Job Title: / Veterinary Nurse
Reporting to: / Rehoming Centre Manager
Location: / Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre
Revised: / April 2016
Summary
As instructed by the Rehoming Centre Manager (RCM), the Veterinary Nurse (VN)will work under the direction of the Centre Veterinary Surgeon (CVS) and Dogs Trust Veterinary Director/Deputy Veterinary Director to care for and improve the welfare of dogs housed in the Centre. The VN will assist in the examination and treatment of dogs, maintain clinical protocols and standards and ensure high standards of animal welfare, hygiene and nursing care are maintained.
Coordinating the running of Veterinary clinics and working collaboratively with a team of onsite canine health experts, the VN will manage the veterinary care of the Centre dogs.
This role is a senior role within the staff structure.
Duties
Veterinary Nursing duties
- To support and assist the veterinary surgeon in the examination and treatment of dogs.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all areas of the vet room.
- Care for all animals requiring treatment.
- To undertake diagnostic tests as directed.
- Book dogs in for X-rays and endoscope as necessary.
- Monitor weights of dogs and liaise with Assistant Manager Operations with regards to specific nutritional plans.
- Arrange and conduct microchip appointments for external clients as required.
- Action Centre barrier nurse protocol when required as advised by the Centre Veterinary Surgeon.
- Work in accordance with Dogs Trust Standard Operating Procedures and Administrative Guidelines and Instructions – in particular SOP 23 and AGI 13.
- Comply with all relevant regulations including Veterinary Surgeon Act and adhere to all Health and Safety legislation.
- Attend the annual Dogs Trust Veterinary Nurse meeting as organised by Dogs Trust Veterinary department.
- Work with all parties to ensure the veterinary examination room is managed efficiently and effectively.
- With the duty manager, organise the day-to-day operations of the veterinary clinic to ensure dogs are not delayed for rehoming.
- Ensure the gathering and sharing of information to all stakeholders is collected/delivered in a timely manner and via the most appropriate method e.g. face to face, email, via duty manager, etc.
- To maintain an adequate supply of such drugs for the Rehoming Centre as may be necessary, and to oversee their storage and administration
- Work closely with the Training and Behaviour Advisors (TBA) and Canine Carers to create positive vet associations for all dogs and to ensure appropriate handling methods are used for individual dogs.
- Work in accordance with Dogs Trust referral process; oversee the process in the Centre by contacting Head Office, obtaining quotes and submitting for authorisation, as required.
- Ensure customer telephone calls regarding veterinary concerns are carried out in a timely manner and appropriate advice and decisions on an appropriate level of support (if required) are provided.
- Ensure all drugs are dispensed according to current legislation and Dogs Trust protocols.
- To ensure all clinic records, radiographs and laboratory medication/results are maintained.
- Follow up external neuter appointments who fail to attend.
- Carry out stock checks on a monthly basis in accordance with Dogs Trust protocol. Ensure all discrepancies are reported without delay to both the Centre Manager and Veterinary department and help in the resolution of any related issues.
- Undertake weekly check of temperature monitors and record in accordance with Centre protocol.
- Ensure all clinical waste is sorted accordingly and manage the relationship with the designated service provider.
- Report any dogs with foreign microchips.
- Present a professional and friendly approach to customers and visitors to the centre both face to face and on the telephone with the aim of exceeding expectations.
- Ensure all stakeholder queries are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner by being helpful and understanding at all times.
- Ensure that adopters of dogs are properly briefed about the requirements of their dog, with regards to health conditions and veterinary disclaimers.
- As the Centre’s designated SAS Champion, manage the scheme accordingly by discussing suitable candidates with all relevant parties and making decisions on the support to be offered.
- Ensure all Centre and Dogs Trust protocols are followed and key information is distributed as required.
- Foster relations and educate local veterinary practices on the scheme, providing Head Office contact details for queries.
- Be well versed in the support, systems and processes of the SAS scheme.
- Embody the Dogs Trust brand by being positive, happy, upbeat, dynamic and passionate about dogs. You should be willing to regularly go the extra mile for the dogs and stakeholders.
- Timely reporting of any accidents, incidents or near misses and ensuring appropriate measures can be taken to reduce the risk of further incidents.
- Report to the Rehoming Centre Manager and maintenance operatives any defects or maintenance requirements in the vet suite.
- Develop a close working relationship with colleagues at all levels.
- Support, train and assist Centre volunteers, where required.
- Assist with promotional and fundraising events, where required.
- Carry out any other duties as required by the Rehoming Centre Manager or Assistant Managers.
Person Specification
Criteria / Essential / Desirable / How assessed
Skills and attributes / Excellent communication and interpersonal skills / Application form and interview
Proven administrative skills and competency in various computer programs / Application form and interview
Proactive, resourceful and ability to multi task / Application form and interview
Positive, upbeat and happy disposition. Calm under pressure. / Interview
Ability to demonstrate enthusiasm and capacity for hard work / Interview
Willingness to handle dogs in accordance with Dogs Trust guidelines; using positive reinforcement techniques / Application form and interview
Qualifications / Registered Veterinary Nurse / Application form
Experience / Experience working in a rehoming/welfare environment / Experience in a nursing role / Application form and interview
Other requirements / Commitment to the aims of Dog Trust / Application form and interview
Commitment to delivering the highest standards of patient care and customer service standards / Application form and interview
Current driving license / Application form
Empathy and understanding towards dogs and people / Interview
Comfortable working in close proximity to dogs / Interview
The Vet Nursewill be a representative of Dogs Trust and therefore the image presented is important. A uniform is provided and must be worn during working hours. This must be clean and tidy at all times with sensible shoes. If hair is longer than shoulder length, it should be tied back.
In the interests of health and safety and to perform a physically active job, staff are required to maintain a suitable level of fitness to enable them to perform their job effectively and may be required to undergo periodic fitness assessments which will be provided by Dogs Trust.
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