Job Description
LEAD VETERINARY NURSE FLSA Status: Non- Exempt SUMMARY The Lead Veterinary Nurse will be primarily responsible for assisting the Medical Manager in all duties relating to the veterinary care of animals in the clinic and shelter as assigned as well as the supervision of all veterinary nursing staff. These responsibilities will vary with the current needs of the clinic and shelter staff, the season of the year, the facility location, and the individual abilities demonstrated by the employee. PRINCIPAL DUTIES Monitor and supervise shelter nursing staff and ensure organizational policies and procedures are followed. Communicate exam findings and provide direct support to the veterinarian with clients and shelter animals. Complete thorough medical examinations working with veterinarians and nursing assistants. Read and interpret medical records to determine vaccination status and medication needs. Examine and care for sick shelter animals including cage cleaning, exercising, feeding, observing animals for illness, following disease prevention protocols, laundry and bathing. Vaccinating all shelter animal upon intake Catalog and submit Inventory Assign nurses to department responsibilities each day, ensuring coverage for all essential duties Train all new clinic staff and complete training status reports Perform euthanasia. Perform decapitations for the Health Department Assist managers with medical issues in absence of Medical Manager Assist and supervise clinic volunteers/staff Assist Veterinarians and managers with any medical transfers or disease control issues Work cooperatively with other shelter staff to accomplish the general cleaning of all areas to maintain a clean odor free clinic and shelter; maintain clinic and surgical equipment such as microscopes and surgical packs; assist in maintaining healthy, safe, sanitary, pleasant and clean facilities for the animals under the care of ACCT Philly at all times. Perform, read and interpret laboratory tests, complete forms for out-of-house laboratory, filing and scanning of laboratory tests, cleaning up of laboratory areas, data entry Admit and release animals in a responsive, courteous and tactful manner and through managed recordkeeping, inform volunteers, staff, and the public of any pertinent medical information on the animal's care; assist staff and volunteers whenever necessary to assure smooth, courteous handling of the public and their pets. Work courteously and cooperatively with staff and volunteers to ensure that all established procedures and policies of ACCT Philly are followed; follow established procedures governing safe work practices including, but not limited to, wearing protective clothing and/or equipment when necessary; perform duties in a manner which encourages attainment of goals, contributions and business for ACCT Philly and its programs. Treat people and animals with respect; contribute to effective teamwork; and foster public relations beneficial to ACCT Philly and its programs; promote a humane and caring attitude toward all animals and treat all animals humanely, properly and with compassion at all times, regardless of circumstances including those that are sick, injured, feral or aggressive. Assist when needed in the shelter, public clinic, surgery, critical care unit or other department or location. Perform all duties of veterinary nursing assistant as required. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS Minimum High School diploma or GED required; some college, trade, vocational school, college or further education preferred. Must be proficient using computer. Knowledge of Internet, Microsoft Word and Excel required, knowledge of Pet Point Animal Management System, VIA software and web based software a plus. Minimum of two years of experience in the veterinary field working as a veterinary assistant or technician. EXPERIENCE, ABILITIES AND QUALITIES REQUIRED Ability to problem solve and work cooperatively in a team environment; affection for animals and concern for their welfare. Comfort and ability to work humanely with animals of unknown disposition and those who may exhibit medical and other problems, as well as aggressive tendencies.