Veterinary Nurse

Also known as:

Nurse, Veterinary

Introduction

Veterinary nurses assist veterinary surgeons in the diagnosis and treatment of animal diseases and injuries. They care for animals left at the surgery for continuing treatment. The work also involves carrying out clerical and receptionist duties.

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Work Activities

Veterinary nurses assist veterinary surgeons by undertaking duties such as taking X-rays and dressing wounds. Before an operation, the nurse cleans the operating theatre, sterilises instruments and prepares the animal by shaving the area to be treated. During an operation, the nurse hands instruments to the vet, checks the animal's reaction to the anaesthetic and monitors its progress. Post-operative care is also the nurse's responsibility.

Other duties of a nurse include:
• helping the vet to 'put down' any animal considered to be too sick to recover
• testing blood and urine samples used to help in diagnosis
• feeding, watering and exercising animals kept at the surgery for extra care
• checking stock and ordering drugs
• working the irregular hours required for evening and weekend surgeries.

Few veterinary practices employ full-time receptionists, so the nurse may also make appointments, answer the telephone, and update and file records of treatment and progress. This aspect of the work brings the nurse into contact with anxious pet owners who may need reassurance.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a veterinary nurse you must have a real concern for the welfare of animals. But you must also have the ability to be objective and professional, where appropriate - sometimes you will assist the vet to put down an animal to prevent suffering.

In addition, you must not be squeamish as you will sometimes have to work in the presence of blood, excrement and vomit.

You also need good communication skills and the ability to be sympathetic, understanding, patient and caring when dealing with animals and their owners.

You should be calm and confident when handling animals and you must not be allergic to them.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given here are approximate.

Qualified veterinary nurses can earn in the range of around £15,000 - £17,500 a year. Higher earners, such as head nurses, can make around £18,000 - £25,000 a year or more, depending on their level of responsibility.

Locum rates are around £12 - £14 an hour. Accommodation is provided with some jobs.

Veterinary nurses work around 40-hours a week, which may include weekend work and on-call duties. Part-time and temporary posts are available.

Apart from veterinary practices, there are also opportunities with animal welfare organisations such as the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA).

Other employers include veterinary schools, research establishments, zoos and animal laboratories, pharmaceutical and pet nutrition companies and colleges (veterinary nurses education).

Permanent and locum work is also found via Internet veterinary employment agencies.

There are some opportunities to work in overseas countries.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the usual minimum academic entry requirements for training, you might be able to start work as an animal nursing assistant.

To train towards the Level 2 Certificate for Animal Nursing Assistants (ANA), you must be working either full- or part-time in a veterinary practice. Practical training towards the ANA qualification will usually be supported by a college-based course or studying via distance learning.

Training takes one year to complete. Holders of the ANA qualification can then enter nurse training.

Some entrants have developed skills and knowledge through experience with animals, eg, with the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), on a farm, or in a stable or cattery.

If you don't have the qualifications you need to enter a degree or HND course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course. You don't usually need any formal qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check individual course details.

• 18% of people in occupations such as veterinary nursing work part-time.

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