Vet Nurse

Roles and responsibilities

To provide essential medical care and support for horses, assisting veterinarians with examinations, surgeries, and treatments. Responsibilities include administering medications, monitoring recovery, and maintaining detailed medical records. The role requires a solid background in equine nursing, excellent handling skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team. This position is ideal for individuals who are dedicated to equine health and possess strong organizational and communication skills.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

Operational

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Provide nursing care to horses, including administering medications and treatments.

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Assist veterinarians during examinations, surgeries, and other procedures.

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Monitor the health and recovery of horse’s post-surgery.

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Maintain medical records and update treatment plans.

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Prepare and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment.

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Educate horse owners on care and post-treatment instructions.

Other Related Assignments

● Complete duties as requested by direct line manager
1. Veterinary Assistance and Support:
Assisting Veterinarians: Work closely with equine veterinarians to assist in diagnosing and treating horses. This includes preparing equipment, administering treatments, and preparing horses for procedures like surgeries or diagnostics.
Administering Medications: Administer prescribed medications, including oral medications, injections, and fluids, under the supervision of the veterinarian. This includes ensuring proper dosages and following protocols for administration.
Monitoring Anesthesia: Monitor horses under anesthesia during surgical procedures or other medical treatments. This includes observing vital signs, administering anesthetics, and ensuring the horse’s safety throughout the process.
Conducting Procedures: Assist with minor veterinary procedures such as taking blood samples, collecting urine or fecal samples, and performing diagnostic tests like X-rays or ultrasounds.
2. Equine Health Monitoring and Care:
Daily Health Checks: Perform routine checks on horses, including temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, and overall condition. Report any abnormalities to the attending veterinarian for further evaluation.
Wound Care: Manage wound care, including cleaning, dressing, and bandaging wounds, and monitoring healing progress. This is particularly important for horses involved in activities like racing or competitive events.
Infection Control: Monitor for signs of infection in horses recovering from surgery, injuries, or illness, and ensure appropriate infection control measures are followed.
Feeding and Nutrition: Ensure horses are receiving proper nutrition, including preparing and delivering meals according to specific dietary requirements. They may also administer tube feeding or other specialized nutritional support as needed.

Desired candidate profile

Certification or degree in veterinary nursing or a related field.

Required Years of Experience

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1 year of previous experience in equine nursing or veterinary care is needed.

Required Skills and Competencies

Soft Skills: - Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Competencies:

- Knowledge of equine anatomy and medical procedures.

- Ability to handle horses safely and calmly.

- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

- Good communication and teamwork abilities.

- Proficiency in English (spoken and written)
Emergency and Critical Care:
Emergency Response: Respond to emergency situations, such as colic (abdominal pain), respiratory distress, injuries, or sudden illness. Equine nurses are trained to provide first aid and stabilize horses until a veterinarian can arrive.
Critical Care Monitoring: Monitor horses in critical care situations, such as after surgery or trauma, ensuring that they are stable, hydrated, and responding to treatment.
Pain Management: Administer pain relief medications as directed by the veterinarian and monitor the effectiveness of pain management strategies.
. Surgical Support and Recovery:
Pre-Surgical Preparation: Assist with preparing horses for surgery by grooming, cleaning, and setting up sterile environments. This includes ensuring all necessary instruments and equipment are ready for use.
Post-Surgical Care: Provide post-surgical care by monitoring the horse’s recovery, changing dressings, administering medications, and ensuring the animal is healing well. This includes managing potential complications such as infection or complications from anesthesia.
Rehabilitation Assistance: Support rehabilitation programs for horses recovering from surgeries or injuries, including physiotherapy, controlled exercise, and monitoring progress