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.
* 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.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr