TITLE

Patient Care Assistant

MAJOR PURPOSE OF JOB

To work alongside the Nurses and other members of the Veterinary team to provide care and maintain wellbeing of the patients, undertake different tasks. To assist the reception team during busy periods and sickness/holiday. To maintain the cleanliness of clinical and public areas.

LOCATION OF JOB

This job is based at the branches dependant on hours agreed but flexibility would be necessary at all 4 Mercer and Hughes sites should cover be needed.

HOURS OF WORK

• Between the hours of 7.30am and 8.30pm depending on site and shift pattern.

LINES OF AUTHORITY

Responsible to the Head Nurse and Senior Nurses

MAIN DUTIES

• To assist the Veterinary Nurse in their daily duties. Please be aware that the following is to be used as a guideline only. Even if you are on a PCA shift it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get involved with any of the other tasks.

PCA ROLES

• Assist op nurses with TPR'S and restraining patients during placing catheters.

• Set up theatre / set up instrument cleaning trays / ultrasound / dental machine

• Set up patient scrub solutions

• Keep clippers clean between use

• Assist with moving patients to theatre

• Clear out theatre and kits straight after ops

• Make up kits and do autoclaving, put items away

• Clean and maintain scope and other surgical equipment

• Undertake lab work.

• Assist the kennels nurses with inpatient checks and care, walk patients, feed them and maintain good hygiene.

• Cleaning kennels as soon as patients moved or discharged and setting them back up.

• Prepare kennels, place heat pads in if necessary for patients returning from theatre

• Top up IV trays, consumable drawers and cupboards – on going

• Keep washing going and keep room tidy

• Clean clippers

• Keep sides tidy – all the time

• Keep tub table clean

• Keep kitchen clean and tidy. Wash up cups left in prep.

• Drive van when required to pick up patients from other surgeries, shop for hospital and get diesel.

• Cover ALL surgeries when needed

• DAILY JOBS LIST

• WEEKLY JOBS LIST

• MONTHLY JOBS LIST

• Undertake lab samples that you have been trained to do

• Checking holdings are correct for certain items such as collars/tshirts etc

• Assist with visits (if we return to doing them)

• To assist the vet in the consulting room when needed and maintain hygiene standards.

• To maintain practice hygiene standards, follow protocols and SOPs.

• Provide reception cover

• End of day cash up

• Maintain cleanliness of reception/waiting room

• Face to face and over the phone communication to clients

• Insurance enquiries

• KCC enquiries

• Assist with dispensing medication under the direction of veterinary surgeon

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIRED

• A sound knowledge of Practice polices and protocols

• Good client care skills

• Competency in the use of the practice computer system

• Up-to-date knowledge of practice services and products

• An ability to work hard, be flexible and have a thirst for knowledge

• Should a position become available, and you obtained in the following areas (Maths, Science, English at Grade C or above) you may choose to enrol on a Veterinary Nurse training course.

TRAINING

• Training will be given where needed in both clinical and reception areas with attendance to relevant in-house CPD/lunch and learn

• In house training provided on all areas including health and safety, use of equipment and undertaking different procedures/tasks.

• An opportunity for professional training as a VCA