Ready to step beyond general practice and into a role where you’ll genuinely grow your skills? This is an opportunity to join a true multidisciplinary referral hospital, working alongside experienced clinicians and nurses managing complex medical, surgical, and critical care cases every day.

Have you hit the ceiling in general practice? Do you enjoy being challenged, love learning, and want to be part of a team where nursing standards and patient care truly matter — this could be the perfect next step.

• Advanced referral hospital with complex medical & surgical cases
• Strong focus on critical thinking and high-acuity patient care
• Supportive team culture focused on development, collaboration, and high standards of patient care

About The Referral Centre
The Referral Centre (TRC) is a multidisciplinary veterinary hospital providing advanced veterinary care beyond general practice. Our team includes specialists, veterinarians with additional training and advanced qualifications, working alongside experienced nursing teams to deliver high standards of patient care.

Working in partnership with Waikato Afterhours Veterinary Hospital (WAVH), we provide 24/7 veterinary supervision and onsite nursing care in Hamilton, creating a highly supported environment for both patients and clinical teams.

At TRC, we pride ourselves on being real people who genuinely care — about their patients, their clients, and each other. We work hard, support one another, and create an environment where nurses are valued as an important part of the clinical team.

About the Role
This is a full-time Referral Veterinary Nurse position within a busy, fast-paced referral hospital.

You’ll be closely involved in the ongoing care and progression of complex cases, working as part of a highly skilled multidisciplinary team.

• Day-to-day management of referral and in-hospital patients
• Close monitoring of high-acuity cases (post-op, critical care, complex medical cases)
• Assisting with advanced procedures (imaging, diagnostics, surgical support)
• Supporting complex anaesthesia and peri-operative care
• Preparing patients, running diagnostics, and supporting full case workups
• Maintaining detailed clinical documentation and patient tracking
• Communicating clearly with vets and nursing teams regarding patient progress
• Supporting client updates, discharge planning, and continuity of care
• Mentoring and supporting junior nursing staff on the floor

This role is 36 hours per week on a rostered full-time basis.

About You
We’re looking for an experienced veterinary nurse who thrives in a more complex clinical environment.

• Minimum 3+ years’ veterinary nursing experience
• Calm, practical, and able to think ahead in fast-moving situations
• Strong critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills
• High attention to detail and patient-focused mindset
• Confident communicator with both team members and clients
• Able to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment
• Passion for delivering high standards of care

Referral or ECC experience is a bonus, but not essential — we’re more interested in your clinical foundation, attitude, and work ethic.

What’s on Offer?

• Hourly rate of $28–$35 per hour (depending on experience)
• Full-time 36-hour rostered position
• Work in a true referral hospital environment with complex case exposure
• Strong focus on learning, development, and clinical progression
• Support from experienced referral veterinarians and specialist teams
• Opportunity to develop advanced nursing skills in critical care and anaesthesia
• 24/7 clinical support environment with strong team structure
• Access to the wider CareVets network and colleagues
• Discounts on veterinary services and retail products across the network
• Confidential counselling support available
• NZVNA registration support

Apply Now
Apply now or contact Courtney Taylor at recruitment@wavh.co.nz to learn more about this opportunity.