Veterinary Nurse

For nearly 140 years, RSPCA Queensland has been a leading animal welfare charity, dedicated to improving the lives of animals - whether domestic, farmed, or native. We care for over 42,000 animals annually, relying on the generosity of animal lovers like you to fund 96% of our life-changing services.

Our Mission: Together We Change Lives, And That Includes Yours.

About the Role

We’re looking for an experienced, compassionate and skilled Veterinary Nurse to join our Dakabin Hospital on a part-time basis. In this role, you’ll provide a high standard of medical, behavioural and shelter-based care to animals across both our domestic hospital and our onsite animal shelter.

This is a varied role - no two days will look the same. You’ll move between supporting vets during routine and non‑routine procedures, caring for animals recovering in hospital, and providing hands‑on treatment and husbandry for animals in the shelter. This includes tasks like medicating, monitoring, behavioural support, cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures, and ensuring high standards of cleanliness across clinical and shelter spaces.

If you’re passionate about animal welfare and ready to use your nursing expertise to make a genuine impact, this could be the perfect role for you.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who brings equal parts skill, heart and grit – a nurse who can stay sharp in fast‑paced moments and steady in the emotionally tough ones. You’re the person who thinks on your feet, communicates with confidence and care, and shows up with purpose no matter what the shift throws your way. You build trust quickly, collaborate naturally, and bring a calm, grounded energy to the team. Whether you’re supporting a vet through a complex procedure, comforting a frightened patient, or helping a colleague manage the chaos of a busy day, you’re someone who lifts the standard of care simply by being in the room.

What You’ll Do

- Provide hands‑on care to hospital and shelter animals, including husbandry, cleaning enclosures, medicating and daily welfare checks.

- Monitor inpatients and communicate medical updates to veterinarians.

- Safely restrain and handle a variety of species including behaviourally challenging animals.

- Monitor patients under sedation and general anaesthesia and complete accurate anaesthetic charts.

- Support both routine and specialised surgical procedures through pre‑op, intra‑op and post‑op care.

- Administer medications (oral, topical, aural) and perform SQ, IM and IV injections, including IV catheter placement.

- Conduct basic and advanced diagnostic procedures.

- Recognise behavioural markers and apply appropriate handling strategies.

- Triaging incoming and in‑house patients to ensure timely and appropriate care.

- Support neonatal care for puppies and kittens.

- Maintain high data accuracy within our clinical systems.

- Work collaboratively with the nursing team to coordinate hospital and shelter priorities and uphold consistently high care standards.

What You’ll Bring to the Role

- Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent).

- 5+ years’ experience in a similar clinical setting, or proven competency in the required tasks.

- A genuine passion for animal welfare and strong alignment to our RSPCA Qld mission and values.

- Excellent communication skills – with your team, vets, and across departments.

- Strong problem‑solving skills and good clinical judgement.

- A collaborative, can‑do approach to teamwork.

- Reliable time‑management skills in a fast‑paced environment.

- Adaptability and resilience as you move between varied patient needs throughout the day.

- Physical capacity to perform manual handling tasks (up to 10kg).

Why Join Us?

- Comprehensive Support: Enjoy 8 weeks of paid parental leave, flexible working arrangements, study leave, and even leave for your furry companions. We also provide access to counselling and mental health services.

- Employee Perks: From free on‑site parking to exclusive discounts, novated leases, free pet vaccines, and 50% off Royal Canin pet food, we’ve got you covered You can also adopt a new furry friend with free adoption options.

- Professional Growth: Access expansive learning and development programs to help you elevate your career and skill set.

- Purpose‑Driven Impact: Be part of a mission‑driven organisation where every task makes a tangible difference to animal welfare.

Interested?

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, apply today

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a Police Check for the safety and well‑being of the community, staff, and animals. A pre‑employment medical assessment may also be required.

RSPCA Queensland acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process, welcoming applicants of all backgrounds, regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

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