At a Glance
- Tasks: Support veterinary teams in delivering top-notch patient care and assist with various clinical tasks.
- Company: Join a caring and dynamic veterinary hospital dedicated to animal welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks holiday, career progression, wellness programs, and more!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of animals while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in animal care preferred; must be reliable and a team player.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, including evenings and weekends, with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
To support the veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, and wider clinical team in delivering excellent standards of patient care at Epping Hospital. The Patient Care Assistant will work flexibly across shifts that include evenings, weekends, and may be asked to assist across branches when required.
Hours & Flexibility
- Full time, 40 hours per week.
- Evenings and weekends required.
- Flexible working across branches if needed.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
- Assist with safe handling and restraint of patients, aiming to minimise stress.
- Maintain patient accommodation: wards, isolation units; including cleaning, disinfection, enrichment.
- In-patient care: feeding, exercising, grooming, monitoring of hospitalized animals.
- Assist with laboratory diagnostic work: sample prep, processing, dispatch.
- Assist with diagnostic imaging: preparation, positioning of patients.
- Sterilisation, cleaning and maintenance of surgical and treatment equipment.
- Support in theatre: preparation, surgical assistance under direction, recovery care.
- Assist with pharmacy tasks: stock management, unpacking, temperature monitoring.
- Assist with reception/client care when needed: telephone calls, appointment booking, client enquiries.
- Adhere to standard operating protocols: PPE, waste disposal, hygiene and safety.
- Participation in training, team meetings, continuous improvement of practice.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Prior experience in a veterinary or animal care setting (e.g. kennel work, PCA, etc.) preferred.
- Comfortable handling animals safely; calm and empathetic manner.
- Reliable, adaptable, strong team player.
- Good communication skills with both clients and colleagues.
- Willingness to work under supervision and accept direction.
- Flexibility in hours (including evenings, weekends).
- Driving licence preferred but not essential.
Benefits
- 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays + Birthday Leave
- RCVS, BVNA & VDS fees paid
- External CPD funded
- Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program
- Career progression opportunities
- Staff discount schemes
- Life Assurance
- 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
Patient Care Assistant employer: Linnaeus Group
Contact Detail:
Linnaeus Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Patient Care Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, whether it's through social media or local events. We all know that sometimes it's not just what you know, but who you know that can help us land that Patient Care Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for those interviews! Brush up on common questions related to animal care and patient handling. We suggest practising with a friend or even in front of the mirror to boost your confidence before stepping into that interview room.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for animal care! During interviews, share specific experiences where you’ve made a difference in an animal's life. We want to see that empathy and dedication shine through, as it’s key for a Patient Care Assistant.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Patient Care Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Animal Care: When writing your application, let us see your love for animals shine through! Share any relevant experiences you've had in veterinary or animal care settings, and explain why you're excited about the role of Patient Care Assistant at Epping Hospital.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the key responsibilities, like handling animals safely or assisting in theatre. We want to know how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Linnaeus Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of animal care and handling. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and protocols in a veterinary setting, as well as the specific responsibilities of a Patient Care Assistant. This will show that you're serious about the role and ready to contribute.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your calm and empathetic approach to handling animals. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed stressful situations with pets or clients. This will highlight your suitability for the role and your ability to connect with both animals and their owners.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since the job requires working evenings and weekends, be prepared to discuss your availability openly. Highlight your adaptability and willingness to work across different branches if needed. This will reassure the interviewers that you’re ready to meet the demands of the position.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they handle challenging cases. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the workplace is the right fit for you.