Relief Nurse Expectations & Acknowledgment
This document outlines the expectations, standards, and policies applicable to Relief (Hourly) Veterinary Nurses working at CHEW Animal Clinic. These policies apply to all relief shifts and must be followed at all times while working at or representing CHEW.
Mission & Values:
CHEW Animal Clinic’s mission is to promote Compassion, Hope, Education, and wellness by providing affordable veterinary care and resources to those who need us most. Relief nurses are expected to support this mission through compassionate patient care, professionalism, and respect for clients, coworkers, and the community.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
CHEW Animal Clinic provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Discrimination, harassment, or retaliation of any kind is not tolerated and must be reported immediately to management.
Standards of Conduct
Confidentiality:
Relief nurses must maintain strict confidentiality regarding client and patient records, medical information, internal operations, pricing, protocols, employee information, and payroll data. All clinic computer systems, software, and communications are the property of CHEW Animal Clinic and must be used appropriately. Unauthorized access, sharing, or disclosure of confidential information may result in immediate termination.
Client & Patient Interaction:
Clients and patients come first at all times. All interactions must be professional, courteous, and respectful. Contacting clients for personal reasons is strictly prohibited. Pets must be handled with care, safety, and patient welfare as the top priority.
Scope of Duties, Competency, and Patient Safety:
Relief nurses are expected to perform only those duties for which they are trained, competent, and comfortable. If at any time a relief nurse is unsure how to perform a task, is unfamiliar with a procedure, or does not feel competent to safely complete an assigned duty, they must immediately notify a full-time CHEW nurse, the Practice Manager, or a supervising veterinarian. Relief nurses must not attempt procedures or tasks they are not confident performing. Performing duties without adequate knowledge or training can result in serious patient harm, including permanent injury or death.
Unless otherwise directed, relief nurses will assist and support full-time CHEW nursing staff. Relief nurses should not independently take patient histories, fill prescriptions, or perform tasks outside of their assigned support role unless specifically instructed to do so by CHEW management or a supervising veterinarian.
Accurate medical record documentation is critical. Note taking is very important, and if a relief nurse is not familiar with CHEW’s practice information management system (PIMS), important medical information may be lost. Relief nurses must notify staff if they are unfamiliar with the system and request guidance before entering or modifying records.
Attendance & Scheduling:
Relief nurses are expected to arrive on time and remain until the end of their scheduled shift. If you are unable to work a scheduled shift or will be late, you must notify the Practice Manager as soon as possible. Relief nurses must clock in and out for every shift and accurately record any unpaid breaks. Clocking in early or staying late without approval will not be paid. If a shift must be extended due to clinic needs, this must be approved by management.
Dress Code:
Relief nurses must wear black scrubs only. Scrubs may not display logos, branding, or identifying information from other veterinary clinics. CHEW-issued attire is permitted. Clothing must be clean, professional, and appropriately fitted. Open-toed shoes are prohibited. Hair must be styled professionally and jewelry kept minimal. Tattoos should be covered when possible and may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Relief nurses are expected to represent CHEW professionally at all times while on-site.
Personal Pets:
Relief nurses are not permitted to bring personal pets to CHEW Animal Clinic. If a relief nurse wishes to schedule an appointment for their pet, a 15% discount may be applied to the total invoice; all services, diagnostics, medications, and products must be paid for and nothing is provided at no charge.
Cell Phone Use:
Cell phone use during working hours must be minimal and must not interfere with job duties. Cell phones may not be used in exam rooms or in the presence of clients. Phones must be kept silent or on vibrate.
CHEW Property & Equipment:
Clinic equipment, supplies, and materials may not be removed from the clinic. Personal use of clinic computers is not allowed. Installing unauthorized software is prohibited. All clinic property must be treated with care and responsibility.
Controlled Substances & DEA Compliance:
CHEW Animal Clinic strictly adheres to all federal and state laws governing controlled substances. Only authorized personnel may access, handle, or administer controlled substances. Failure to comply may result in immediate removal and possible reporting to regulatory authorities.
Drugs & Alcohol:
The possession, use, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs or alcohol on CHEW property is strictly prohibited. Relief nurses must be able to perform all job duties free from impairment. The use of legally prescribed medications is permitted; however, management must be notified if such medications affect the ability to safely perform essential job duties.
Social Media & Public Representation:
Relief nurses may not post, share, or distribute photos, videos, case details, or clinic information involving clients, patients, or clinic operations without prior written approval. Relief nurses may not speak to media, represent CHEW publicly, or make statements on behalf of the clinic unless expressly authorized. Confidential or non-public clinic information may not be shared on personal social media accounts.
Workplace Safety:
Safety is the responsibility of every team member. Relief nurses must follow all safety rules, use required protective equipment, and report unsafe conditions or incidents immediately.
Food & Drink:
Food must be consumed only in designated break areas. Drinks must be in covered containers and kept away from treatment, surgery, laboratory, and kennel areas.
Discipline & At-Will Employment:
Violations of clinic policies, misconduct, or unsafe behavior may result in disciplinary action, including immediate termination. All relief positions are at-will and may be ended by either party at any time, with or without notice.
Payroll & Tax Information for Relief Nurses:
Relief nurses are paid via direct deposit through Huntington Bank. Deposits are typically made within two business days. To receive payment, relief nurses must provide checking account routing and account numbers, the name on the account, and complete W-9.
Acknowledgment:
Relief nurses are expected to read, understand, and comply with the policies outlined above for all shifts worked at CHEW Animal Clinic. A copy of Relief Nurse Expectations & Acknowledgment is available upon request.