*** Please note that this post is open only to Veterinary Care Assistants Grade 3 current employees ***

Job Purpose

To carry out nursing duties to the highest standard in accordance with hospital systems of work to ensure all animal needs are met and excellent standards are maintained within the Small Animal Hospital. Provide a focus between clients, veterinary surgeons, nursing staff, and students. Contribute to the examination, treatment, and care of both in and out-patients to facilitate the smooth running of the Hospital.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.  Responsible for providing complete nursing care of patients within a recognised specialism in a busy hospital environment within level of responsibility.

2.  Prioritise patient care and manage an unpredictable and high intensity workload. Problem-solve in conjunction with qualified staff to ensure best patient care outcomes.

3.  Perform a variety of advanced nursing skills including monitoring and maintenance of general anaesthesia, radiography, Schedule 3 procedures (under supervision) and operating a range of laboratory, monitoring and diagnostic equipment.

4.  Perform nursing clinical examination to in-patients and for patients arriving for emergency appointments. Provide first aid interventions pending clinician assessment.

5.  Recognise deterioration and improvement in patient status and know when to adjust care plan requirements and when to communicate changes to the clinician/RVN in charge.

Interpret a range of laboratory test results and know when results need to be immediately reported to clinician in charge of case.

6.  Responsible for performing and assisting with prescribed treatment regimens under the direction of the clinician or veterinary nurse (with direct supervision as required)

7.  Communicate with external and internal parties including referring vets, clients, clinical pathology laboratory and the postmortem room. Respond to advice calls and either deal with the call where appropriate or collect the appropriate information and pass it to the relevant clinician.

8.  Ensure hospital equipment and instrumentation is handled correctly, cleaned, and maintained to ensure it is kept in good working order.

9.  Employ effective use of consumables within the SAH and ensure appropriate stock levels are maintained.

10.Dispense prescribed medications (under direct supervision) and have a good understanding of VMD regulations and administration issues for commonly prescribed veterinary medicines including controlled and cytotoxic drugs.

11. Ensure all tasks are carried out to the highest standard and that Health and Safety protocols are adhered to.

12. Achieve RCVS registered status within 3-6 months of final OSCE examinations.

13. Any other tasks within the level of responsibility to their role as deemed suitable by their line manager.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications  

Essential

A1 Either: Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role. Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 4 in English and Mathematics (National 4) or equivalent and some experience of working in a similar role

A2 Knowledge of animal husbandry (cats, dogs and exotics).

Desirable

B1 Two Highers (Maths or a science)

Skills

Essential

C1 Evidenced ability to perform a range of nursing skills within level of responsibility.

C2 Evidenced ability to work unsupervised within level of responsibility.

C3 Evidenced ability to work well within a team.

C4 Evidenced ability to triage emergency cases.

C5 Good observation skills

C6 Excellent communication skills.

C7 Excellent organisational skills.

Desirable

D1 Good IT skills and experience of practice management system.

D2 Ability to operate a range of laboratory and diagnostic equipment.

Experience  Essential

E1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the knowledge and skills in a Veterinary Care Assistant role.

E2  Relevant experience within a veterinary referral hospital.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 4, £25,804 - £27,319 per annum + 6% uplift weekend working.

2 positions available. These posts are full time and open ended.

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 - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

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 https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ 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.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing date: 23:45 on Tuesday 7th April 2026