At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional care for pets and support veterinary teams during night shifts.
- Company: Join a leading veterinary hospital dedicated to creating a better world for pets.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, professional development, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners every night.
- Qualifications: Experience in veterinary or animal care and strong animal handling skills.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Veterinary Specialists Scotland (VSS), Livingston, just outside Edinburgh
Job Type: Permanent, full-time
Hours: 27 hours per week - 4 shifts on and 8 off - 8pm - 8am
Join our team at Veterinary Specialists Scotland. VSS is a multi-disciplinary referral centre that opened in October 2020 and has been purpose built to deliver exceptional veterinary care in a modern, supportive, and welcoming environment. At VSS, our core values are centred around excellence in patient care, client care, colleague support, and service to referring practices. We are seeking dedicated Veterinary Care Assistants who share our commitment to teamwork, quality, and continuous improvement.
About the role
The role of the Patient Care Assistant / Veterinary Care Assistant is vital in delivering outstanding patient care and an exceptional client experience. Working closely with our veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses, you will support the out of hours care of patients under the direction of a Vet or Registered Veterinary Nurse. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with previous veterinary care experience and strong animal handling skills who thrives in a busy hospital environment and is passionate about making a difference to the lives of pets and their owners.
Key responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality patient care within the remit of the PCA role and under appropriate clinical delegation
- Support the nursing and veterinary teams with the care of hospitalised patients
- Maintain accurate clinical records, including hospitalisation forms and patient notes
- Ensure patient and clinical areas are maintained to a high standard, following strict infection control and health and safety protocols
- Handle animals confidently, safely, and compassionately
- Work collaboratively with clinical and client care teams to provide an efficient, professional, and caring service
- Provide a courteous, empathetic, and helpful experience for clients at all times
- Support quality improvement initiatives, audits, and incident reporting processes
- Contribute to stock management, correct charging of services and consumables, and reducing unnecessary waste
- Take part in training and continued professional development opportunities
What we’re looking for
- Previous experience in a veterinary care or animal care role
- A strong background in animal handling
- A genuine passion for delivering excellent patient care
- A caring, empathetic, and professional approach
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- The ability to work reliably, adaptably, and positively in a busy clinical environment
- A commitment to maintaining high clinical standards and supporting continuous improvement
- A willingness to work flexibly, including weekends and bank holidays
Why join VSS and Linnaeus?
By joining VSS, you will become part of a talented, collaborative team in a fast-growing referral hospital where patient care and colleague wellbeing are genuinely valued. Our culture is built around the Linnaeus Five Principles: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, Freedom. These principles shape how we work, support one another, and make decisions every day.
Apply now
If you are an experienced Veterinary Care Assistant looking to join a progressive and supportive referral hospital, we would love to hear from you.
Night Veterinary Care Assistant in Livingston employer: Linnaeus
At Veterinary Specialists Scotland (VSS), located in Livingston just outside Edinburgh, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values both patient care and colleague wellbeing. Our state-of-the-art facility fosters a collaborative work culture where continuous professional development is encouraged, and our commitment to quality and innovation ensures that you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and their owners. Join us and benefit from a comprehensive wellbeing package, a supportive network of veterinary professionals, and the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic environment focused on excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Night Veterinary Care Assistant in Livingston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, attend local events, or join online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings at places like VSS.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your animal handling skills and knowledge about patient care. Be ready to share your experiences and how they align with VSS's commitment to excellence in patient care.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them know why you love working with animals and how you can contribute to their mission of creating a better world for pets.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the VSS team and being part of something special.
We think you need these skills to ace Night Veterinary Care Assistant in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your genuine love for animals and veterinary care in your application. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of a Night Veterinary Care Assistant. Highlight your previous experience in veterinary or animal care, and emphasise your strong animal handling skills and teamwork abilities.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and concise. We want to know why you’re the perfect fit for our team, so get straight to the point while still showcasing your personality and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Veterinary Specialists Scotland.
How to prepare for a job interview at Linnaeus
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge and animal handling skills. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and protocols in a veterinary setting, especially those related to patient care. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, highlight your experience in providing excellent patient care. Share specific examples of how you've handled animals with empathy and professionalism. This role is all about caring for pets and their owners, so let your passion shine through!
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with others. Discuss past experiences where you’ve successfully worked as part of a team in a busy environment. The interviewers will be looking for someone who can fit into their supportive culture and contribute positively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the team at Veterinary Specialists Scotland. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn more about their commitment to continuous improvement and quality care.
