Job Description
Animal Referral and Emergency Centre – Broadmeadow NSW
AREC are excited to offer an opportunity for a motivated nurse to join our Ophthalmology Service and be part of a highly skilled, collaborative referral team.
About Us:
AREC is a privately owned, ASAV-accredited referral and emergency hospital providing advanced surgical, emergency and critical care services.
Our nursing team plays a central role in peri-operative care, anaesthesia, patient monitoring, and recovery, working closely within a multidisciplinary environment.
Our mission is to provide peace of mind - for both pet owners in the Hunter region and referring veterinary clinics – through compassionate, reliable, and high-quality referral and after-hours care.
The Role:
We are seeking a veterinary nurse to support the delivery of specialist ophthalmology services at AREC.
The ophthalmology service operates two days per week (Wednesday, Thursday), providing both consulting and surgical ophthalmology care.
This role offers variety across customer service, clinical nursing, anaesthesia and surgical support, and is well suited to nurses with an interest in referral-level ophthalmology and specialist practice.
You will work closely with the Ophthalmology service and the wider AREC team to deliver exceptional patient care and a positive client experience.
Your Duties & Responsibilities:
Customer Service
Assist with outpatient consultations including patient restraint and client education
Manage medical records, invoicing, payments and patient discharges
Communicate clearly, professionally and compassionately with clients
Clinical Nursing
Provide high quality nursing care for ophthalmology patients
Dispense and administer medications as prescribed




Perform pathology testing and assist with diagnostic procedures
Undertake animal husbandry duties to ensure patient comfort and wellbeing
Anaesthetic and Surgical Nursing
Assist with development of anaesthetic plans and provide advanced anaesthetic monitoring
Prepare patients, equipment and surgical theatres for ophthalmic procedures
Provide surgical assistance during ophthalmology surgeries
Monitor and support patients during recovery
Maintain surgical equipment and ensure theatre cleanliness and readiness
Qualified Collaboration
Work collaboratively within the Ophthalmology service and broader referral team
Demonstrate initiative and a willingness to learn ophthalmology-specific skills
Maintain flexibility to support scheduled referral service days
Work collaboratively with other referral departments, including Surgery, Rehab, and Emergency and Critical Care, to ensure comprehensive patient care
Engage with the Customer Service Team to facilitate smooth client communication and support
Your Skills & Experience:
Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent recognised qualification)
Current membership or eligibility for membership with the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia or a similar professional body
Experience in veterinary nursing, with exposure to or a strong interest in referral and specialist practice
Experience or interest in anaesthesia, critical care and patient monitoring




Well developed time management and prioritisation skills, with the ability to adapt in fast paced clinical settings
Strong communication and collaboration skills when working as part of a multidisciplinary team, including specialist veterinarians and referring clinics
Sound organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple cases, with guidance and support from senior team members when required
A genuine passion for delivering high quality clinical care and providing an excellent experience for clients and patients
AREC can offer:
On the job training within a referral environment
Opportunities for skill development across surgery, emergency and critical care
Continuing Education Allowance and access to employer-funded benefits including memberships and registrations to professional organisations for eligible employees
Competitive remuneration
Paid attendance at compulsory staff meetings
An engaged and committed leadership team that encourages growth and recognises positive contributions and feedback from the team
Employee Assistance Program and Wellness Committee
A modern workplace with in-house pathology and advanced imaging
Contact:
Sally Groen – ******
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:
View our videos and photos via the below links:
Living in Newcastle; Working at AREC -
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Animal Referral and Emergency Centre(kookaburravets.com)

📌 Ophthalmology Nurse (New South Wales)
🏢 Animal Referral and Emergency Centre
📍 New South Wales