Conditions

Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Students

1. PDSA provides a full veterinary service for people who cannot afford private veterinary fees. To attend PDSA PetAid hospitals, owners have to satisfy certain criteria set out in PDSA eligibility rules. 
2. PDSA PetAid hospitals run appointment systems with veterinary surgeons consulting and operating throughout a 9am - 6pm day. To achieve efficiency, the work is fitted into a tight schedule and this requires a great deal of team work between the veterinary surgeons, nursing team and receptionists. 
3. Most PDSA PetAid hospitals use a staggered lunch break and you would be required to be present for the full working day. You will have to provide your own lunch, although hot drinks and water are available at PDSA PetAid hospitals. 
4. The aim is to fit into the system to gain the maximum benefit from the clinical material presented. You may be allowed to see cases or perform minor surgical operations at the discretion, and under the supervision of, the veterinary surgeon. 
5. Once a veterinary surgeon has been consulted about a case, that VS is responsible for that case and the student must refer and defer only to that VS. 
6. You will generally be expected to assist the nursing team with their duties but must not carry out nursing duties without discussion with the Head Nurse or VS in charge of a particular case. There is no authority to delegate work to nurses or summon assistance - this is a function of the Head Nurse or VS. 
7. In theatre it is imperative that students do not interfere with anaesthetic circuits unless requested to do so by qualified PDSA PetAid hospital staff - this is usually the theatre nurse at that time. 
8. You will be instructed in Health and Safety and fire procedures by the Senior Veterinary Surgeon or Student Supervisor on arrival at your PDSA PetAid hospital 
9. You will need to bring with you a clean protective laboratory coat, or overall of a plain colour, or your uniform. Sandals or trainers are not suitable. Shoulder-length hair should be tied back from your face and all dangling jewellery, such as bracelets and earrings, removed. 
10. Unfortunately there may not be a locker available for your personal possessions. Therefore it is advisable not to bring any valuables with you. 
11. PDSA has a no smoking policy. Please refer to staff regulations for further details. 
12. You must be fully vaccinated against tetanus. If not, please arrange for this to be completed well before starting Seeing Practice. 
13. Any information seen or heard at a PDSA PetAid hospital is confidential. If you wish to write up a clinical case, please speak to the Senior Veterinary Surgeon immediately. 
14. As you know, animals need to be handled with care. You will not usually be allowed to hold animals without supervision. However, should any injury occur, please tell the Head Nurse or the Senior Veterinary Surgeon immediately. 
15. PDSA holds full Employer’s and Public Liability insurance which has been endorsed to include those individuals Seeing Practice, or similar placements. However, you are responsible for providing your own insurance against personal accident, if you feel this is necessary.

Student Veterinary Nurses and Animal Care Students

1. PDSA provides a full veterinary service for people who cannot afford private veterinary fees. To attend PDSA PetAid hospitals, owners have to satisfy certain criteria set out in PDSA eligibility rules. 
2. PDSA PetAid hospitals run appointment systems with veterinary surgeons consulting and operating throughout a 9am - 6pm day. To achieve efficiency, the work is fitted into a tight schedule and this requires a great deal of team work between the veterinary surgeons, nursing team and receptionists. 
3. Most PDSA PetAid hospitals use a staggered lunch break and you are required to be present for the full working day. You will have to provide your own lunch, although hot drinks and water are available at PDSA PetAid hospitals. 
4. You will generally be expected to assist the nursing team with their duties but must not carry out nursing duties without discussion with the Head Nurse or VS in charge of a particular case. 
5. You will be instructed in Health and Safety and fire procedures by the Senior Veterinary Surgeon or Student Supervisor on arrival at your PDSA PetAid hospital. 
6. You will need to bring with you a clean protective laboratory coat, or overall of a plain colour, or your uniform. Sandals or trainers are not suitable. Shoulder-length hair should be tied back from your face and all dangling jewellery, such as bracelets and earrings, removed. 
7. Unfortunately there may not be a locker available for your personal possessions. Therefore it is advisable not to bring any valuables with you. 
8. PDSA has a no smoking policy. Please refer to staff for further details. 
9. You must be fully vaccinated against tetanus. If not, please arrange for this to be completed well before starting Seeing Practice. 
10. Any information seen or heard at a PDSA PetAid hospital is confidential. If you wish to write up a clinical case, please speak to the Senior Veterinary Surgeon. 
11. As you know, animals need to be handled with care. You will not usually be allowed to hold animals without supervision. However, should any injury occur, please tell the Head Nurse or the Senior Veterinary Surgeon immediately.
12. PDSA holds full Employer’s and Public Liability insurance which has been endorsed to include those Seeing Practice, or similar placements. However, you are responsible for providing you own insurance against personal accident, if you feel this is necessary.