animal care assistant

We have the opportunity for someone to join our canine surgery ward team as a part time animal care assistant working Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and alternate Saturdays and Sundays on the weekend 1 in 4 rota., We have the opportunity for someone to join our canine surgery ward team as a part time animal care assistant working Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and alternate Saturdays and Sundays on the weekend 1 in 4 rota. The successful candidate will work within our canine surgical ward teams, alongside the following services: soft tissue, orthopaedics and neurology. The surgery ward team help manage with pre-operative diagnostic tests, preparing patients for surgical procedures, post-operative management to include; medication, physiotherapy and general nursing care. The ideal candidate will need to ensure a high standard of cleanliness, have responsibility for duties, to include infection control and stock control, have a desire to learn and work under pressure in a positive way., Reports To: Head Surgery Ward Nurse, To assist the veterinary and support staff of the Small Animal Hospital, Surgery Building, in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene throughout all clinical areas. To assist clinicians and nursing staff with the provision of in-patient care, throughout all stages of the patient's treatment. To assist with the setting up and maintenance of rooms and equipment. There is also a requirement for a flexible working pattern and participation in the weekend rota.,

• Assist veterinary surgeons and nurses with clinical procedures and patient handling and restraint
• Maintain a high level of asepsis throughout the hospital including wards, and procedures rooms and to ensure all areas are adequately stocked with supplies and consumables.
• Assist the veterinary nurses with inpatient care including feeding, walking, and cleaning of hospitalised animals.
• Assist the veterinary nurses and clinicians within patient procedures such as bandage changes, x-rays, physiotherapy, blood sampling and catheter placement.
• Maintaining accurate patient records with regards to all clinical notes, treatment, diagnoses, client communication and client /patient information
• Maintaining a good working relationship with all team members
• Communicating in an effective and pleasant manner with clients and colleagues
• 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.
• Carry out all other reasonable duties as requested by the Head Surgical Nurse
  
  The animal care assistant role is vital within our team and this role is an excellent way to build on previous experience and knowledge within veterinary care. Previous experience in a veterinary environment is desirable but not essential., Confidence and experience in effective handling and restraint of animals
Practical experience working in a veterinary or animal-based environment Basic understanding of English language and mathematics Animal nursing assistant qualification or certificate in animal care Communicating effectively with clients Interest in advancing own qualifications Ability to work within a team Ability to act independently Flexible approach to work

Flexibility will be necessary as the post will require participation in the OOH rota (weekends and bank holidays). 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 Health 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