Job Description

1x OOH Registered Veterinary Nurse & 1 x 12 month FTC Maternity Cover

We like to do things differently. As one of the UK's leading independent veterinary practices, we charted our own course, becoming Employees Owned and being the first vets in Europe to become a certified B corporation.

We are proud of our 125-year legacy that brings stability, experience and values that have stood the test of time. Pennard people are in animal care by choice, believe in our values and have a real stake in every client relationship. Our way aims to positively impact our clients, team, community, and environment.

We believe that our people should do what they are good at and what they naturally love.

This is for a range of reasons:

We want you to be happy because we care and believe that when you are happy, your work benefits.

We want you to do what you are passionate about. When you are at your most engaged, you do your best work and are happy. Everything fits.

Overview:

This role is critical in providing immediate medical attention to sick or injured animals when their regular veterinarian is unavailable.

Ensure that the clinic provides the highest standards of medical care to animals.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide emergency medical care to animals and follow established protocols and best practices. Ensuring that all medical records are properly maintained and updated in a timely manner. Working closely with other veterinary professionals, such as the regular clinic team, to ensure that animals receive continuity of care. Understanding the importance of excellent attendance, following the practice policy for any absence, and supporting the practice to improve and increase business using marketing, education and self-improvement. Performing veterinary nursing duties according to RCVS standards, Pennard practices, and protocols, contributing to high-quality animal care and good staff relationships. Providing nursing care by monitoring animals' vital signs, administering medications and fluid therapy, and providing basic first aid to animals in emergencies. Undertaking supervised nursing duties, including theatre, lab results, inpatients, and euthanasia duties as directed. Assisting with diagnostic procedures such as X-rays, blood tests, and ultrasounds. Preparing animals for surgery, including cleaning and shaving the surgical site, administering anaesthesia, and monitoring vital signs during surgery. Performing general cleaning duties throughout the hospital, including equipment, animal quarters, and premises, while maintaining excellent infection control. Dispensing drugs by professional guidelines and hospital rules. Monitoring and restocking consulting rooms and surgeries as directed. Providing physical and emotional assistance to clients in often sensitive situations, demonstrating empathy for client needs. Communicating with pet owners by providing updates on their animals' conditions and progress, answering questions about treatments, and providing instructions for aftercare. Assisting, if necessary, with telephone and general reception duties. Using the in-house data system facilities and the appointment system (PMS), including PetsApp. Assisting where appropriate with the practice marketing initiatives and open days. Promoting the ethos of the practice in recommending preventive animal healthcare. Working within a rota of duties, including weekends, bank holidays, and 'out-of-hours duties. Undertaking continuing professional and personal development associated with the role, including understanding fleas and advice on control, obesity and diets, dental health, neutering, worming, grooming, vaccination, etc.
Candidate requirements

Requirements:

Relevant qualifications approved by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.

Ability to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously while paying attention to detail.

Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.

Strong work ethic with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with clients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals.

Compassion and empathy towards animals and their owners.

Commitment to continuing professional development and maintaining professional standards set by RCVS.

Ability to handle difficult situations professionally and sensitively, following the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct.

Physically fit and able to undertake the manual handling and lifting of animals in compliance with relevant health and safety legislation.

Understanding of infection control protocols and a commitment to maintaining high levels of hygiene by RCVS and Health and Safety regulations.

Computer literacy and knowledge of veterinary practice management software are an advantage.

Eligibility to work in the UK, with relevant documentation in place.

Personal Qualities:

Compassionate towards animals and their owners, always showing empathy and care.

Emotionally strong and resilient, able to handle distressing situations and not be squeamish in the face of medical procedures or wounds.

A love of animals and a genuine concern for their welfare, desire to provide the best possible care.

Approachable, respectful, and caring, with the ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with colleagues and clients.

Patient with the ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing situations.

Friendly and welcoming, with a positive attitude towards colleagues and clients.

Fair and objective, with the ability to maintain professional standards and treat all animals and clients equally.

Open-minded and willing to learn, with a desire to continuously improve knowledge and skills through ongoing professional development.

Attention to detail, with the ability to follow protocols and procedures to ensure accurate and safe care is provided to animals.

Ability to work well in a team, with the willingness to support colleagues and contribute to a positive working environment.

Knowledge and Skills:

Quick thinking and the ability to think on your feet, making sound judgments in fast-paced and challenging situations.

Prioritisation of industry knowledge and technical skills, keeping up to date with new veterinary medicine and procedure advancements.

Calm under pressure, with the ability to remain focused and composed in emergencies.

Emotional intelligence, with the ability to understand and empathise with animal owners and colleagues while maintaining a professional distance.

A keenness to learn and develop new skills, with a commitment to continuing professional development.

The ability to handle animals firmly but gently, with knowledge of appropriate restraint techniques and understanding of animal behaviour.

Effective time management skills, with the ability to manage and prioritise tasks to ensure efficient workflow.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and clients, both verbally and in writing.

Awareness of health and safety practices within the workplace, including adequately handling and disposing of hazardous materials.

The ability to work independently and as part of a team, with good interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive working relationships.

Confidence in working with different animals, including understanding their unique needs and behaviours.

Good administration skills, including knowledge of veterinary practice management software and other relevant ICT systems.

Excellent observation skills, with the ability to identify subtle changes in animal behaviour or condition and respond accordingly.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 32,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount On-site parking Sick pay
Schedule:

12 hour shift Day shift Night shift Weekend availability
Ability to commute/relocate:

Sevenoaks: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Veterinary: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

RCVS (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/05/2025
Reference ID: OOHRVN