Nights Registered Veterinary Nurse

Overview

Our aim within the practice is to treat our patients as though they were our own animals, and to treat our clients in the way we would wish to be dealt with ourselves. This philosophy should be carried through at all levels, in terms of our demeanour, appearance, professionalism and communication (between vets, clients, external providers such as laboratories and staff). We all have a part to play in ensuring the smooth running of the various aspects of the practice. All staff are expected to work to the highest of clinical standards. Support and training will be provided to ensure these standards of clinical excellence are attained.

Purpose of Position

Responsibility for creating and maintaining the highest standards of nursing care and professional performance. To undertake sole charge responsibility in order to ensure maintenance of ‘best’ veterinary practice and effective running of the practice.

General Duties

• Ensure familiarity and adherence to the RCVS Code of professional conduct
• Ensure that your registration with the RCVS remains up to date
• Ensure that your duties are carried out to the highest standard, and support the Head Veterinary Nurse with the smooth and efficient running of the practice
• Ensure that your areas of personal responsibility are carried out to the highest standard and with the commitment required to carry them out effectively.
• Assist the Veterinary Surgeons, in line with the code of professional conduct and schedule 3
• Support any nursing assistants and / or student veterinary nurses in all aspects of nursing care.
• Maintain a cleaning regime within the practice to ensure high standards are maintained throughout
• Ensure that all areas of your Veterinary Nursing role are completed correctly and efficiently following all guidelines
• Performance of reception duties when required and dealing with clients when admitting and discharging patients
• Carry out Nurse clinics and Nurse appointments
• Advise clients on general pet healthcare
• Assist in the maintenance of good stock control in all areas of the practice
• Ensure that documentation and patient records are maintained and medications are correctly supplied to patients
• Complete the equivalent of 15 hours continuing professional development (CPD) each year, on topics discussed and agreed with your Head Nurse and branch manager. CPD must be recorded in line with RCVS requirements and a copy kept at the practice for regular audit.
• Reflect on your own performance, strengths and weaknesses and develop yourself to maintain competence in all aspects of your role.

Principles of Practice

You must seek to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to your care and fulfil your professional responsibilities, by maintaining five principles of practice:

1. Professional competence
2. Honesty and integrity
3. Independence and impartiality
4. Client confidentiality and trust
5. Professional accountability

Additional Notes

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] have been looking after pets in and around Warrington for over 3 decades and have a friendly, dedicated and highly skilled staff of vets and nurses who are all passionate about providing a 'Gold Standard' of veterinary care for our clients. We provide a 24 hour emergency service where patients will be cared for through the night by our night nursing team. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Accredited Practice which means that we have demonstrated a high level of care and clinical skill. Only half of vet practices in the UK have achieved this accreditation by the UK's governing body. We have recently also been awarded prestigious “Hospital” status. We look after dogs, cats and small furry mammals and offer consultations 7 days a week. This is an opportunity to join the team that support the vets, you will be joining a team of: 10 Vets, 2 Practice Managers, 7 RVN’s including a Head Nurse and Senior Nurses, 5 SVN’s, 3 Auxiliary, 7 Receptionists. This is a permanent night working role with the hours of work based on working an average of 28.1 hours per week. The work pattern is based on 7 nights on 14 nights off on a rolling rota 7:30 pm – 8:30 am Thursday to Wednesday. Bank Holidays are worked when they fall within the rota days. Holiday entitlement – it has become increasingly difficult to find cover for night shift workers during periods of absence which then greatly impacts on the service we offer our patients, clients and has a knock-on effect on the remainder of the team. The shifts have been designed in a way that reflect the unsociable hours element of the role, offering suitable rest time between shifts, as well as enough time for leave to be taken allowing employees ample opportunity to switch off and unwind. Annual leave should be taken in non-working time with payment for this being made as a separate amount (based on 6 weeks holiday per annum pro-rata). Candidates must have experience of providing inpatient care and have confidence in their ability to act as sole charge within the practice. Holiday entitlement is 30 days per year (including Bank Holidays) with the opportunity to buy or sell extra holidays* (see above comments re holiday entitlement). Benefits also include a workplace pension scheme, uniform, colleague pet discounts, life insurance @ 1 x annual salary and enhanced maternity and paternity benefits. We also offer Westfield Health benefits which cover the everyday health needs of our teams by providing cashback for dental, optical and physiotherapy costs, alongside offering wellness services such as a Virtual GP Surgery and Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). One day paid for volunteering per year. A CPD allowance is in place for Nurses based on 3 days and £600 per year with further training encouraged and supported.

How to Apply

To apply please forward your CV and covering letter to [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] quoting job reference 150. Applications will close when a suitable candidate is found.