Internal Medicine Veterinary Nurse
DO YOU LIKE COMPLEX CASES, TECHNICAL PROCEDURES AND GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PATIENTS?
WAVES is looking for an experienced Veterinary Nurse to join our newly established Internal Medicine service.
Internal Medicine nursing combines complex diagnostic investigations and technical procedures with the ongoing care of patients living with chronic disease. It means following patients through investigation, diagnosis and treatment, understanding their individual needs and seeing the difference that excellent nursing care makes over time.
This is an opportunity to be part of something new, work closely with our Internal Medicine specialists and help shape the way the service develops.
About the Role
As an Internal Medicine Veterinary Nurse, you will support the investigation and management of patients with complex, chronic and often multisystem disease.
The role includes a combination of specialist consultations, planned diagnostic investigations, technical procedures, day patient care and ongoing disease management.
Your responsibilities may include:
Admitting patients and preparing them for specialist assessment
Coordinating planned investigations, procedures and treatments
Collecting, preparing and processing blood, urine and other diagnostic samples
Placing intravenous catheters and administering medications and infusions
Preparing patients and equipment for endoscopy and other advanced procedures
Assisting with ultrasound-guided aspirates and biopsies, bone marrow sampling and feeding-tube placement
Preparing for and assisting with chemotherapy treatments
Safely handling cytotoxic medications and waste, and caring for patients in accordance with cytotoxic safety protocols
Monitoring patients receiving sedation, anaesthesia, chemotherapy and other complex treatments
Caring for cats receiving radioactive iodine treatment in accordance with radiation-safety protocols
Providing ongoing nursing care for patients with chronic and multisystem disease
Maintaining accurate clinical records and treatment plans
Reinforcing discharge instructions and helping clients understand the practical aspects of ongoing care
Coordinating with veterinarians, nurses and other departments across the hospital
Because cats receiving radioactive iodine remain onsite during treatment, the role may include occasional rostered weekend or public holiday work to provide their ongoing care.
You will also help establish practical workflows and contribute ideas as our new Internal Medicine service develops.
The Patients and Clients
Internal Medicine patients rarely arrive with one simple problem and an immediate answer.
They may have endocrine, gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, respiratory, immune-mediated, infectious or haematological disease. Some require extensive diagnostic investigation, while others return regularly for monitoring, chemotherapy or ongoing management of a chronic condition.
Their clients may be managing complicated medications, nutrition plans, monitoring requirements and difficult decisions at home. Clear communication, empathy and continuity of care are therefore important parts of the nursing role.
You will often get to know patients and clients over multiple visits, recognise subtle changes in a patient’s condition and follow their progress over time.
The work requires curiosity, organisation and close attention to detail. It also provides the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and see the longer-term difference that excellent nursing care can make.
Who We Are Looking For
You will be a Registered Veterinary Nurse with strong general nursing knowledge and practical clinical skills.
Previous Internal Medicine or referral hospital experience is preferred. However, we are also interested in experienced nurses with the right clinical foundation, attitude and genuine desire to develop their Internal Medicine skills.
You are likely to suit this role if you:
Enjoy caring for patients with complex or chronic conditions
Are interested in diagnostic investigations and technical procedures
Like understanding the reasoning behind a patient’s tests and treatment
Can organise multiple patients, investigations and procedures without losing sight of the details
Recognise changes in a patient’s condition and communicate concerns clearly
Take responsibility for following tasks through
Communicate with empathy and professionalism
Work well with veterinarians, nurses, clients and other hospital teams
Are comfortable asking questions and seeking another opinion when needed
Take pride in providing excellent patient care
Want to continue developing your knowledge and technical skills
You do not need to know everything on your first day. You do need to be curious, willing to learn and prepared to contribute to the team around you.
What WAVES Offers
A permanent position within our newly established Internal Medicine service
Above-award remuneration, commensurate with experience
The opportunity to be part of something new
Training and mentoring in advanced Internal Medicine nursing
Ongoing professional development
Exposure to a varied and challenging referral caseload
Opportunities to develop skills in endoscopy, chemotherapy, diagnostic sampling and chronic disease management
A supportive team culture where your contribution matters
The resources and multidisciplinary support of a large emergency and referral hospital
The opportunity to work alongside experienced specialists, veterinarians and veterinary nurses
INTERESTED?
If you enjoy complex cases, technical procedures and the continuity that comes with caring for long-term patients, we would like to hear from you.
Apply through Indeed with your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and interest in Internal Medicine nursing.
