Interested in this role?

Apply

We are looking for a dynamic, motivating, and proactive veterinary nurse to lead our Canine Medicine Nurse team.

The successful candidate in this role will work alongside our Nursing manager, Nursing Management team, head nurse team, and clinician leads to support, develop, and guide the Canine Medicine team in caseload management, nursing care, training and HR whilst still getting to work as a clinical nurse.

The successful candidate will work in our canine medicine ward and dedicated procedures rooms, working alongside renowned specialist clinicians, and a brilliant nursing and animal care assistant team. Our hospital is a multidisciplinary 24-hour hospital, with a dedicated night nursing and animal care assistant team.

The successful candidate will also manage the staff, carrying out regular reviews, performance management, rotas, and supporting progression of the team. The successful candidate will also work closely with our nursing manager, hospital director and clinical leads continuing to develop and progress the Canine medicine department and team. They will also work closely with our head nurse and HR team to work collaboratively across the business and ensure the team are working in line with our policies and procedures.

They would be involved with teaching and supervision of Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing undergraduates on clinical rotations. Flexibility will be necessary as the post will require participation in the OOH rota.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a high standard of nursing care, a desire to learn, passion to lead by example, and a capability to work under pressure.

Due to the accountabilities of this role, we are looking for a nurse to work a minimum of 3 days per week, plus weekends, we are flexible to consider part time or full-time applicants.

We are looking for a nurse with at least 1-year experience as a qualified nurse and some management experience.

Previous experience in a referral environment is desirable but not essential.

Benefits and wellbeing

Our people are at the heart of what we do and as your employer we want to ensure we offer flexibility, support and staff development, where possible, through:

Time off
- 5 weeks holiday per year (plus bank holidays)
- Additional holiday entitlement for Long Service

Wellbeing
- On site Mental Wellbeing Champions
- EDI committee
- Employee Forum – to ensure all employees voices can be heard
- Menopause Café
- Wellbeing talks and events
- Cycle to work scheme
- Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity and paternity pay (after 2 years’ service)

Health
- SimplyHealth Cashplan membership
- Free annual flu vaccination
- Free Specsavers eye test voucher

General
- Free onsite parking
- U2 bus service link to Bristol
- Annual CPD allowance
- Employee discount
- Generous pension scheme – we match up to 8% pension contributions
- Reimbursement of one professional membership fee per year

How to apply

If this role sounds like the right fit for you, don’t delay, click ‘Apply’ and begin your career with Langford Vets.

Langford Vets is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Closing date: Friday 5th December

Interview date: Tuesday 16th December

Responsibilities

Job purpose

Job Title: Head Canine Medicine Nurse

Reports To: Nursing Manager

Job Purpose:

The main purpose of the post is to support the smooth operation of the clinical activities within the SAH by assisting with medical procedures, promoting client communication and working within the Terms of the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct for Nurses. To be responsible for organising and participating in the clinical activities within Canine medicine ward and procedures, line managing the canine medicine nursing team and ACA’s as well as ensuring that H&S policies are adhered to and the area is maintained to a high standard throughout. The job holder will also liaise closely with the Nursing Manager, Assistant Nursing Manager, and other Head Nurses for sharing support with daily activities.

Principal Accountabilities:

To organise the clinical activities within the canine medicine, to include ensuring appropriate support staff and equipment are available. Liaise closely with clinicians to be able to manage and support the daily activities and attend rounds as required.
Assisting veterinary clinicians with medical procedures to include Endoscopy, Chemotherapy, Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiology work ups, Dermatology and more as required.
To line-manage the nursing team and support staff within the Canine Medicine, this will include rotas, one to one’s, appraisals, allocating holiday allowances, HR policies and procedures, and dealing with staff performance issues with the support of the Nursing Manager.
To work as a clinical nurse and participate in the OOH rota as required.
To ensure that H&S policies are adhered to at all times, assist with fire drills and evacuation procedures, reporting of accidents and incidents, assist with risk assessments and COSHH for the relevant areas.
To be responsible for ensuring that the building is kept in a clean and well-maintained manner ensuring cleanliness and hygiene are maintained within the unit at all times.
To raise any issues with the Nursing Manager and organise repair work as required, coordinating with the Operational Manager.
To be involved in Clinical Governance and Infection Control meetings and help instigate necessary changes to protocols/policies, ensuring that nursing and ACA teams adhere to them at all times
To ensure that relevant audits are carried out and records of in-patients and procedures are documented. Ensuring that any issues arising as a result of these are discussed and documented with appropriate personnel
To ensure that the area of work is suitably staffed at all times. To include discussions with Nursing Manager regarding any staffing issues and future planning for new staff requirements
Ensure that the equipment within the area is used appropriately and is well maintained, always ensuring good levels of supplies and assist with monthly and annual audits as managed by the Purchasing Officer.
Ensure adequate nursing plans, to include nutrition, are set up and re-assessed as required in relation to the patient’s needs.
Assessment of BVSc and veterinary nursing and bio veterinary science undergraduates during their rotation through the wards.
Dispensing and administering (under the direct supervision of a veterinary surgeon) medication to animals, maintaining accurate stock control and following all protocols relating to drug holding, dispensing and handling and giving clear and accurate instructions to clients when dispensing medication
Maintaining accurate patient records with regards to all clinical notes, treatment, diagnoses, client communication and client /patient information, this will require an in-depth knowledge of our practice management system.
Managing the OOH nurse rota for medicine, alongside the Feline Head Nurse/s liaising with staff and providing cover when required.
Maintaining a good working relationship with all team members
Always communicating in an effective and pleasant manner with clients and colleagues. To include cascading appropriate company communications to your team as necessary.
Carry out all other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager
Maintain effective contact with the Clinical Governance Manager to identify and assist in resolving issues as they arise
Accountable for the compliance with health and safety regulations within teams, ensuring a safe working environment, assisting with fire drills and evacuation procedures, conducting risk assessments and COSHH for the relevant areas, implementing safety protocols, promoting a culture of safety within the team, and promptly addressing and reporting any safety concerns or incidents and taking corrective actions/escalation, as necessary.
Champion the Continuous Improvement (CI) culture and collective message of what we want to achieve and why. Proactively identify and act upon opportunities for business improvement. Encourage and support CI and problem solving within your teams. Remove constraints and be available to provide guidance, advice, and support.
Communicate in an effective and pleasant manner with clients and colleagues.
Carry out all other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager.

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
Five years in veterinary practice or ability to prove similar levels of knowledge and experience.	Experience of line-managing.
Able to carry out veterinary nursing duties as listed above.	Advanced Diploma or equivalent critical care qualification.
Confidence and experience in effective handling and restraint of animals.	Clinical Coach or similar.
RCVS Listed Veterinary Nurse.	Interest in advancing own qualifications.
Communicating effectively with clients.
Ability to work within and lead a team.
Ability to act independently.
Flexible approach to work.
Eligibility to work in the UK.