Urgent Care and ECC Veterinary Nurse

Company Overview

Takurua Vets is an independent companion animal practice based in Upper Riccarton, Christchurch. The clinic cares for dogs and cats with a practical, thoughtful approach that covers routine medicine, urgent attention, after-hours support, dentistry, diagnostics, imaging, surgery, and inpatient treatment.

Beginning 3 August 2026, the clinic will close at 10pm while it develops the next phase of its twilight urgent care and after-hours offering. The long-term plan is for this service to expand toward overnight coverage and, ultimately, 24-hour veterinary care.

The team works in a calm, patient-centred environment that places strong value on fear-free handling, pain-aware care, clear communication, and sound clinical judgement.

Role Overview

Takurua Vets is seeking an Urgent Care and ECC Veterinary Nurse to support the growth of its urgent care and after-hours service.

The position can be structured as full-time, part-time, twilight, overnight, on-call, or a flexible mix, depending on the candidate’s background, availability, and the clinic’s requirements. It may suit an experienced general practice veterinary nurse, a nurse with emergency or ECC experience, or someone looking to contribute to urgent care alongside study, family commitments, or another role.

The work may include triage assistance, urgent care nursing, inpatient care, patient monitoring, blood collection, catheter placement, fluid therapy support, anaesthetic support, patient handling, client communication, cleaning, restocking, and general workflow support for urgent and after-hours cases.

In the initial phase, the position is expected to focus on twilight shifts and on-call support rather than a permanent overnight roster. As the service expands, the role may evolve with it.

Working Arrangements and Role Details

• Flexible full-time and part-time options are available for consideration
• Twilight, overnight, and on-call veterinary nursing shifts may be part of the role
• Pay is listed at NZ$30 to NZ$45 per hour, with the final rate based on experience and hours worked
• The clinic is located in Upper Riccarton, Christchurch
• The role supports companion animal urgent care, ECC, and inpatient nursing
• The service is in development and is moving toward broader overnight and eventual 24-hour coverage
• Takurua Vets is an Immigration New Zealand accredited employer

Responsibilities

• Support triage for urgent and emergency presentations
• Assist veterinarians during urgent consultations and after-hours cases
• Handle patients using low-stress restraint and careful nursing techniques
• Provide inpatient care, ongoing monitoring, and reassessment
• Assist with blood collection, catheter placement, and fluid therapy
• Support anaesthesia and emergency procedures
• Help during surgical and critical emergency procedures
• Contribute to pain assessment and comfort-focused nursing
• Communicate clearly with clients during high-pressure or urgent situations
• Work closely with veterinarians, nurses, and the broader clinic team
• Maintain accurate clinical notes and help shape workflows and protocols
• Take part in twilight, overnight, or on-call support depending on the agreed roster structure

Qualifications and Experience

• A veterinary nursing qualification is preferred, though relevant small animal clinical nursing experience will also be considered
• Background in small animal clinical work
• Interest in urgent care, emergency medicine, ECC, or inpatient nursing
• Ability to prioritise tasks and respond appropriately in time-sensitive situations
• Strong patient handling and practical nursing skills
• Good interpersonal and client communication abilities
• Commitment to patient welfare, pain management, and evidence-based nursing practice
• Ability to collaborate effectively with veterinarians and other veterinary nurses
• Experience in urgent care, emergency, critical care, surgery, anaesthesia, inpatient care, or after-hours work is highly valued, although the role can be adapted to suit the right person

Eligibility

Eligible overseas applicants may enquire if their visa situation aligns with the role and New Zealand requirements.