Escape the Ordinary: Emergency & Critical Care Nursing in New Zealand’s Leading Emergency & Specialty Hospital Group

Imagine finishing a shift and spending your next day at the beach.

Imagine having weekends where you’re exploring volcanic coastlines, hiking native bush tracks, sailing on the harbour, or heading away on a road trip.

For many ER nurses across New Zealand, changing hospitals isn’t just about a new job. It’s about finding a team and a role that actually fits the life you want outside of work.

At ARC Vets, we’re looking for experienced ER Veterinary Nurses who want both: the challenge and satisfaction of emergency medicine, and real support to build a long-term career here.

We’re New Zealand’s leading emergency and specialty hospital group, independent, family-owned, specialist-led, and home to two state-of-the-art 24/7 hospitals in Auckland, with a third hospital opening in Wellington in 2027.

We’re currently seeking 4-5 experienced ER Veterinary Nurses to join our expanding teams at:

• ARC Central, in the heart of Auckland City
• ARC North, on Auckland’s beautiful North Shore

If you’re looking for advanced medicine, a supportive team, meaningful clinical responsibility, and an adventure outside of work, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Nurses Choose ARC

Emergency nursing is rewarding, challenging, fast-paced, and sometimes tough. We won’t pretend otherwise. What makes the difference is the team around you.

Starting somewhere new is a big step, wherever you’re joining us from.

That’s why every ER nurse at ARC receives dedicated support from a leadership team built specifically around helping nurses succeed.

You’ll work directly with our Emergency Medical Director, alongside two dedicated nursing leaders:

Clinical ER Nurse Lead

Focused on:

• Clinical mentorship and coaching
• Emergency and critical care skills development
• Training and professional growth
• Building confidence and capability

People ER Nurse Lead

Focused on:

• Wellbeing and support
• Regular one-on-one check-ins
• Rostering
• Day-to-day problem solving
• Helping nurses settle into the team and thrive long-term

Wherever you’re joining us from, you’ll have experienced people invested in helping you succeed from day one.

We believe emergency medicine is hard enough without having to navigate everything alone.

About the Role

This is a hands-on emergency nursing role in a busy referral and emergency hospital.

Our hospitals operate 24/7, with shifts rostered across days, nights, weekends and public holidays. Emergency medicine never truly slows down, and neither do we. But we also understand the importance of recovery, time away from work, and making the most of everything New Zealand has to offer.

Salary

Hourly rate NZD $30-35, depending on experience.

Plus:

• 20% overnight differential (8pm-6am)
• 20% weekend differential
• Public holiday enhancements

Closing date for applications – 16th October 2026

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll be an integral member of a collaborative ER team, involved in:

• Emergency triage and patient stabilisation
• IV catheter placement
• Blood collection and transfusion support
• Anaesthetic monitoring
• Diagnostic imaging support
• Medication administration
• Critical patient monitoring
• Post-operative nursing care
• Client communication and education

We trust our nurses to use their clinical judgement, think critically, and play a meaningful role in patient care.

This isn’t a role where you’re limited to basic nursing tasks. You’ll be actively involved in emergency and critical care cases and supported to grow your skills along the way.

For nurses interested in advanced emergency and critical care nursing, opportunities include:

• High-flow oxygen therapy
• Mechanical ventilation
• Advanced critical care nursing
• Support toward VTS certification

We work hard, support one another, and are proud of the care we provide. ER can be demanding anywhere in the world, but you’ll be joining a team committed to helping each other through the challenging shifts and celebrating the rewarding ones.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience Required

• Have at least 2 years experience post-qualification working as a full time veterinary nurse and/or
• Hold a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing or Bachelor of Veterinary Technology degree (overseas equivalent preferable but negotiable) or equivalent experience.

Why ARC?

ARC is home to more than 160 veterinary professionals, including specialists in:

• Emergency & Critical Care
• Internal Medicine
• Surgery
• Neurology
• Radiology
• Ophthalmology
• Oncology
• Dermatology

We’re also proud to be home to New Zealand’s only veterinary MRI.

You’ll work alongside specialists, residents, interns and experienced emergency clinicians in an environment built around learning, collaboration and clinical excellence.

Because we’re independent, decisions can be made quickly, ideas are welcomed, and individuals can have a genuine impact.

And with a third hospital opening in Wellington in 2027, there will be exciting opportunities for career progression as our group continues to grow.

What We Offer

In addition to competitive pay, you’ll receive:

• Four weeks annual leave
• Ten days paid sick leave annually
• Public holiday pay differential plus an additional day in lieu for every public holiday worked
• Up to 26 weeks government-funded parental leave
• NZVNA membership and annual practising certificate paid
• $550 annual CPD allowance for the first year and $1000 in subsequent years with paid CPD leave
• In-house continuing education programmes
• 20% overnight and weekend differential
• 50% discount on veterinary services for your own pets
• Pet bereavement leave
• Free counselling services
• Mental health-trained leadership
• Two months of roster visibility
• Free onsite parking and convenient public transport access
• An active social committee with optional events throughout the year

Why New Zealand?

Let’s be honest, New Zealand is often what catches people’s attention first.

And for good reason.

Whether it’s beaches, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, sailing, surfing, camping, or simply having easier access to nature, New Zealand offers an outdoor lifestyle that’s hard to match.

Auckland consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable cities and offers a unique balance of urban convenience and outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re based at ARC Central or ARC North, you’re never far from beaches, cafés, harbour walks, regional parks, and weekend adventures.

And because we have two hospitals in Auckland, changing things up doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch.

What’s Next?

If you’re looking for advanced emergency medicine, meaningful nursing responsibility, strong leadership support, and room to grow your career, we’d love to hear from you.

Submit your CV and application today.

We can’t fit everything into a job advertisement, so if you have questions about the role, get in touch.

Emergency nursing that matters. Support that makes a difference. Life beyond the hospital.

Welcome to your next adventure with ARC Vets.