Send us a text

Ever wondered what makes a veterinary practice truly special? It's not just about the facilities or location—it's about creating a culture where every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered to use their full range of skills.

In this chat with Bridget Swart, head veterinary nurse at Vets on Carlton in Whanganui, we talk about the daily rhythms of a clinic that's earned an impressive 4.7-star rating from its own employees.

Bridget shares her journey as a "transplant" to this seaside community, where she's found not just professional fulfilment but a perfect setting for raising her young family.

What becomes immediately apparent is how this clinic approaches teamwork. From organised morning rounds to the mutual support team members offer one another during challenging days, there's an genuine camaraderie that can't be manufactured.

Perhaps most significantly, veterinarians at the practice fully utilise their nurses' skills—from administering pre-meds to intubating patients, placing catheters, and conducting x-rays. This approach not only increases job satisfaction for nursing staff but creates a more efficient workplace where everyone can focus on what they do best.

For veterinary professionals considering their next move, Whanganui offers a compelling alternative to big-city practice. As Bridget puts it, the "slower pace" and family-friendly amenities create the perfect work-life balance, while the clinic's commitment to continuing education ensures career development doesn't stagnate.

Whether you're a veterinarian looking for your next position or simply curious about what makes a veterinary workplace thrive, this episode provides valuable insights into creating a sustainable and fulfilling veterinary career.

If you're ready to discover if Vets on Carlton might be your perfect next move you owe it to yourself to check them out!

Check out Tania's Job Video.

Struggling to get results from your job advertisements?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Send us a text

Discover the heart and soul of rural veterinary practice through Dr Dave Rankin's eyes as he celebrates 30 years with Wanganui Vet Services - sister clinic to Vets on Carlton.

Dr Dave's journey shows what makes a veterinary workplace truly special – the deep bonds formed with farming families across generations, the satisfaction of mentoring young professionals, and the joy of practicing diverse medicine from pregnancy testing cattle to performing emergency small animal surgeries.

What stands out in this conversation is Dr Dave's people-first approach to veterinary medicine. "My team's always stronger than the individual," he explains, describing how everyone from receptionists to nurses plays a vital role in clinic success.

This philosophy extends to professional development, where staff members are encouraged to pursue their passions – even when it means sending a primarily large animal vet like Dr Dave, to a small animal dental course!

The clinic's thoughtful approach to after-hours work demonstrates their commitment to staff wellbeing. New veterinarians receive approximately six months lead-in before joining the on-call roster, and when they do, a tiered support system ensures they're never alone. This structure, combined with extra annual leave, helps address one of the profession's most challenging aspects.

Beyond the clinic, Whanganui itself offers an enviable lifestyle. "Everyone forgets we're a seaside city," Dr Dave shares, describing how he can be fishing, skiing, or hiking within minutes of home. With good schools, a pleasant climate, and a central location, it's the perfect setting for veterinary professionals seeking work-life balance.

Want to join a veterinary team where you're truly valued? Visit vetclinicjobs.com/vets-on-carlton to learn more about opportunities at this Veterinary Clinic Employer of Choice, where you can apply directly with no recruitment agency involved. As Dr Dave puts it, "Our clinics allow people to be themselves and to grow in an environment that is fully supported."

Struggling to get results from your job advertisements?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Send us a text

What does it take to be a Veterinary Clinic "Employer of Choice" - Julie South catches up with Dianna - Head of Reception at Wanganui Vet Services (sister clinic of Vets on Carlton).

If you're a veterinary professional looking to make your next move and Companion Animals is your thing, you owe it to yourself to check out Vets on Carlton in Whanganui.

Dianna shares her 16-year journey at Wanganui Vet Services and Vets on Carlton, revealing what makes this veterinary practice a VetClinicJobs Employer of Choice with a stellar 4.8-star employee rating.

Julie and Dianna explore the clinic culture where "everybody is valued the same" regardless of their role, and discover why veterinary professionals choose to build long-term careers in this supportive environment.

Reception Manager Diana has worked at Wanganui Vet Services for nearly 16 years:

• Originally joined as a qualified vet nurse doing her training at the practice
• Enjoys building relationships with clients and helping solve their problems
• Team described as "fabulous, dedicated, and professional" with complementary strengths
• Whanganui offers excellent quality of life with festivals, outdoor activities, and strong community
• Clinic serves diverse clientele from urban pet owners to generations of farming families
• Work environment where "everybody is on the same level" regardless of role
• Team provides support when "things go wrong in people's lives"

What does it take for VetClinicJobs to identify a clinic as an Employer of Choice Veterinary Clinic?

Employer of Choice status requires

• >2 4-star employee reviews,
• clinic commitment to CPD
• community involvement

Check out vetclinicjobs.com/vets-on-carlton for more information, and tune in next week when Julie South catches up with head veterinarian and Massey grad, Dr Dave Rankin.

Struggling to get results from your job advertisements?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs