radiography, ultrasound support) and laboratory work.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and handover notes between shifts.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with clients during admissions, updates, and discharges.
• Maintain hospital hygiene, infection control standards, and equipment readiness.
• Support the wider team during emergencies, regardless of shift or area.

Minimum requirements

• Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
• Registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), or eligible for registration.
• Newly qualified Veterinary Nurses are welcome to apply.
• Willingness to work rotational shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• Valid driver’s licence and own reliable transport.
• Right to work in South Africa.

Skills and attributes we look for

• Calm and steady under pressure.
• Strong clinical attention to detail.
• Clear, respectful communication with team members and clients.
• Reliable, punctual, and accountable.
• Willingness to learn and to be taught.
• Genuine commitment to patient welfare.

What we offer

• Exposure to referral-level and specialist cases in a 24-hour hospital setting.
• Structured clinical mentorship from experienced vets and senior nurses.
• Opportunity to grow within a teaching hospital environment.
• A team that supports one another across shifts.

VetsCape Animal Hospital is an equal opportunity employer.