How to Become a Veterinary Nurse: A Rewarding Career With Learning Opportunities

Veterinary nurse job description

Where we source our data

Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.

That’s why we anonymously surveyed veterinary nurses about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.

While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.

Tasks and responsibilities for a veterinary nurse

• Triage: performing initial assessments of animals before they see the vet and determine the seriousness of the animal’s needs
• Cleaning and sterilising clinic equipment and work areas
• Preparing consulting rooms before each patient
• Comforting and care for anxious or upset owners
• Monitoring an animal's vital signs while in your care
• Performing minor medical procedures
• Prepare for and assist with surgeries and euthanasia if necessary
• Handling the discharge of the animals and communicate follow-up care instructions with owners
• Feeding, caring for and medicating animals staying at the clinic or veterinary hospital
• Managing stock levels of food, medicines, equipment and accessories for the clinic
• Providing thoughtful and sensitive customer service
• Managing reception tasks, record keeping and administration

Frequently asked questions