Are You a Vet Nurse Who Thrives on Clean, Calm, and Organised Care?
Our team is growing, and we’re looking for reliable, proactive Animal Attendants who take pride in getting the essentials right, from hospital hygiene to patient comfort and efficient workflow.
About Us:
AREC is the Hunter regions’ only fully staffed 24/7 emergency and referral service for small animals. To learn more about us, please go to our website https://arecvet.com.au/about/
The Role:
Our Animal Attendant roles are an essential entry point into the emergency and critical care environment, designed specifically for Cert IV Vet Nurses who have already gained experience beyond their formal placement. While many applicants see this as a stepping stone into ECC nursing, it’s important to be clear: this is not a fast-track program.
Before progressing further in our emergency or referral pathways, you’ll need to build a strong foundation over time—typically a minimum of three years—in high-quality general practice or within our Animal Attendant team itself. You must already bring baseline confidence with clinical skills, patient handling, and workflow awareness to thrive here.
Above all, we are looking for team members who take pride in championing hospital hygiene, organisation, and patient care, cornerstone responsibilities that make the rest of our work possible. This is hands-on, behind-the-scenes work that directly supports our nurses, vets, and patients. If you find satisfaction in precision, care, and teamwork (and you’re ready to roll up your sleeves), you’ll fit in well.
This role is for those who see the value in learning from the ground up, and who understand that consistency, commitment, and attention to detail are the foundation for any future in ECC nursing.
Your Duties & Responsibilities:
- Maintain high standards of hospital hygiene and presentation across all clinical areas
- Ensure efficient restocking and setup of treatment areas to keep workflows smooth
- Provide hands-on support for patient care tasks (feeding, bedding, cleaning, comfort)
- Safely handle patients and support nurses/vets with procedures as directed
- Assist with surgical area setup and pack processing, ensuring readiness and sterility
- Provide reception cover when needed, including welcoming clients and patients
- Apply (or be ready to learn) our Low-Stress Handling techniques in all patient contact
Your Skills & Experience:
- Sound understanding of hospital hygiene standards and clinic workflows
- Previous experience working in a busy veterinary practice (outside of placement)
- Able to follow direction and complete tasks reliably, even in a fast-paced setting
- Calm, confident patient handling skills, including willingness to learn low-stress methods
- Strong communication and time management skills, especially when under pressure
- Willingness to ask questions, accept feedback, and continuously improve
Requirements:
- Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (essential)
- Experience outside of placement in (busy) general practice
Due to the critical and fast-paced nature of our environment, we’re unable to provide the foundational training typically gained in general practice. That’s why we’re looking for applicants who already bring practical experience, confidence in the basics, and the motivation to keep learning on the job.
- Willingness to adhere to the AREC guidelines and expectations outlined in the AREC Progression Plan to ensure consistent development and advancement.
- Availability for shiftwork including a variety of early morning, afternoon, evening, overnight and weekend shifts.
- Flexibility to work public holidays – as we are a 24-hour hospital, we require our team to be available during peak periods such as Easter, Christmas, New Year and October Long Weekend (essential).
- Casual positions require a minimum commitment of 2 shifts per month, plus the availability to pick up extra shifts during peak periods.
- Note: Please be prepared to discuss your specific availability early in your application process.
AREC can offer:
- Continuing Education Allowance and access to employer-funded benefits including memberships and registrations to professional organisations for eligible employees.
- Competitive remuneration
- Paid attendance for compulsory staff meetings
- An engaged and committed leadership team that encourages growth and recognises positive contributions and feedback from the team
- Dedicated ‘Break Nurses’ on shift to encourage rest and improve staff wellbeing
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Wellness Committee
Contact:
Sally Groen – hr@arecvet.com.au
How to Apply:
If you are keen to be a part of a highly compassionate and hard-working team of healthcare professionals, we would love to hear from you. Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below.
AREC foster diversity and inclusion within the organization to create an environment where all individuals are valued and included.
Note: All short-listed applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment check to verify their identity, qualifications and experience in the form of a reference check.
Learn more about us:
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