Veterinary Nurse Assistant / Trainee Veterinary Nurse – Townsville

Looking to start your veterinary nursing career or gain hands-on experience while studying?

NQ Care is a 24/7 Emergency and Referral Veterinary Hospital in Townsville, bringing Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine and Surgery together under one roof.

We're looking for enthusiastic nurse assistants to work closely with our ECC and Referral teams, supporting our nurses and veterinarians with patient care and the daily running of our hospital.

This role may suit someone studying a Certificate II in Animal Care or Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, or someone looking to begin a career in veterinary nursing. We can provide practical training and support you in completing your Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through supervised workplace experience and opportunities to develop your skills.

What you'll be doing:

Your responsibilities will develop with your training and demonstrated skills, under the direction and supervision of our nurses and veterinarians. These may include:

- Assisting with safe patient handling and restraint

- Supporting patient comfort, hygiene, feeding, walking and toileting

- Helping nurses and veterinarians prepare patients, equipment and treatment areas

- Assisting during consultations, diagnostic procedures and treatments

- Reporting changes in patient behavior or condition to the nursing team

- Preparing cages, restocking supplies and maintaining clean clinical areas

- Supporting theatre preparation, cleaning and turnover between procedures

- Helping with surgical instrument cleaning, packing and sterilization following training

- Assisting with laundry and general hospital duties

- Assisting with patient transport when required





What we're looking for:

- A robust interest in veterinary nursing and a willingness to learn

- A caring, calm approach to animals

- Good communication and teamwork skills

- Reliability, initiative and a willingness to help wherever needed

- Attention to detail and a commitment to hygiene and infection control

- The ability to follow instructions, recognize your limits and ask for help

- The ability to stay organized and adapt in a busy hospital

Previous animal handling or veterinary experience is helpful, but we welcome applicants who are beginning their training and keen to learn.

Hours and availability

These roles include evening and weekend work, with opportunities for late shifts and overnight shifts. Public holiday work will also form part of the roster.

Please include your availability and any study commitments in your application. Being comfortable working outside standard daytime hours is an important part of this role.

Why join us?

- Practical training and support to help you complete your study in Veterinary Nursing

- Hands-on experience across ECC, Internal Medicine and Surgery

- Opportunities to develop patient care and theatre support skills

- An experienced team of nurses, veterinarians and specialists to learn from

- Competitive and transparent pay based on experience and skills

- Supportive leaders committed to your development and career progression

- Competitive paid parental leave

- A collaborative team environment

- Culture celebration days worth celebrating

You'll be joining a purpose-built hospital with a team committed to One Team, Consistent Improvement and Transparency.

Please send your resume and a short cover letter outlining your interest, current studies and availability to *******@nqcare.com.au.

📌 Veterinary Trainee Nurse or Nurse Assistant (Townsville)
🏢 NQ Care
📍 Townsville