Job Description

About the role

Overview:

A Veterinary Nurse is a dedicated and passionate professional committed to promoting animal health and wellbeing. They are empathetic and compassionate individuals who focus on meeting the needs of both the animals and their owners, building strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike. As an RVN, you will play a crucial role in a veterinary practice, working alongside Veterinary Surgeons and Nurses to provide high-quality care and animal treatment.

Your primary responsibilities will involve assisting with the care and treatment of animals, including administering medication, providing post-operative care, and monitoring vital signs. You will also be responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the practice, managing appointments, maintaining records, and providing support to other team members as needed.

To succeed in this role, you will need to have excellent communication skills, be able to deal with difficult situations and maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. You will be required to work collaboratively with other team members, sharing your expertise and knowledge to help train and support others in different areas.

As a Registered Veterinary Nurse, you will be expected to keep up-to-date with the latest developments and techniques in veterinary nursing by participating in continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities. You will be committed to excellence in customer service and clinical practice and strive to maintain the highest standards of care and professionalism within your practice.

In summary, an RVN is an integral member of the veterinary team, providing compassionate and high-quality care to animals while contributing to the efficient and effective running of the practice.

Key Responsibilities:

Nursing various species, including cats, dogs, and small animals. Undertaking nursing duties in theatre, hospital, nurse consultations, and euthanasia, as directed. Administering treatments, such as injections, medication, fluid therapy, dressing, first aid, euthanasia, and minor surgical procedures where permitted. Maintaining excellent infection control by undertaking general cleaning duties throughout the hospital, including equipment, animal quarters, and premises. Maintaining up-to-date and accurate clinical records. Running in-house lab diagnostic tests and recording results, packaging lab samples for posting. Dispensing drugs per professional guidelines and hospital rules. Monitoring and restocking consulting rooms, hospital, theatre, and imaging suite as directed. Offering physical and emotional assistance to clients in often sensitive situations, demonstrating empathy for their needs. Assisting with telephone and general reception duties, including taking payments, if necessary. Using in-house data system facilities and appointment system (PMS), including PetsApp. Assisting where appropriate with practice marketing initiatives, puppy parties, open days, etc. Promoting the ethos of the practice in recommending preventive animal health care. Working within a rota of duties, including 'out of hours' work, Saturday morning shifts, and some bank holidays. Undertaking continuing professional and personal development associated with the role. Being involved in developing the team as a nurse training practice. Assisting with duties at other Pennard Practices as required, covering sickness or annual holidays. Qualifying and practising as a clinical coach.
Overall, the role of an RVN requires a high level of professionalism, dedication, and empathy towards animals and their owners. You will work as part of a team to deliver excellent standards of care, whilst also maintaining the highest levels of personal and professional development.

Candidate requirements

Requirements:

You must have a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the RCVS. Alternatively, you may be enrolled on an RCVS-approved training course. You must be registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as a veterinary nurse. You must have a good knowledge of animal care, including nursing procedures and protocols. You must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to be able to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues. You must have empathy and compassion towards animals and their owners. You must be able to work well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment. You must be able to work as part of a team, collaborating with other veterinary professionals to deliver high-quality care. You must have excellent organisational skills, multitask, and prioritise your workload effectively. You must be willing to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in veterinary nursing. You must be flexible in your approach to work, as this role may require working outside of regular hours, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays.
Personal Qualities:

Attention to detail: As an RVN, you will need to pay close attention to detail to ensure the accurate recording and monitoring of clinical data, including administering medication and monitoring patient vitals. Sympathetic and caring: You must be sympathetic and caring towards the animals and their owners, providing support and reassurance during potentially distressing situations. Emotional strength: As an RVN, you must have the emotional strength to cope with difficult situations and be able to maintain your composure in stressful situations. You must not be squeamish as the role can involve unpleasant tasks. Love of animals: An RVN must have a love of animals and a strong concern for their welfare, providing the best possible care and treatment to ensure their well-being. Approachable, respectful, and caring: RVNs should be approachable and respectful, providing support and guidance to clients and colleagues. They should always demonstrate care and empathy towards animals and their owners. Leading by example: You should lead by example and strive to maintain the highest levels of professional and personal development. Ensuring everyone is heard: As an RVN, you should create an open and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, and their opinions are heard and respected. Embracing not knowing all the answers: You should embrace the fact that you may not know all the answers and be willing to seek out new information and learn from others to improve your knowledge and skills.
Knowledge and Skills:

Prioritising industry knowledge and technical skills: RVNs must have a strong understanding of veterinary medicine and nursing procedures to provide high-quality animal care. Interpersonal skills: RVNs must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients and colleagues. Administrative skills: RVNs must be able to manage appointments, maintain accurate clinical records, and manage inventory effectively. Ability to remain calm under pressure: The role of an RVN can be demanding, and you will need to be able to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations. Physical stamina: RVNs must be physically fit and able to undertake the role's physical demands, including lifting and restraining animals. Emotional intelligence: RVNs must possess the emotional intelligence to empathise with animals and their owners and provide support during difficult situations. Adaptability: RVNs must be able to adapt well to different situations, working collaboratively with colleagues and adapting to changing circumstances. Initiative thinking: RVNs must be able to use their initiative and think critically to problem-solve and provide the best possible care for animals.
Vision and Values

We are passionate about giving the right care, in the right way and at the right time and in a sustainable way. We believe every pet deserves care that goes beyond the ordinary.?

Our mission at Pennard Vets is to combine intuition and intelligent innovation to deliver the very best care available anywhere. The care we deliver is proactive, personalised and powered by innovation. We do this by embracing four core values:??

Client and Team Focus - we invest our energy and experience in a way that is right for them.?

Compassion - we are sensitive to the wants and needs of the client, their pet and each other.?

Continuous Improvement - we never stop exploring new and better ways to care for clients and their pets. We have an on-going willingness to learn new ideas and skills, which means we continue to innovate.?

Clarity - we keep it simple. We speak clearly and honestly to each other and our clients.?

Unity - Work collectively with purpose at all times - we recognise the merit of individual whilst working together with trust and consensus

This is a guideline of duties and should not be considered as conclusive of the role or duties

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 27,000.00-31,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Life insurance On-site parking Referral programme Sick pay
Experience:

Veterinary : 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

RCVS (required)
Work Location: In person