Re: Kennel Attendant

lizabarf — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:30:57 GMT

i stared work as a kennel assistant and after making sure all the washing, sterilising etc i would help out in theatre. i was also allowed to restrain animals etc and after a year i started my vn training. we do allow our kennel assistant now to join in with other things as long as the cleaning etc is up to date but we also have the problem where she hangs around in theatre and prep but a quiet word normally gets her back in to do things. I would just have a really frank and honest discussion and tell her that she wont be able to start her training for at least 3 years and list the jobs that she will be doing and ask if she still wants the job. I would let her restrain the animals if she is able so that she still has interesting parts of the job.

good luck!

Re: Kennel Attendant

Nicola Smith — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:26:56 GMT

Not got a kennel assistant but could she be helping with sick animals for instance with hand feeding, grooming and general patient attention which all helps massively with patient recovery and we often dont have the time! She would obvioulsy need to be told which patients to what with and what foods they can have etc but she will get a boost if she can get a sick patient to eat etc. Also make it clear how important her job is - animals dependant on her, if not kept clean may get infection etc to make her feel more worthwhile.