Veterinary Nurse jobs in United Kingdom

Location: Exeter, EX2 5AF

Salary: £24937.00 to £26598.00

Date posted: 25th July 2025

Closing date: 8th August 2025

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Job Description:

Do you have a passion for supporting mothers and babies during one of the most critical and vulnerable times of their lives?

Join our compassionate and dedicated team at Jasmine Lodge, Exeters specialist Mother and Baby Unit (MBU), where we provide intensive inpatient care to mothers experiencing severe and complex mental health difficulties all while ensuring the best possible start in life for their babies.

We are looking for people who share our trust values in delivering high quality care and treatment, who enjoy working as part of a proactive Multi-Disciplinary team and want to make a difference in improving peoples lives every day.

Jasmine Lodge is a 8-bedded regional inpatient unit that forms part of the care pathway for women experiencing serious perinatal mental illness. Our focus is on recovery, hope, and rehabilitation , delivered through a safe, therapeutic environment where mothers and babies remain together.

As part of Devon Partnership NHS Trust , we are proud to be at the forefront of mental health services in the South West, offering integrated care with a strong multidisciplinary ethos

Main duties of the job

As a Healthcare Assistant , you will be an essential member of the MBU team, providing a blend of emotional and practical support to mothers, while helping care for their babies.

Main Responsibilities Include:

• Providingemotional and practical support to mothers, including helping them problem-solve and cope with the challenges of motherhood alongside mental health recovery.
• Deliveringdirect care to babies , including feeding, changing nappies, bathing, and settling so prior experience in infant care is highly desirable.
• Supportingtherapeutic activities both 1:1 and in groups, helping mothers rebuild confidence and engage in recovery-focused interventions.
• Accompanying mothers and babies onhospital leave , which may include local walks or home visits to support reintegration.
• Promoting healthy attachment between mothers and their babies, encouraging nurturing interactions, and helping families to develop the skills they need to thrive post-discharge.
  
  

What Were Looking For:

• Previous experience supporting people with mental health needs is desirable, especially in a perinatal or family setting.
• Experience caring for babies (either professionally or personally) is highly desirable.
• A calm, caring, and non-judgmental approach with excellent communication and observation skills.
• Ability to work flexibly in a 24/7 inpatient setting, including nights and weekends.
• Commitment to promoting dignity, compassion, and recovery in all interactions
  
  

About Us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health & learning disability services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

Our values

We not only recruit employees based on their qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess and demonstrate the behaviours which underpin the core values of our organisation. These values include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health & learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Employer.

Job Description

Job responsibilities

If you do not hold a QCF/NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care, an equivalent qualification, or the Care Certificate you will need to complete the Care Certificate within 3 months of commencement of the Band 3 post.

If you have a minimum of 6 months experience in the last 2 years working in a care role, but do not hold the Care Certificate you can complete the form Care Certificate Evidence Document from the additional documentation list to evidence that this experience is equivalent to the 15 standards as set out within the Care Certificate. You will need to take this completed form to interview where it will be reviewed by the appointing manager and if you meet the criteria, the manager can approve this in place of completing the Care Certificate.

More information about the content of the Care Certificate can be found atusing the link provided

We will also offer entry onto our Apprenticeship programme to initially undertake the Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship which opens to applications every 6 months, if your role is appropriate. This allows entry onto our career progression pathway to enable you to undertake further training to degree level clinical posts. If you are interested developing a career in care but do not have the relevant experience required then please contact our Practice Education Team who give your details of our up and coming apprenticeship careers events

Job Purpose

• To assist multi-disciplinary team members in the delivery of care and treatment to people using services. The care provided will encompass social, physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of the individuals.
• Be responsible for undertaking practical procedures under the supervision of trained nursing staff.
  
  

Duties And Responsibilities

Communication & Working Relationships

• To communicate effectively with people using services taking into account any communication difficulties they may have and responding appropriately.
• To form and maintain therapeutic relationships with individuals and other professionals and agencies.
• To maintain accurate and complete records consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.
• To communicate in a professional manner that is consistent with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Taking, recording and reporting telephone messages.
• Providing and receiving routine information to assist in undertaking the role.
• Participate in ward / team meetings and discussions.
  
  

Planning & Organisation

• To be involved in the assessment and implementation of individual treatment programmes and the persons recovery care plan under the supervision of qualified staff.
• To prioritise tasks and manage the shift workload in discussion with the Nurse-in-Charge.
• Participate in flexible shift system, which requires you to work days, evening, nights, weekends and public holiday's dependant on the needs of the ward.
• In order to provide comprehensive and quality services to individuals, the post holder will if necessary be required to work in other areas of the service as directed by the Line Manager / Nurse-in-Charge.
  
  

Responsibility for Judgement & Analysis

• The post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and competencies.
• Take part in the constant assessment of risk and management of risk in conjunction with the qualified staff.
• Take part and be aware of Health and Safety matters as appropriate.
• Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Trust Policies.
  
  

Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment & Therapy

• To be fully aware of each individuals recovery care plan and be involved in clinical formulation and delivery of allocated individuals recovery care plans.
• To participate fully in the allocated /associate nurse role.
• Participation in the delivery of therapeutic interventions, - assisting / facilitating in the running of group and individual 1-1 activities, offering time in positive activity and engagement.
• Participate in procedures involving intensive engagement and care of individuals who are distressed and / or verbally or physically aggressive.
• To provide support with daily living skills.
• Assist in all aspects of physical nursing care under the supervision of a registered nurse.
• Be able to recognise signs of abuse and know procedures they need to follow to escalate their concerns.
• Provide regular and practical support to individuals and their carers.
• To maintain the dignity and well being of individuals and their carers at all times.
• Assisting in the monitoring of patient nutritional needs.
• Escorting individuals under direction of Nurse-in-Charge.
• To assist individuals gain access to resources including benefits and welfare rights.
• Participating in ward / team Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings and discussions.
• Keep accurate records of interventions and care provided as indentified in patient care plans as directed by the Nurse-in-Charge and ensure all entries are validated on the electronic records system.
• Promptly report any difficulties encountered whilst implementing agreed care plans to the Nurse-in-Charge, and be able to report both verbally and in written form against progress of care plans.
  
  

Policy, Service, Research, Innovation & Improvement

• To complete all core training requirements and other appropriate training courses, to maintain individual professional development.
• To comply with all DPT policies, protocols, procedures relevant to the role.
• Report any observed incidence of unprofessional behaviour, accidents/incidents, untoward occurrences or faulty equipment to the Nurse-in-charge or Line Manager.
• To participate professionally in service development and proposed service changes.
  
  

To take part in any audit processes as required.

Comply with universal Infection Control precautions and procedures.

Responsibility For Finance, Equipment & Other Resources

• Assist in maintaining safety and security of the environment.
• Helping to maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the environment (including equipment).
• To have knowledge and understanding of counter fraud.
• To ensure Trust policies and legislation are followed regarding patient's property and monies.
• To ensure accurate documentation and record keeping.
• To participate in the monitoring, ordering and receipts of stock and non-stock supplies of the ward.
  
  

Responsibility for Supervision, Leadership & Management

• To actively participate in regular supervision and an annual staff appraisal which includes service objectives and individual learning and development needs in accordance with Trust policy.
• To participate in and support students learning along with other members of the team.
  
  

Information Resources & Administrative Duties

• To effectively use the Trust's IT systems (RiO), off duty (E-roster), learning and development (E-learning), online and any other IT systems either current or in the future as commensurate with the role.
• Maintaining confidentiality of information being aware of Trust policies and local protocols and keeping up-to-date with changes.
  
  

Freedom to Act

• Works within the standard operational procedures of the team. Uses own initiative in delivering patient care whilst receiving supervision from the team.
  
  

Any Other Specific Tasks Required

• To contribute to the provision of a safe therapeutic environment for individuals, staff and visitors to the unit.
• To take on responsibility for duties assigned by Line Manager.
• The post holder should ensure their fitness to undertake the post they should be able to demonstrate they are able to undertake the level of general training and personal safety training appropriate to their role and work area, and keep this training up-to-date.
• If the ability to perform Physical Intervention Techniques or Prevention of Violence, Management is a requirement of the role, the post holder must declare physical fitness to undertake such a role.
• The post holder should act quickly to protect the safety of individuals if they have reason to believe that they or a colleague may not be fit to undertake the duties within their job role.
• Act within competency.
  
  

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Basic Education
• To complete the Care Certificate within the first 6 months of employment unless already obtained or evidence of equivalent agreed and signed off by the appointing manager at interview. If not, this will be a trainee position until successful completion
  
  

Desirable

• NVQ level 3, QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent qualification.
• Other evidence of training or development relevant to working within mental health settings.
  
  

Knowledge and skills

Essential

• Awareness of safeguarding principles
• IT skills
• Demonstrate an ability to make and sustain professional therapeutic relationships
• Good communication and listening skills
• Ability to work with people in a group and individual basis
• Demonstrate an ability and awareness to maintain personal boundaries
• Problem solving skills
• Able to plan work, time management, completing records and recording observations etc.
• To take leadership and direction from qualified staff.
• To participate in unsupervised tasks and provide accurate feedback to relevant parties
• To demonstrate an ability to provide practical support with daily living activities, and physically perform nursing duties.
• To be able to respond promptly to physical and mental health emergencies, be able to think quickly and deal with situations in a calm and sensible manner.
• To be patient and tolerant in challenging situations.
  
  

Desirable

• Knowledge of mental health and a basic understanding of physical health presentations.
  
  

Experience

Essential

• Previous employment / experience of working with people in a caring situation or previous experience working in a different role within mental health services
  
  

Desirable

• Previous care experience with people who have Mental Health difficulties.
  
  

Essential

Preferred Area of Work

• Please highlight if you have a preferred ward to work on
  
  

Employer details

Employer name

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Address

The Haldon - Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5AF

Employer's website

https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Contact Information:

Deputy Ward Manager

Delina Mapp

Our offer to you

We'll take care of you

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Address

Headquarters

Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

EX2 5AF

www.dpt.nhs.uk

Contact

Information

Recruitment:

Medical Personnel: 01392 208 505

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