Urgent Care and ECC Veterinary Nurse

Company Description Takurua Vets is an independent companion animal veterinary clinic in Upper Riccarton, Christchurch. We provide thoughtful, practical care for dogs and cats, including routine health care, urgent care, after-hours support, dentistry, diagnostics, imaging, surgery, and inpatient care. From 3 August 2026, we will begin closing at 10pm as we develop the next stage of our twilight urgent care and after-hours service. Over time, this service is expected to grow toward fuller overnight care and eventually 24-hour veterinary care. Our approach is calm, considered, and patient-focused, with a growing clinic-wide commitment to fear‑free handling, pain‑conscious care, clear communication, and good clinical judgement. Role Description Takurua Vets is looking for an Urgent Care and ECC Veterinary Nurse to help us build the next stage of our urgent care and after‑hours service. This role may be full‑time, part‑time, twilight‑based, overnight, on‑call, or a flexible combination depending on experience, availability, and clinic need. It may suit an experienced GP veterinary nurse, a nurse with emergency or ECC experience, or someone who wants to contribute to urgent care alongside another role, study, family, or other commitments. The role may include triage support, urgent care nursing, inpatient care, patient monitoring, blood collection, catheter placement, fluid therapy support, anaesthesia support, patient handling, client communication, cleaning, restocking, and general workflow support across urgent and after‑hours cases. In the early stage, the role is likely to involve twilight work and on‑call support rather than a fixed overnight roster. As the clinic grows, the role may develop alongside the service. Position Details Flexible full‑time or part‑time options considered Twilight, overnight, or on‑call veterinary nursing work $30–$45 per hour, depending on experience and hours worked Our clinic is located in Upper Riccarton, Christchurch Companion animal urgent care, ECC, and inpatient nursing support Developing service moving toward fuller overnight and 24‑hour care Immigration New Zealand accredited employer Eligible overseas applicants are welcome to enquire where this aligns with visa requirements and the needs of the role. Responsibilities May Include Triage support for urgent and emergency cases Assisting veterinarians with urgent consultations and after‑hours presentations Patient handling and low‑stress restraint Inpatient care, monitoring, and reassessment Blood collection, catheter placement, and fluid therapy support Anaesthesia and emergency procedure support Surgical and emergency procedure assistance Pain assessment and patient comfort‑focused care Clear communication with clients during urgent or stressful situations Collaboration with veterinarians, nurses, and the wider clinical team Accurate clinical records and contribution to developing workflows and protocols Participation in twilight, overnight, or on‑call support depending on the agreed role structure Qualifications and Experience Veterinary nursing qualification preferred, but relevant small animal clinical nursing experience will also be considered Small animal clinical experience Interest in urgent care, emergency care, ECC, or inpatient nursing Ability to prioritise, observe, and respond appropriately in time‑sensitive situations Good patient handling and nursing skills Good client communication and interpersonal skills Commitment to patient welfare, pain management, and practical evidence‑based nursing Ability to work collaboratively with veterinarians and other veterinary nurses Experience in urgent care, emergency, critical care, surgery, anaesthesia, inpatient care, or after‑hours work is highly valued, but the exact role shape can be adapted to the right person #J-18808-Ljbffr