Western Victoria Vets | Ararat & Beaufort, Victoria
Western Victoria Vets is looking for an experienced Veterinary Nurse or Trainee Veterinary Nurse to join our growing team.
Certificate IV and previous experience are preferred, but absolutely not essential. For the right person, we would love the opportunity to take you under our wing, provide hands-on training and support you as you develop your career in veterinary nursing.
This is an exciting time to join our team, with our Ararat clinic having recently moved into a brand-new, purpose-built veterinary hospital at 246 Barkly Street.
About Us
Western Victoria Vets is a busy, independently owned mixed animal practice servicing Ararat, Beaufort and the surrounding Western Victorian community.
Our varied caseload includes approximately 70% companion animals and 30% large animals, including beef cattle, sheep, horses, alpacas and the occasional more unusual patient!
Our new Ararat hospital has been purpose-built to provide a better environment for our patients, clients and veterinary team and includes:
- Separate dog and cat waiting areas
- Dedicated dog and cat hospital wards
- A brand-new surgical theatre
- Dedicated dental suite
- Modern treatment and diagnostic areas
- Dedicated cat consultation room
- Private euthanasia and family room
- New equipment and purpose-designed nursing workspaces
For a nurse wanting to develop their skills, our varied caseload and new facilities provide plenty of opportunity to gain experience across surgery, anaesthesia, hospital care, dentistry, pathology, consulting and emergency patient care.
About the Role
Your day-to-day responsibilities will depend on your experience and skill level. Trainee nurses will be supported as they develop their skills, while experienced nurses will have the opportunity to utilise and expand their existing nursing capabilities.
Responsibilities may include:
- Delivering excellent patient and client care
- Assisting veterinarians with consultations and clinical examinations
- Animal handling and restraint
- Caring for hospitalised patients
- Surgical preparation, peri-operative nursing and anaesthetic monitoring
- Assisting with dentistry and other procedures
- Collecting and processing pathology samples
- Assisting with emergency and critical care patients
- Performing selected procedures under veterinary supervision
- Maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of our hospital, surgical areas and equipment
- Admitting and discharging patients
- Preparing and dispensing medications
- Reception duties, including answering phones, booking appointments and assisting clients
- Managing client accounts and patient records
- General administration and other tasks required to keep a busy veterinary hospital running smoothly
Who Are We Looking For?
Above all, we're looking for someone with a great attitude, strong work ethic and genuine interest in animals and veterinary care.
Our ideal candidate will:
- Show initiative and be willing to get involved
- Have a positive, can-do attitude
- Be adaptable and comfortable working in a busy environment
- Work well both independently and as part of a team
- Have an interest in learning and professional development
- Understand that maintaining a clean, organised hospital is an important part of excellent patient care
- Be comfortable handling animals of different sizes, species and temperaments
- Have good communication and teamwork skills
- Be able to follow instructions and work effectively under the guidance of veterinarians and senior nurses
- Remain calm, professional and positive during busy or stressful periods
- Have a current driver's licence
Previous experience working with animals in a professional environment is preferred but not essential for a trainee applicant with the right attitude.
Roster
This position offers a great regional veterinary nursing roster:
- 4-day working week
- Shifts generally 8:30am–6:00pm or 9:00am–5:30pm
- Work across our Ararat and Beaufort clinics
- Approximately 1 Saturday morning in 4 (9:00am–12:00pm)
- Some availability for after-hours veterinary support may be required
Remuneration will be based on qualifications and experience.
Why Western Victoria Vets?
We want a nurse who would like to become part of our team, grow their skills and contribute to the next chapter of Western Victoria Vets.
Whether you're an experienced nurse looking for a change or someone who has been waiting for an opportunity to start a career in veterinary nursing, we'd love to hear from you.
You'll be joining a busy, supportive regional practice with an interesting caseload, a brand-new hospital, modern facilities and plenty of opportunity to learn.
Interested? Click the "Apply" button on this page to send us your CV and a short introduction telling us a little about yourself and why you'd like to join the Western Victoria Vets team.
