Senior Registered Veterinary Nurse
About us:
Launched in June 2020, Wolfe Vets is independently owned, with RCVS accredited small animal veterinary care based in Chiswick and Fulham.
We offer an exceptional standard of round the clock care, with referral treatments and facilities, as well as all the routine consultations, health checks and procedures expected at a family vet. We are passionate about pets and animal welfare; we believe that pets and their owners deserve to be treated with expertise and compassion.
Our client base has grown significantly since we first opened our doors and we are delighted that our reputation for the highest standards of care, means that many new pet owners register with us every day.
Our fantastic team:
Without our brilliant team, Wolfe Vets would not be able to offer an exceptional level of care to our furry patients and their humans. We value every member of the Wolfe Vets team: listening to good ideas, prioritising staff development and using cutting-edge technologies to work to the highest standards. Alongside our exceptional team, you will have the opportunity to work with a variety of visiting specialists that are all advanced certificate holders in their chosen fields which is an exciting part of our team’s development allowing the exposure to complex cases.
We think that Wolfe Vets is a great place to work and understand that looking after each other (as well as the animals in our care) is vital.
In short, we want our people to flourish, and nothing makes us happier than watching a member of our team grow and develop.
The role:
Reporting to the Clinical Operations Manager and the Head Nurse, the Senior Nurse is a key part of the nurse management team and works to ensure the smooth running of the clinical day.
It is vital that the whole team work together, with strong working relationships between the nurse, vet and client teams. The Senior Nurse has an important part to play in ensuring harmonious communication between teams and creating a supportive, high performing work culture.
Setting high standards for the nursing team, the Senior Nurse will also ensure that the nurses receive support and training to deliver outstanding patient care.
Key responsibilities:
- Work collaboratively with Clinical Operations Manager and Head Nurse to ensure the smooth running of the day-to-day clinical services at the clinic.
- Ensure that all lab tests are run and submitted correctly.
- Oversee the monitoring and care of hospitalised patients. Bring any concerns to the attention of the attending vets for their input when required.
- Ensure that vets are well supported when they call upon the nurses to help them with patients during consultations.
- Conduct regular reviews of the standard operating procedures to ensure they reflect the latest advances in technology, medicines or methodology. • Assist with the on-boarding and continued guidance & training of new staff members. Be a go-to for questions and help when the Head Nurse is not available or able to continually provide training on a day-to-day basis.
- Clinical Coaching; providing mentorship and guidance to student nurses and junior members of the nursing team.
Nursing responsibilities:
- Anaesthesia
- Inpatient care
- Full use of multi parameter (Capnograph, ECG, BP etc)
- Dentistry
- Radiography & CT scanning
- Use and maintenance of lab machines
- Admissions and nurse consult procedures
Essential experience:
- RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) status.
- Significant, proven experience in a clinical environment.
- Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Generally, 5+ years of post-qualification experience is required, with previous experience in a team-leading role being highly desirable.
Preferred experience (training can be provided):
- Orthopaedic surgical nursing
- Chemotherapy nursing
- Endoscopy nursing
- Blood transfusions
- Ventilator use
- Clinical coaching
Personal qualities:
- Passionate about delivering exceptional care to our patients.
- Collaborative, you enjoy working with others in a supportive team environment. You listen to different perspectives and look to reach consensus and a way forward.
- A problem solver: you discuss issues with others in a positive, constructive and empathetic way to find a solution.
- A strong communicator, you understand the importance of keeping everyone updated and included in conversations.
- The ability to multi-task, managing several demands simultaneously.
- Flexible and adaptable (both in responding to last minute emergencies/ change of plans and understanding the pressure on others in such moments)
- You think ahead to anticipate what the vets and patients need and organise the team to respond quickly and efficiently
- Kind & compassionate to pets, owners and colleagues alike
- Good humoured, you have a positive ‘can do’ outlook (and understand how important this is for the team culture)
Hours & facilities:
The role is mainly daytime working, but on occasion (e.g.: staff sickness, holidays or unavoidable emergencies) you may be required to cover out of hours patient care or emergencies.
Work takes place in our purpose-built clinic on Chiswick High Road, Chiswick and in our purpose-built hospital on Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham.
Rewards:
- RCVS fees paid
- Cash contributions to routine medical care and treatments (e.g.: dental appointments, opticians etc)
- Discounted pet food and veterinary services for own pets
- CPD funded (currently £1500 per annum and 3 paid days CPD each calendar year)
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Loyalty scheme: Additional annual leave after two years of employment (increasing by a day a year to a maximum of 30 days per annum)
- Birthday off – If it falls on a weekday
- Cyclescheme
- Paid overtime & TOIL
Please apply to hr@wolfevets.co.uk with your CV and covering letter.