Surgical nurse in a veterinary practice

The surgery nurses or surgical nursing team will directly work with the implementation of policies and procedures for the surgery department.

They also must ensure that all surgeries are conducted to the highest standards, and department staff are looked after. A Senior Surgery Nurse in a veterinary practice is a very helpful and reliable staff member to the PM.

Example of Duties:

• Cleaning and disinfecting the surgical theatre
• Cleaning and disinfecting the sterilising room
• Maintaining anaesthetic and surgical equipment
• Stocking supplies for all areas within the department
• Ordering supplies
• Coordinating equipment need for repairs
• Preparing surgical packs and equipment
• Sterilising surgical equipment
• Setting up the theatre and surgical packs (kits)
• Supervising junior and trainee staff
• Assisting with animal preparation for anaesthesia and surgery
• Assisting the vet surgeon during surgery
• Monitoring anaesthesia
• Providing post-operative care for surgical patients
• Liaising with the surgery veterinarian about the schedule of surgical cases
• Checking if surgical cases have been admitted and identified correctly
• Checking that pre-operative instructions have been followed
• Cleaning required instruments either manually or in an ultrasonic cleaner
• Packing and sterilising the required surgical packs
• Reinforce the clinic’s cleaning policy
• Dispose of sharps and contaminated waste at the end of the day
• Store cleaning utensils