Our client is seeking a Lead Referral Veterinary Nurse for their Ellesmere Port Hospital in Cheshire.
Role Overview
The successful candidate will collaborate closely with a team of residency-trained and RCVS advanced clinicians to deliver an affordable, advanced referral service. The role is theatre-based, involving a diverse surgical caseload and opportunities to enhance skills in anaesthesia. Proficiency in anaesthetics, experience in a theatre environment, and team leadership are essential. While certification in anaesthesia or surgery is preferred, support for obtaining such qualifications is available.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with surgical clinicians to ensure efficient operation of the referral service, including caseload planning and equipment readiness.
- Manage the referral nursing team and support staff, conducting regular one-on-one meetings.
- Oversee rota management for the referral team.
- Promote staff development, mentorship, and best practices.
- Ensure effective pre-, intra-, and post-operative care for complex surgical patients.
- Monitor anaesthetics during procedures, including patient preparation and multimodal analgesia.
- Serve as a scrub nurse when necessary, maintaining sterility and instrument knowledge.
- Communicate treatment plans to the inpatient team.
- Perform diagnostic imaging for advanced orthopaedic and soft tissue procedures, including CT scans.
- Order specialist surgical consumables, such as surgical implants.
- Facilitate the referral process by liaising with clients and referring veterinary practices.
Hours:
- Structured 40-hour workweek over four days.
- No weekend shifts.
- Working hours are from 08:00 to 18:30.
- A supportive and inclusive culture that values every team member's input.
Skills and Qualifications
- Registered Veterinary Nurse qualification.
- Leadership experience is advantageous but not essential.
- Previous experience in referral surgery is preferred but not mandatory.
- Certification in Veterinary Surgical Nursing or Anaesthesia is desirable but not required.
- Strong understanding of veterinary surgical procedures, including patient preparation, equipment, and general anaesthesia.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure situations.
- Must have 1 year of experience in a UK practice
Practice: Our client is dedicated to providing accessible veterinary care, ensuring every pet receives prompt and expert treatment regardless of the owner's financial situation. They offer free consultations for sick and injured animals, aiming to prevent pets from suffering due to financial constraints
The Benefits Package:
- This permanent position offers a salary between £32,000 and £34,000 p/a reflective of skills and experience
- Six weeks of annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays.
- Funded Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities up to certificate level.
- Fifty-two weeks of sickness benefit and access to a free Employee Assistance Programme after the qualifying period.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity packages.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Payment of RCVS and VDS fees.
- Store and staff discounts.
- Access to mental health, financial, and life counselling after 12 months.
- Cycle to work scheme, E-Car Scheme access, and a Refer-a-Friend bonus.
Ref: JN -022025-32661
Interested? Click on the apply button below and we will be in touch with further details