At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide hands-on care for pets in a vibrant veterinary hospital setting.
- Company: Join DWR Veterinary Specialists, a leading multi-disciplinary referral centre in Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks holiday, career progression, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for further education and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of animals while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for animal care; training provided, no prior experience necessary.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Location: Newmarket, Cambridge
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Hours: 40 hours per week
Shifts: 8 hour shifts Monday-Friday; either 6.30am–2.30pm or 10.30am-6.30pm along with working 1:4 weekends, for which rest days are provided the following week. Participation in the Bank Holiday (Spring/Summer and Christmas) rota is also required.
We are seeking a passionate and enthusiastic Patient Care Assistant to join our vibrant PCA Team working with the daytime team within a wards-based setting in our busy, purpose-built specialist veterinary hospital. As a Wards based PCA, you would be involved in all aspects of the care of our canine and feline patients, from their admission through to discharge. This is a varied, hands-on role, rotating across all wards and including everything from basic animal husbandry, through to supporting patients during specialist veterinary procedures and administering oral medications.
Alongside patient care you would also be responsible for ensuring that the cleanliness and stock levels within the wards are maintained, following infection control protocols to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for the patients. The varied role will allow you to develop a broad range of experience and knowledge of working in a veterinary referral hospital.
Job Purpose
- Ensure highest level of patient care is provided
- Demonstrate professional behaviours and a committed approach to tasks.
- Maintain a clean and hygienic clinical environment
- Work and communicate effectively with clients and associates.
- Working under the direction of Veterinary Surgeons and Registered Veterinary Nurses you will be involved in aspects of housekeeping and husbandry duties.
- Follow Standard Operating Procedures at all times to include but not limited to; clinical tasks, patient restraint, waste disposal, infection control and health and safety policies.
What we're looking for
To be successful in this role you need to be highly organised, have the physical, mental and emotional stamina required to work with sick animals, and have the ability to cope with a fast-paced working environment. You should be a highly motivated team player and have the passion and drive for delivering outstanding care for clients and their beloved pets. If you have a desire to build a career working with and caring for animals, with in-house training, we are the ideal working environment to help you flourish. Although not a requirement of the role, many of our PCAs eventually progress onto further education programmes as Student Veterinary Nurses or take their PCA pathway into a different role within DWR. PCA experience is not necessary as full training will be provided, although it would be beneficial to have a basic knowledge of animal care and handling. Due to H&S considerations, applicants must be over 18 years old.
What we offer
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
- Career progression opportunities
- Staff discount schemes
- Life Assurance
- Group Pension scheme
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- E-car salary sacrifice scheme
- Employer contribution pension scheme
- Wellness program including: Employee assistance program, Eyecare voucher scheme, Free annual Flu jab, Cycle to work scheme, Recruitment referral reward scheme.
About us
DWR Veterinary Specialists (DWR) is one of the largest specialist multi-disciplinary veterinary referral centres in Europe, offering outstanding levels of clinical care in state-of-the-art facilities. Our dedicated vets, nurses and nursing assistants, supported by the client care teams, are committed to providing the highest quality care for pets. Many of our clinicians are nationally or internationally recognised specialists in their field and bring unique experiences to care for pets. We accept referrals in Anaesthesia, Cardiology, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging, Emergency and Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Oncology, Orthopaedic Surgery, Physiotherapy, Dentistry and Soft Tissue Surgery. We have comprehensive and established clinical and non-clinical programmes for training, development and CPD. DWR is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits. At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You’ll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritises your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best – care for pets. We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose.
All applications with the relevant skills and qualifications will be carefully considered. If you need any support in completing your application or simply want to find out more about DWR, Linnaeus or the role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at careers@linnaeusgroup.co.uk.
Daytime Patient Care Assistant - Wards employer: Cinque Ports Vets
Blacks Veterinary Practice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and progressive work environment for Veterinary Surgeons focused on surgical excellence. With state-of-the-art facilities, a strong emphasis on professional development, and a friendly team culture, employees benefit from extensive training opportunities, generous leave policies, and a commitment to work-life balance, all while being part of a well-respected practice in the heart of the West Midlands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Daytime Patient Care Assistant - Wards
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at Cinque Ports Vets for the Daytime Patient Care Assistant - Wards role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
We think you need these skills to ace Daytime Patient Care Assistant - Wards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with Cinque Ports Vets, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at Cinque Ports Vets, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cinque Ports Vets
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at Cinque Ports Vets.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like Cinque Ports Vets appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how Cinque Ports Vets supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
