Surgery Vet Nurse - GVH Werribee

Surgery Veterinary Nurse position at Greencross Vet Hospital (GVH), Werribee, a multidisciplinary teaching veterinary hospital at the University of Melbourne. The role supports the referral surgery team, working alongside veterinary surgeons, anaesthesia professionals and nursing staff, and includes supporting and mentoring Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students. Full-time and part-time employment available.

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate, high-quality nursing care to surgical patients throughout their hospital stay, including preoperative preparation, intraoperative support and postoperative recovery; Assist veterinary surgeons with advanced soft tissue, orthopaedic and emergency surgical procedures; Prepare surgical theatres, instruments and equipment, ensuring sterility, infection prevention and patient safety; Assist with anaesthesia preparation, patient monitoring and recovery in collaboration with the anaesthesia team; Deliver inpatient nursing care, including pain management, wound care, medication administration and ongoing patient assessment; Manage patient admissions, surgical preparation and discharges, ensuring clear communication and continuity of care; Work collaboratively with Surgery, Anaesthesia, Emergency and Critical Care, and other referral departments for multidisciplinary patient care; Maintain accurate patient records and contribute to treatment planning and patient handovers; Mentor and support DVM students, providing practical guidance and contributing to their clinical learning; Contribute to the ongoing development of the surgical service, maintaining high clinical standards and supporting a positive team culture

Requirements

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent) is essential; Minimum of two years of experience in a referral or specialist veterinary hospital, or five years of experience in a general practice setting; Genuine passion for surgery, with an interest in developing surgical nursing, advanced procedures and perioperative patient care; Strong nursing abilities, including venipuncture, catheterisation, anaesthetic monitoring, surgical preparation and inpatient care; Keen eye for detail, strong patient advocacy and commitment to exceptional nursing care throughout a patient's surgical journey; Enjoys sharing knowledge, supporting veterinary students and continually developing clinical skills; Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with surgeons, clinicians, nursing colleagues, students and clients; Comfortable working in a fast-paced surgical environment, managing competing priorities; Positive, proactive and supportive approach with a genuine desire to contribute to a collaborative surgical team

Nice to have

Previous surgical nursing experience is highly regarded; Experience in surgical instrumentation, theatre nursing and postoperative patient management is highly desirable

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package based on experience; Opportunity to work alongside experienced veterinary surgeons and anaesthesia professionals in a multidisciplinary teaching hospital; Exposure to a diverse surgical caseload, including advanced orthopaedic, soft tissue and emergency procedures; Opportunities for career progression, continuing education and specialist training support; Supportive and collaborative team that values professional development, teamwork and shared success; Access to advanced surgical facilities, diagnostic imaging and specialist equipment; Opportunity to develop teaching and mentoring skills