Massey Vets - New Zealand's Only Veterinary Teaching Hospital!
Are you a vet nurse ready to level up your skills? Join our Emergency & Critical Care (ECC) team within the Companion Animal Hospital and get hands-on experience in a fast-paced, supportive environment.

Work alongside skilled nurses, vets, and specialists, with access to advanced diagnostics like CT, ultrasound, and in-house lab/pathology. We are seeking motivated Veterinary Nurses to join our supportive team at Massey Vets on the Manawatu campus, Palmerston North, for both permanent and fixed-term positions in our Emergency and Critical Care department.

About the role
No two days are the same, delivering high-quality nursing care within the ECC, supporting clinicians and caring for critically ill patients. Responding to emergencies and triage is a key element of this role.

This position is 0.91 FTE (34.3 hours per week) and includes day, evening, and night shifts. The roster is modelled on human nursing and consists of six days on and four days off. Working the 24/7 roster qualifies nurses for an additional 15% bonus to their salary.

This role will include:

• Delivering gold-standard nursing care to critically ill patients.
• Handling, medicating, and monitoring patients with confidence and compassion.
• Preparing patients and assisting with diagnostics.
• Ensuring patient comfort, hygiene, nutrition, and wellbeing.
• Communicating discharge instructions clearly and empathetically to clients.
• Maintaining high standards of hospital hygiene, equipment care, and stock management.
• Assisting across departments as needed.
• Helping teach and support veterinary students.

About you
You'll be a team player with strong clinical skills, great communication, and a calm approach under pressure.

• Diploma of Veterinary Nursing or Bachelor of Veterinary Technology/Nursing (or equivalent).
• At least one year of experience in companion animal practice (new DVN/BVN graduates will be considered).
• Confidence with patient monitoring, dose and fluid calculations, and anaesthetic recovery.
• A professional, empathetic approach to clients and colleagues.

What we offer

• Structured two-week induction to get you confidently up to speed.
• Mentorship and support from skilled nurses - we actively teach, not just supervise.
• Access to excellent facilities, including advanced imaging (CT, fluoroscopy, ultrasound), a dedicated 24/7 ECC/ICU department, exceptional theatre and sterile supply departments, in-house diagnostics, and a rehabilitation unit.
• Hands-on experience with advanced diagnostics and critical care skills.
• In addition to frequent in-house CPD opportunities delivered by our specialists, we offer funding towards ongoing CPD. We also cover the costs of NZVNA registration and AVPRC annual practising certificates.
• Earn an extra 15% on top of your base pay for 24/7 shifts.
• Additional benefits of being a Massey staff member, including five days of additional leave through university holidays (on top of your standard four weeks of annual leave), discounts at leading local retailers, reduced membership fees at the Massey Recreation Centre and Gym, access to EAP, and much more. Check them all out here: https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/jobs-at-massey/benefits-at-massey/
• The opportunity to make a real impact on patient care while contributing to the education of the next generation of veterinarians.

Why join us?

At Massey Vets, we're more than a workplace - we're a community. We're passionate about delivering exceptional care to our patients while making sure our people feel supported and valued every step of the way.

Here, teamwork isn't just a word - it's how we thrive. Respect and excellence guide everything we do, and no two days are ever the same, keeping things exciting and rewarding.

If you love veterinary care and want to be part of a team that celebrates the special moments we share with our patients, you'll fit right in.

The salary for this position will depend on skills and experience but will be in the range of Grade 4 ($51,554 - $75,351).

Your next adventure in nursing starts here - we want you on our team.

Applications will be reviewed upon submission. This job may close prior to the advertised closing date. Apply now!

Further enquiries should be directed to: C.Simpson2@massey.ac.nz

Closing date: 8 July 2026