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Rare Opportunity for a University position as a Senior Nurse

Senior Veterinary Nurse (Orthopaedics Surgery)

Are you a Registered Veterinary Nurse looking for a new challenge? Do you have a keen interest in small animal surgery?

We have an excellent opportunity for an outstanding Veterinary Nurse to take on the role of lead nurse for our Orthopaedics surgery team at the University of Glasgow’s Small Animal Hospital.

This is a new and exciting role, where you will be part of a newly formed team. This presents you with a unique opportunity to shape and influence the team as it develops.

As the lead nurse for Orthopaedics surgery, you be instrumental in the team providing leadership, organisation, and co-ordination with other internal services, including wards/ICU, internal medicine, oncology, imaging, anaesthesia and theatres. All of this is pivotal to ensure that our patients and clients receive the best possible care in the hospital. You will join the team to provide overall guidance for nursing care of our in-patients, while liaising with the reception team and other services in the hospital to provide efficient management of our planned and emergency workload.

The key components of this role are:

·         Overseeing surgery cases, ensuring provision of the highest quality clinical care – providing leadership on infection control and hygiene.

·         Ensuring effective communication with anaesthesia, theatres, and imaging teams to provide an efficient workflow in the clinical service for our patients.

·         Liasing with reception to co-ordinate emergency/urgent referrals as appropriate.

·         Providing leadership to nursing staff in other areas of the hospital to ensure appropriate nursing care plans are in place for our patients in the hospital.

·         Seeking opportunities to further develop your skills through relevant CPD and spending time in other areas of the hospital (particularly theatre).

Benefits include:

·         35-hour working week

·         41 days annual leave

·         CPD allowance/ subsidised further education.

·         Discounted veterinary fees for own pets.

·         Generous employers’ pension

The working pattern is primarily Monday to Friday with weekends worked according to our senior nurse rota.

If you’ve not been to Glasgow before, you’re in for a treat with a vibrant night life, and the countryside of Western Scotland on your doorstep (Loch Lomond is just 30 minutes away!).

Applicants will have the opportunity to visit the hospital and shadow the surgery service prior to interview.

For more information or an informal chat please contact sah-nursingenquiries@glasgow.ac.uk or call Sharon Smith on 0141 330 5767

Job Purpose

The Senior Veterinary Nurse will undertake the management and organisation of the delegated area(s) of responsibility under the line management of the Nursing Services Manager. Principally the post holder is responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating the training of student veterinary nurses They will maximise effective use of this resource to ensure whilst training, student nurses contribute to the principles of the Small Animal Hospital. They will also contribute to the teaching and supervision off staff & undergraduate veterinary students.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.Nursing Management:

To provide leadership, support, and guidance to junior staff in monitoring the planning, delivery and evaluation of individualised care.

Responsible for monitoring the workload/patient activity within the area daily to ensure that nursing staffing levels are adequate to provide a safe standard of nursing care.

Line management and supervision of all nursing and support staff within area(s) of responsibility to ensure they efficiently and effectively contribute to the running of the organisation.

Ensure the cost effective and appropriate use of manpower and materials with consideration and due regard to budgetary controls.

Liaise with other areas within the SAH regarding staffing issues offering support if necessary.

Exercise leadership to motivate members of staff, achieve high moral and promote effective communication within the area.

In conjunction with the Nursing Services Manager perform Performance and Development Reviews and facilitate development plans for staff within team.

Proactively address any issues of poor performance or conduct within the team seeking advice where necessary.

Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to work across the hospital, as required.

Provide, on a rotational basis, supervisory and clinical cover at weekends & Bank Holidays acting as site lead nurse at these times.

Deputise for the Nursing Services Manager and Deputy Nursing Services Manager in their joint absence.

Ensure appropriate healthcare outcomes by ensuring clinical quality assurance measures and standards of professional practice are in place in area(s) of responsibility.

Responsible for coordinating the team and delegating duties appropriately to ensure effective day to day running of the hospital.

Participate in the recruitment and selection process of veterinary nurses and veterinary care assistants.

Responsible for monitoring all staff and student adherence to the Health & Safety regulations and Standard Operating Procedures within area(s) of responsibility.

Induct new employees and supervise their completion of the SAH induction manual within area of responsibility.

Manage and co-ordinate nurse-led out-patient clinic(s), including all administrative duties.

Sit on relevant committee’s and hospital groups e.g., infection control & prevention group, fire safety group, practice standards committee, in order to assist with the creation of evidence-based policy for the SAH.

Participate in promotional activities and events relating to the service of the SAH.

Ensure weekly/monthly stock budgets are adhered to within area(s) of responsibility.

Contribute to staff training and development within the Small Animal alongside other senior nurses.

2.Nursing

Provide direct specialist and highly skilled level of nursing care to patients within the SAH.

Responsible for the day-to-day management of area(s) of responsibility, using inititative and judgement to identify and resolve problems independently. Provide specialist knowledge and advice to all nursing and support staff with designated area(s) of responsibility.

Participate in ward rounds for area(s) of responsibility and contribute to the creation of daily patient treatment plans.

Oversee nursing care of all patients in the hospital and ensure that this is of the highest standard.

Liaise with clinical staff regarding daily management of patients within your area of responsibility; assisting or performing approved procedures and diagnostic tests as required, to ensure requests are carried out professionally and competently and patient care is prioritised.

Supervise and train staff and students in diagnostic and therapeutic regimes within area(s) of responsibility and expertise.

Supervise and train staff and students on how to dispense a wide range of drugs frequently used in veterinary medicine, including cytotoxic medications and controlled drugs.

Admission and discharge of in-patients, ensuring all administrative duties are performed for these cases.

Provide advice for a range of queries from clients and referring veterinary surgeons including estimates, first aid advice, appointment requests, and guidance on correct patient care and triaging of emergencies.

Direct contact with owners to deliver progress reports on in-patients, keeping them informed of costs and providing a liaison between them and clinicians to ensure a successful relationship between the client and the SAH.

Provide cover for senior and specialist nurses when required (sickness/holidays/maternity leave).

Source new products and ensure the most cost-effective stock is being ordered in compliance with university procedures and guidelines.

Ensure all relevant paperwork e.g., discharge forms are completed on arrival of the client for collection of their animal, patients’ day records are up to date and correct etc.

Assist with the euthanasia of animals, provide emotional support to distressed owners and ensure owners’ wishes for disposal are carried out promptly and efficiently.

Ensure all staff adhere to infection control policy and that a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness is maintained by all staff and students.

Organise the cleaning, servicing and maintenance of equipment and instrumentation, in accordance with manufacturers recommendations and health and safety guidelines, to ensure they are safe and ready for use.

Maintain RCVS registered status by completing approx. 15 hours CPD each year (45 hours in 3 years) and by ensuring RCVS retention fee is paid in a timely manner.

3.Teaching:

Assist with the teaching of veterinary undergraduates, student veterinary nurses and new members of staff when required to facilitate continued learning.

Assess veterinary undergraduates in DOPS or OSCEs and provide feedback when assessment is formative.

Assist and support student veterinary nurses with completion of their Nursing Progress Log (NPL)

Engage in the education of veterinary nurses in the wider profession by lecturing at CPD events and writing articles for veterinary nursing journals.

4.Research:

To assist with clinical research projects within area(s) of responsibility including data collection and sample processing. Where appropriate, contribute to research articles.

To attend or actively contribute/participate in national/international events/major research seminars/conferences within specialist area by invitation or otherwise.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge / Qualifications

Essential:

A1 RCVS Veterinary Nursing Qualification and fully registered.

A2 Extensive knowledge of all aspects of veterinary nursing, protocols and procedures to ensure the highest standard of care within the treatment area.

A3 Knowledge of current Health & Safety Legislation.

Desirable:

B1 Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing or Degree in Veterinary Nursing

Skills

Essential:

C1 Evidence of staff supervision.

C2 Excellent communication skills both orally and written.

C3 Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

C4 Use of initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently.

C5 Excellent organisational and time management skills

C6 Proven ability to manage workload effectively and balance conflicting priorities.

C7 Ability to lead and motivate a team to foster positive working environment.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Significant relevant experience as a veterinary nurse (may include training).

E2 Previous experience of supervising staff.

Desirable:

F1 Previous experience in a Senior Nurse or Head Nurse role.

Dimensions

This is a very busy veterinary referral and teaching hospital which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The hospital has a caseload of > 18,000 case per annum and a turnover in excess of £6M. The hospital is serviced by 62 nursing associated staff, 56 clinicians and 17 management/administrative staff, supporting over 13 clinical specialities and an emergency out of hours first opinion clinic.

Direct line management responsibility for specified nurses and veterinary care assistants within area(s) of responsibility.

Teaching and supervision of ~ 40 veterinary undergraduate students who are on clinical rotations within the hospital.

Co-supervisory responsibility, in conjunction with Senior Nursing Tutor, for up to 45 student veterinary nurses working at various times within hospital as part of the Level 3 Diploma.

Responsible for the individual assessment of a quota of Level 3 Diploma veterinary nursing students each year.

Oversee the smooth running of a nursing service for the referral clients and patients of the Small Animal Hospital.

To direct and develop the nursing team ensuring an appropriate level of nursing intervention.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,951 - £37,694 per annum 6% allowance for working weekends.

This post is full time and open ended. The working pattern is primarily Monday to Friday with weekends worked according to our senior nurse rota.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension , benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community here.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/benefits-salary-and-flexible-workingfor more information.

Closing date: 23:45 on Monday 20th October 2025