About

Want to work within a fun, friendly, caring team? We are seeking a small animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our team who can deliver a high standard of patient and client care. We strive for clinical excellence and exceptional customer care through building relationships. Our ethos is to provide the best possible level of service to our clients, offering those who want it a gold standard work up and those who cannot afford it or do not want invasive procedures a suitable alternative. We support our clients with care and compassion through difficult choices. We provide a calm and fear free environment for our patients and a clean, safe and supportive environment for the team to grow and develop.

 

We are an independent small animal practice based on the edge of Lake District National Park and Yorkshire Dales National Park, yet with easy access to the M6 and mainline trains. It’s also a short drive to Kendal or Lancaster.

 

Our practice facilities include a full Idexx laboratory, ECG, capnography, sterile theatre, dental equipment, digital radiography, ultrasound, and vast quantities of tea, biscuits and cake. 

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Where needed and possible we block 30 minute slots for challenging consultations to allow time to do a thorough job. 15 minutes is standard, 30+ minutes where needed and possible for euthanasias.

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Person Specification:

The position would suit either an experienced vet or new graduate who we can support to become the best vet they can. We are happy to consider either full or part time colleagues.

 

The position would suit someone with strong skills in medicine who would like to be supported on the surgical side.

 

Key Responsibilities include:

• Operate the practice management system, general surgery and administration

• Manage and deal with appointment bookings in a professional and efficient manner, help team members with the scheduling 

• Comply with health and safety regulations and local policy within the surgery

• Show an awareness of financial controls within the practice

• Adhere to practice policies and procedures

 

Clinical duties:

• Communicate effectively with clients and colleagues

• Understand the importance of building relationships with clients and colleagues

• Carry out consultations with the ability to develop a differential diagnosis list, carry out appropriate diagnostic tests and present treatment options whilst showing empathy towards the clients and their pet’s problems

• Conduct thorough examinations of all patients

• Commit to lifelong learning, recognise own areas of weakness, seeking out opportunities to improve and keeping an up to date CPD record

• Some sole charge of the practice

• Adhere to health and safety guidelines to minimise personal risk to those in the veterinary environment

• Handle and restrain animals in a confident manner with minimal risk to self and others

• Be responsible for inpatient care ensuring that regular TPR’s are carried out and medications given according to schedule

• Obtain and handle samples as appropriate for the patient working with team members to ensure they are analysed or sent to a lab in a timely fashion and that the result is reported to the client

• Operate lab equipment and conduct standard tests and in house blood analysis

• Conduct x-rays using radiography equipment and basic scans using ultrasound equipment, ensure animals’ records are updated with these images and that equipment is cleaned and stored appropriately after use

• Read, interpret and evaluate findings from diagnostic testing 

• Diagnose and formulate a targeted relevant treatment plan showing an understanding of contributing factors i.e. offering those who want it a gold standard work up and those who cannot afford it or do not want invasive procedures a suitable alternative

• Confidently and appropriately deal with emergency presentations

• Awareness of different types of drugs and treatment types

• Appropriate use of anaesthesia showing consideration of all factors prior to administration

• Perform all routine surgical procedures within small animal practice

• Perform euthanasia, whilst being supportive and professional and showing empathy at all times

• Direct responsibility for supply and usage of all POM drugs held and used at the practice

• Demonstrate a good use of knowledge of husbandry and welfare of animals on a day to day basis

• Interact effectively with the nursing team and understand the importance of good nursing to overall care

• Keep clinical records up to date and bill veterinary work appropriately

• Attend regular practice meetings

• Other duties as may be required from time to time to ensure the effective operation of the practice

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Required skills & experience:

• Current registration with the RCVS

• Previous experience of first opinion small animal veterinary practice

• Friendly, caring and capable

• Excellent communication skills

• Displays honesty and integrity at all times

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We are looking for applicants able to work weekdays between the hours of 9am to 6pm. Occasional Saturday mornings.

No out of hours (OOH)

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Job Type: Permanent or part time

Salary DOE: 2 year grad £45k - experienced clinical director £75k

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Detailed job specification: Click here

 
How to apply:

If you believe you’ve got the experience and attributes to excel in this role, tell us why in a covering letter with your CV attached. Please send your application to ben@carnforthpetcare.com. If we think you are the right fit for our team, we will invite you for a tour, cup of tea and chat.

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No agencies please.