Qualified Veterinary Nurse | Essendon Veterinary Clinic | Part Time | Fixed Term Contract
The best of both worlds – a clinic that puts pets first, and a network that looks after you.
Essendon Veterinary Clinic is a comprehensive, compassionate small animal practice at 89 Buckley Street – we genuinely love what we and pride ourselves on recognising just how much these little (and not so little) creatures mean to the families who bring them in. We’re pets first and that philosophy runs through everything we do.
Our team is a wonderful mix of experienced vets with expertise across medicine, surgery, dentistry, ophthalmology, and behaviour, supported by a dedicated nursing crew and our Practice Manager/Head Nurse Hayley, who is passionate about creating a learning environment where nurses are supported, challenged, and genuinely set up to thrive. We’re looking for a qualified Vet Nurse to join us on a fixed-term contract (33 hours a week) covering maternity leave – and we’d love it to be you.
We know this industry isn’t without its challenges – and we take that seriously.
Your wellbeing is not an afterthought here. We’re committed to a safe, supportive environment backed by real safety standards, EAP support, a Mental Health First Aid network, and our VP Cares benefits program.
What you’ll be doing
- Delivering exceptional nursing care across a varied and interesting caseload – cats, dogs, and small exotic patients
- Anaesthetic monitoring, patient admission and discharge, IV catheter placement, and blood collection
- Assisting our vets across a range of surgeries and procedures
- Nurse consults and client communication
- Keeping the clinic neat, tidy, and running smoothly
- Helping out with some admin tasks from time to time
What we’re looking for
- Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing with some clinical experience
- The ability to act like an animal whisperer – keeping a nervous patient and their worried pet-parent calm is a skill we genuinely value
- A genuine passion for animals and the people who love them
- A positive, team-first attitude and a hunger to keep learning
- Someone who’s ready to be supported, challenged, and upskilled by a team that takes professional development seriously
Small clinic feel. Big network behind you.
Essendon Veterinary Clinic is proudly part of VetPartners – Australia and New Zealand’s largest vet care network of 270+ clinics and a community of over 1,000 vets and nurses united by a genuine love for animals.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
🛍️ Everyday discounts & perks – 100+ discounts on fuel, groceries, hotel stays, entertainment, and health insurance – plus novated leasing, pet insurance savings, and a referral bonus program
🎓 FREE continuous training – FREE subscription and access to Veterinary Training Centre wet labs and theory programs at no cost to you
📈 Real career pathways – whether you want to develop a speciality in surgical, emergency, or dental nursing, step into a Head Nurse role, or grow into practice management – we’ll support you every step of the way
👶 Paid parental leave – flexible programs for primary and secondary carers, plus a return-to-work bonus
🧠 Health & wellbeing support – EAP, Mental Health First Aid network, and fitness benefits
🐾 Best for Pet Wellness Plan – making everyday pet care more affordable for the people who care for them most
🏥 Nurse Advisory Committee – ANZ’s first national vet nurse committee, championing the profession
🌐 Connected community – access to a network of over 1,000 vets and nurses across ANZ
Ready to join us?
Reach out to Joseph at joseph.friend@vetpartners.com.au or apply via the link below. And if this particular role isn’t quite the right fit – we’d genuinely love to have a chat anyway. We have other clinics nearby and additional shifts that might be just what you’re looking for. Give us a call or drop us a line – we’re always happy to talk.
VetPartners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.