Registered Veterinary Nurse

REPORTING TO: Nurse Managers, Veterinary Surgeons and Practice Manager

OVERVIEW

The RVN position is a vital for the smooth running of EVC. RVNs rotate through every area of the practice as well as taking part in the out of hours rota. As EVC is a small business a flexible approach is required. Cleaning duties and cover for reception when the usual receptionists are not available are shared responsibilities.

MAJOR GOALS

• To ensure the highest standard of nursing care to all of our patients

• To ensure efficiency of case management across all clinical areas

• To maintain accurate client and patient records

• To be efficient, pleasant, courteous, polite, and helpful to practice personnel and clients at all times

• To promote our services, personnel and products, both within and outside the practice at all times

• To support marketing initiatives

• To actively participate in the staff appraisal system

• To demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development and achieve 15 hours per year of CPD per year

MAJOR DUTIES

• Perform and monitor anaesthesia under the direction of the veterinary surgeons and senior nurses
• The provision of excellent in-patient care including: pre-op care/medication, monitoring/recovery period, post-op care/medication
• Completion of neat and accurate paperwork at all times
• To be involved in cleaning and maintenance of premises
• To complete assigned delegated duties in a timely fashion
• Providing assistance to veterinary surgeons, as required, at all times
• Performing Schedule 3 procedures under the guidance of the veterinary surgeon and according to experience
• Obtaining samples for laboratory testing, both in-house and externally, ensuring correct form completion and packaging. Performing in-house diagnostic tests as necessary
• Equipment maintenance, in conjunction with nurse manager and veterinary surgeons and record in faulty equipment file
• Assisting with practice marketing initiatives e.g. Open Evenings, Open Days etc.
• Assisting management team as required
• To be accountable for any specific tasks or responsibilities allocated by the management team
• Be fully aware of all Health & Safety issues and read all information supplied; correct use of anaesthetic machines and scavenger units; regular cleaning, maintenance & servicing of equipment etc. Familiarise yourself with all available H & S information and speak to the practice manager, nurse manager or director if you have any queries or concerns
• Welcome and provide support for visiting veterinary surgeons, students and work experience personnel; to ensure safe methods of work and minimum disruption
• Follow Employee General Guidelines

Working hours

Working hours will be as agreed with Management, but reasonable flexibility of starting times and lunch-breaks will be required to suit the caseload and ensure optimal patient care. Full time team members routinely work 4 days a week.

Holidays

Holidays must be agreed with the nurse manager or practice manager.

MEASURES OF ACHIEVEMENT:

1. The provision of quality veterinary nursing – first-class animal care is paramount
2. High level of client satisfaction/low level of complaints
3. Consistent accuracy, reliability, responsiveness and sound initiative when working with other members of staff – positive feedback from other staff members in this regard
4. A perceptible willingness to learn and apply new skills
5. High levels of veterinary surgeon satisfaction/commendation
6. Attendance at relevant CPD (to include sharing information with other clinical support staff)
 

PERSON SPECIFICATION
JOB TITLE – Veterinary Nurse
SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Experience
Period in related field(s) Registered Veterinary Nurse 12 months experience
Referral practice experience desirable but not essential

Experience of Merlin client database desirable but not essential

Qualifications
RVN/Degree qualification

Any form of training/coaching or assessor qualification desirable but not essential

Skills & Abilities
Good team working skills
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
Problem solving skills

Other qualities Professional and calm approach (especially with regard to variable workload and unpredictable staffing levels).
Flexibility with regard to work and problem resolution
Able to work under pressure and keep to time scales – especially with regard to case throughput