Out of Hours Nurse

Job Description

Job Title:                      Out of Hours Nurse

Reports To:                  Nursing Manager

Job Purpose:

The main purpose of the post is to provide out of hours nursing support primarily to the first opinion out of hours service with the veterinary surgeon on duty, but also within the small animal hospital. You will be responsible for the nursing care and treatment of hospitalised patients as well as assisting with emergency procedures as required

Principal Accountabilities:

• Assisting with processing, triaging, admitting, and nursing care needs of the first opinion out of hours service patients.
• Independently carry out nursing duties for the first opinion patients and within the Small Animal Hospital wards to a high standard, such as monitoring critical care patients.
• Assist with emergency procedures and treatment for first opinion OOH patients, to include monitoring anaesthesia and sedation and preparing patients for minor procedures and surgery.
• Assisting veterinary surgeons, students, and other staff with in-patient care throughout the referral hospital to include restraint and support for clinical procedures and emergency cases, where possible.
• Ensure an effective and efficient handover of in-patients during ward rounds.
• Ensure adequate nursing plans and in-patient records are set up and reassessed as required in relation to the patient’s requirements, under the direction of the veterinary surgeon.
• Ability to demonstrate and perform in-house laboratory tests such as blood profiling and specific gravity.
• Teaching of Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing undergraduates, to include clinical coach training if appropriate.
• Ensuring cleanliness and hygiene are maintained within the hospital.
• 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.
• Ensuring that all procedures and consumables are accurately entered onto the patients’ records in order to keep the invoice up to date at all times during their stay.
• 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.
• Maintaining a good working relationship with all team members.
• Communicating in an effective and pleasant manner with clients and colleagues.
• Carry out all other reasonable duties as requested by the line manager.