If you are a current Linnaeus Associate, you will need to apply internally. In order to do this, please contact our Talent Acquisition team (details can be found via The Link) and someone will be in touch to discuss and progress your application.

We are seeking a dedicated, compassionate and organised Patient Care Assistant (PCA). In a Multi-Disciplinary role. We are looking for a positive and motivated PCA who can work well alone and part of a multi-disciplinary team.

This is a full time position working on average 40 hours per week, you will also be required to participate in night and weekend work. The ideal candidate should be proactive, a people person who enjoys learning and developing their knowledge.

This opportunity would suit a dedicated and compassionate individual who wishes to provide a high standard of nursing care.

OVERVIEW

The role of the Multi-Disciplinary patient care assistant is vital to the provision of high standards of inpatient care. The purpose of this position is to work closely alongside the RVNs and Veterinary Surgeons to ensure the smooth running of the hospital. By embracing Paragon Referral’s Core Values, the nursing team will achieve a clinically excellent nursing standard. This role is vital to maintaining cleanliness within the hospital, monitoring stock levels and patient care.

MAIN PURPOSE & GOALS

• Patient care – To ensure the highest standard of nursing care is provided 100% of the time to 100% of our patients

• Teamwork - To work with other team members to help ensure the smooth running of the hospital.
• Infection Control – To be involved in maintaining the cleanliness of the premises and workspaces within the hospital. Regular cleaning/routine care of all equipment to include prompt reporting of any faults or damage
• Professional Development - Take responsibility for your development of good knowledge of all aspects of Veterinary Nursing including but not limited to surgical and medical conditions, diagnostic imaging, inpatient care, oncology, ophthalmology, neurology, physiotherapy, laboratory diagnostics, cardiology and dermatology to allow appropriate nursing care

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care

• To ensure the highest standard of nursing care is provided during regular hours and nights shifts
• Undertake nursing duties and provide a holistic approach to care including, feeding, walking, giving medication, providing TLC, grooming and providing water to patients, monitoring urine and faecal output.
• Follow instructions from the Heads of Departments and RVN’s to allow the smooth and efficient running of departments.
• Maintain excellent verbal communication with all staff. Promptly identify concerns and worries regarding patients with the nurses.

• To achieve the above while bearing in mind that the practice is a business and therefore costs need to be carefully monitored and sensibly managed
• To maintain accurate patient records, including hospital sheets notes
• To understand and implement practice policies and standard operating procedures as supplied and updated and as advised by nurse manager, referral centre manager and directors
• Take responsibility for your development of good knowledge of all aspects of Veterinary Nursing including but not limited to caring for surgical and medical conditions, inpatient care and emergency conditions to allow appropriate nursing care
• Assist with procedures, to include restraint of canine and feline patients.
• Stock control/rotation. Stock levels to be constantly replenished from stock room to ensure efficient ordering.
• Assist and ensure infection control measures, hygiene standards and cleanliness of the hospital are adhered to. Complete daily, weekly and monthly cleaning tasks in specified areas.
• Maintain knowledge of the discipline manuals and the SOP’s associated
• Develop a common-sense approach to task prioritisation.
• Assisting veterinary surgeons, as required.
• Assist with the discharge process, returning patients to clients when asked.
• To carry out and be accountable for any specific tasks or responsibilities allocated by the line manager or senior nurse in charge
• Be fully aware of all Health & Safety issues and read all information supplied. Familiarise yourself with all available H & S information and speak to the nurse manager if you have any queries or concerns.  Take steps to avoid health and safety risks

Development

• To comply with the nursing rota
• To demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development and actively participate in the staff reviews/appraisal system
• To take an active role in your training programme, both internal and external.
• Take responsibility for building competence in all areas of nursing
• Ensure consistent completion of Paragon Progress Log
• Completion of Linnaeus PCA training programme
• Create a Personal Development Plan with key focus being related to your role
• Welcome and provide support for visiting veterinary surgeons, students and work experience personnel to ensure safe methods of work and minimum disruption
• Attend nurses’ meetings with your colleagues to discuss new cases to be admitted, any concerns/questions and goals for the day to be highlighted
• Follow Employee General Guidelines

Linnaeus Group is a vibrant, forward-thinking partnership of highly respected veterinary practices across the UK, comprising some of the best clinicians in the profession.

Linnaeus invest in quality practices who put patient care at the heart of everything they do. We are incredibly proud of each and every member of our diverse portfolio, from the UK’s most respected small animal referral centres to our selection of high quality first opinion practices.

Our Vision is: ‘To be recognised as the UK’s leading veterinary group, committed to excellence in all that we do, delivered through high quality practices who share a common ethos’.

Our Values are: Leadership with Integrity | Learning & Innovation | Lifetime Commitment to Quality Care

Paragon Referrals and Linnaeus Ambassador

• Understand, contribute to, implement practice and group policies as appropriate
• Promote a good image of Paragon Referrals through high personal appearance and in communication with members of the public and work colleagues
• To promote our services, personnel and products, both within and outside the practice
• To treat all practice personnel with the same respect and consideration as clients
• To support marketing and other initiatives e.g. Open Days, Micro-rewards
• Be an ambassador for Linnaeus and engage enthusiastically with all initiatives

Measurement of Achievement:

The provision of quality patient care as measure through audit, owner satisfaction and associate reports Ongoing completion of Paragon PCA Core skill log Completion of Linnaeus PCA training programme Good feedback from other nursing staff, team leaders and veterinary surgeon team High level of satisfaction/low level of complaints from colleagues and clients High levels of attendance and punctuality

This job description reflects the current duties allocated to the appointment. These duties may need to be altered in the future to reflect changing circumstances and requirements.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL -

- Animal Care/Handling/Behaviour experience in a professional capacity

- 5x GCSE’s grade A-C in English, Maths and Science or equivalent

- Good team working skills

- Willingness to learn and develop knowledge

- Good communication skills, both written and verbal

- Approachable and cheerful attitude

- Remains calm under pressure and solves problems

- Must be of a clean and tidy appearance

- Able to accept constructive feedback

- Focused and self motivated

- Ability to multi-task

DESIRABLE -

- Experience in a veterinary practice

- Knowledge of a range of canine and feline surgical and medical conditions

- Further qualifications in animal care assistance / animal environment management.

Benefit package includes

· 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays

· Appealing rota to encourage a good work/life balance

· Opportunity to attend college to undertake RVN training

· Staff discount scheme

· CPD allowance with days off to attend

· Workplace pension scheme

· Employee assistance programme

We are proud to be Linnaeus, part of Mars.

Linnaeus is a forward-thinking group of highly respected primary care and specialist referral practices in the UK and Ireland. Being family owned and part of Mars Veterinary Health, the largest veterinary company in the world, allows us to focus on advancing the veterinary profession to provide industry-leading pet care and unique career opportunities for our people.

Why Linnaeus?

-    We pride ourselves in offering high-quality excellence of service and clinical care for our clients and their pets

-    We lead on sustainability and collectively drive positive change for people, pets and the planet

-    We prioritise your mental health and wellbeing – valuing equity, diversity and inclusion

-    We support your personal and professional development with best-in-class career frameworks and training programmes. We will empower and support you to grow your career from day one.

We team up within our Mars family in partnership for a stronger future.

Linnaeus is an equal-opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We treat each other fairly and equitably and we are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse for all our Associates.

At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people.

If you would like to apply for this role, please click the ‘Apply’ button or for more information or please reach out directly to our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected]