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Our dedicated animal care assistants work alongside the feline nurses and a variety of clinicians to care for all of our feline patients. They are involved in tasks such as inpatient checks, handling for IV placement/blood sampling, maintaining excellent infection control, stock management, and supporting with procedures.
We are a teaching hospital to both veterinary and nursing undergraduates and therefore all staff are involved in teaching on a daily basis.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate a high standard of patient care, a desire to learn, and a capability to work under pressure. They must be passionate about cat friendly practice, have a considerate approach to patient handling, and be excited to work within a developing team.
We are looking for someone with some experience working with cats in the veterinary environment. Previous experience in a referral environment is desirable but not essential. Flexibility will be necessary, as the post will require participation in an OOH rota.
We are set in beautiful grounds with our own on-site café and offer a generous pension scheme, 5 weeks holiday per year plus Bank Holidays, Bupa Benefit, CPD, employees discount up to 50%, free onsite parking, free eye test voucher, annual flu vaccinations and enhanced maternity / paternity as an employee of Langford Vets.
Closing date for this role is Tuesday 20th August 2024.
Job Description
Responsibilities
Job purpose
Job Description
Reports to: Head Feline nurse
Job Purpose:
To assist the veterinary and support staff of the small animal hospital in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene throughout all clinical areas. To assist clinicians and nursing staff with the provision of in-patient care, throughout all stages of the patient’s treatment. To assist with the setting up and maintenance of rooms and equipment. There is also a requirement for a flexible working pattern and participation in the weekend rota.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Assist veterinary surgeons and nurses with clinical procedures and patient handling.
- Maintain a high level of asepsis throughout the hospital including ward and prep rooms, ensure all areas are adequately stocked with supplies and consumables.
- Assist the veterinary nurses with inpatient care including feeding, grooming and cleaning of hospitalised animals.
- Assist the veterinary nurses and clinicians with inpatient procedures such as blood sampling, catheter placement, blood pressure measurement, bandage changes, echocardiography and physiotherapy.
- Assist with the maintenance of anaesthesia equipment, to include changing medical gas cylinders, filling vaporisers, cleaning equipment and stocking up.
- Carry out daily/weekly and monthly duties as per checklists, including end of day shutdown lists.
- Maintaining accurate patient records with regards to all clinical notes, treatment, diagnoses, client communication and client/patient information.
- Maintaining a good working relationship with all team members
- Communicating in an effective a pleasant manner with clients and colleagues.
- Carry out all other reasonable duties as requested by the head feline nurse.
- Assist with the radioactive iodine cat patients, wards and waste.
- Proactively identify and act upon opportunities for business improvement. Openly identify and discuss problems in order to implement and sustain improvements that increase the value we deliver to our, clients, employees, and students.
- Responsible for keeping themselves and others safe, reporting accidents, near misses and hazards and adhering to health and safety requirements and policies as required by the business/their line manager.
Person Specification
Person Specification
The skills, abilities, experience and knowledge outlined below provide a summary of what is required to carry out this job effectively.
Essential |
Desirable |
Confidence and experience in effective handling of animals |
Practical experience working in a veterinary or animal based environment |
Basic understanding of English language and mathematics |
Awareness and understanding of the ISFM cat handling guidelines |
Communicating effectively with clients |
Animal nursing assistant qualification or certificate in animal care |
Ability to work within a team |
Interest in advancing own qualifications |
Ability to act independently |
|
Flexible approach to work |