Job Title: Veterinary Nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:Veterinary Nurse

Reporting to: Nurse Manager

Responsible for:Trainee nurses and veterinary care assistants in the absence of nurse manager and deputy nurse manager

Overview

The role of the veterinary nurse is critical to the provision of high standards of client and patient care. The purpose ofthis position is to serve as a member of the nursing team. Guidance, support and co-ordination of junior nursing staffand veterinary care assistants are important aspects of the role. Working closely with other personnel at all times is essentialin order to ensure the smooth running of the prep room, the operating theatres, radiography, wards and kennels. High standardsof patient care are to be maintained at all times. All nursing staff are jointly responsible for effective stock controland rotation.

Major Goals

To ensure the highest standard of nursing care is provided 100% of the time to 100% of our patients

To achieve the above while bearing in mind that the practice is a business and therefore costs need to be carefully monitored and sensibly managed
To maintain accurate client and patient records
To comply with the nursing rota
To be efficient, pleasant, courteous, polite, concerned and helpful to all clients, under all conditions, at
all times
To treat all practice personnel with the same respect and consideration as clients
To help ensure the smooth running and case throughput of prep room, operating theatres, radiography, wards and kennels. To be involved with the admission and discharge process of patients, the accuracy of which is of vital importance
To promote our services, personnel and products, both within and outside the practice at all times
To support marketing initiatives
To demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development and actively participate in the staff appraisal system
To understand and implement practice policies as supplied and updated and as advised by nurse manager, practice manager and partners
To take an active role in the training programme of veterinary nurses and veterinary care assistants

Major Duties

General and theatre nursing, to include maintenance and preparation of sterile supplies and instruments.
Use of autoclave and ethylene oxide steriliser
Assisting with radiography
Stock control/rotation. Stock levels in prep room to be constantly replenished from stock room to ensure efficient ordering and minimise delays during procedures. Accurate recording of implants used when assisting veterinary surgeons, to enable accurate and prompt re-ordering
In-patient care to include: pre-op care/medication, monitoring/recovery period, post-op care/medication/ physiotherapy etc.
Ensure kennels are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition
Awareness of cases/nurse availability/kit availability & turnaround/theatre availability etc. from prep room to radiography through to theatre. Common sense approach to task prioritisation, as well as necessary cover during low staffing periods
When case-load allows, all staff to be involved in cleaning and maintenance of premises, especially prep room, radiography and theatres. Regular cleaning/routine care of all equipment to include correct methods of sterilisation, and prompt reporting of any faults or damage
Providing assistance to veterinary surgeons, as required, at all times
Performing Schedule 3 procedures under the guidance of the veterinary surgeon and according to experience
Accurate record keeping with regard to medical records, anaesthetic sheets, hospitalisation forms etc.
Out-of-hours and on-premises nursing and emergency cover on a shared rota system, working alongside interns, answering incoming emergency calls as required and liaising with vets on duty
Obtaining samples for laboratory testing, both in-house and externally, ensuring correct form completion and packaging. Performing in-house diagnostic tests as necessary
Dispensing medication as instructed by the veterinary surgeon
Equipment maintenance (request servicing/repair as necessary) and record in maintenance file
Reception duties (as and when necessary). Reporting on progress of in-patients to clients by telephone
as needed
Assisting with practice marketing initiatives e.g. Open Evenings, Open Days etc.
Assisting nurse manager and practice manager as required
To carry out and be accountable for any specific tasks or responsibilities allocated by the nurse manager or practice manager
Be fully aware of all Health & Safety issues and read all information supplied; correct use of anaesthetic machines and scavenger units; regular cleaning, maintenance & servicing of equipment etc. Familiarise yourself with all available H & S information and speak to the nurse manager if you have any queries or concerns
Welcome and provide support for visiting veterinary surgeons, students and work experience personnel
to ensure safe methods of work and minimum disruption
Follow Employee General Guidelines

Measurement of Achievement

The provision of quality veterinary nursing – first-class animal care is paramount
Integration into the staff team to assist in giving top quality service for pets, owners and referring veterinary surgeons
High level of client satisfaction/low level of complaints
Maximising services offered to clients
Accurate stock control and consequent minimal waste
Academic success of trainee veterinary nurses

PERSON SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE–Registered Veterinary Nurse

SPECIFICATION / ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE / METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Experience
Period in related field(s) / Application form
VN qualification
Knowledge
E.g. Systems
Specialist knowledge / Computer ordering and stock control systems / Application form
Interview
Tests
References
Qualifications
E.g. Educational
Secretarial
Professional
Higher Education
Post Graduate
Training Courses attended / VN qualification / Application form
Must see original certificates
Skills & Abilities
E.g. Dealing with the public
Written communication skills
Team working skills / Good team working skills
Legible writing
Good alphabet and reading skills / Application form
Interview
Tests
References
Other qualities / Must be of a clean and tidy appearance
Flexible to work extra hours if needed
Able to work under pressure and keep to time restraints / Logical approach to problems. Attention to detail / Interview