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A popular, yet sometimes
oversubscribed occupational choice, veterinary
nursing requires particular qualities and qualifications
which are not always known to all. CareerWorld
asked the British Veterinary Nursing Association
to describe the routes to becoming a Veterinary
Nurse.
Day to Day Work
This usually includes instruction in procedures
such as theatre work (including anaesthesia),
cleaning, instrument sterilisation, assistance
in consultation rooms, ordering drugs, radiography,
laboratory diagnostic tests, ward work (including
general care and treatment of in-patients) and
telephone/reception duties. Most of the experience
gained will be with small animals (mainly cats
and dogs), although some practices undertake farm
animals and equine work as well.
Finding a Vacancy
Vacancies for students are often limited in number
yet greatly in demand. It is often a good idea
to contact your local Veterinary Surgeon(s) and
ask if there is any weekend, evening or voluntary
work available. This will allow you to see what
the job entails and get some work experience which
my help in securing a full time job later.
The BNA runs an Employment Register which is
FREE to Members and there is a fee for Non-members
for an 4 (four) week period. However, if you have
not obtained employment within this period, a
further 4 weeks will be provided Free of Charge,
upon receipt of your instructions. The register
is aimed at those who are seriously seeking a
position in practice as a student veterinary nurse,
qualified Veterinary Nurse or locum nurses. Details
of those on the Register are sent to employers
who then contact the prospective employee direct.
Positions are also advertised in our publication
the "Veterinary Nursing Journal". Please
contact the BNVA Office, whose address appears
later, for details of the Employment Register
and advertisements in the "Veterinary Nursing
Journal".
It is possible to advertise yourself in the "Veterinary
Record". Details are available from T.G.
Scott & Son Ltd., 1 Lancaster Place, Strand,
London, WC2E 7HR. Telephone: (0207) 240 2032.
Alternatively, you may write (enclosing a.s.a.e.)
to the Approved Training Centres (A.T.C.s) in
the are you are interested in, asking for details
of any existing or future vacancies. It is a good
idea to write to them at regular intervals so
that they know you are still interested in finding
a position. It may be necessary to move in order
to find a suitable position but some A.T.C.'s
provide accommodation. This is usually on the
premises, sometimes shared. You should also enquire
about the training provided, (i.e. whether the
practice sends students on college courses). A
list of the Approved Training Centres is available
from the BVNA at £2.00 a copy. Please enclose
a LARGE STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE to the BVNA
with your remittance.
Current Salaries and Conditions
There is no set salary scale for V.N.s or students
since there is no standardisation of pay or conditions
in veterinary practice. However, the BVNA carried
out its own survey in 1992. A copy of this survey
is available from the BVNA price "2.00 Non-members
and FREE to BVNA Members.
Qualified Veterinary Nurses received between £5,000
and £9,000 per annum (depending on area).
Student Veterinary Nurses received between £3,000
and £7,000 per annum (depending on area).
Holiday entitlement was usually 3 weeks minimum
plus statutory public holidays.
In all cases employers should merit an employee's
age, scholastic achievements, length of service,
all previous work experience and examination attainment
when deciding upon a salary scale. Wages vary
enormously from one practice to another depending
on the size, type and geographical location.
When the above mentioned factors have been taken
into account, it is for the employer and employee
to come to a mutual agreement. Once such an agreement
has been reached, a Contract of Employment has
been made. The legal requirements relating to
these should be noted by prospective employees
and it is advised that you refer to your nearest
Citizens Advice Bureau or ACAS office for details
if you are in doubt.
Training Courses and Examinations
Practical tuition and experience are gained in
practice but theoretical knowledge can be obtained
in a number of ways. Some students study from
text books, perhaps with additional help from
their employers and colleagues. Most, however,
find it necessary to attend a part-time, full-time,
day release or evening college course. Details
of all courses are available from the BVNA.
Two examinations must be passed before qualification
as a Veterinary Nurse is granted. These are the
Part I examination, which may be taken after 4
months (prior to the closing date of the examination)
as an enrolled student and the Part II examination
which is taken at the end of the 2 year training
period.The subject matter of both exams deals
mainly with the dog and cat, though some knowledge
of the general management of other small animals
e.g. cage birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and
tortoises will be expected. Once both exams have
been passed and the two years completed, the R.C.V.S.
issue a Certificate of Veterinary Nursing, and
the holder may use the letters "V.N"
after his/her name.
The British Veterinary
Nursing Association
The British Veterinary Nursing Association was
founded in 1965. Membership application is open
to all students, V.N.s and interested persons.
Its aims are to promote a high standard of veterinary
nursing and to improve the status and conditions
for veterinary nurses. It is the only organisation
which represents the veterinary nursing profession.
Members receive a bi-monthly journal containing
scientific papers, articles, reports, letters
and details of forthcoming events. Branch meetings
and refresher courses are arranged throughout
the country as well as a popular Annual Congress,
*all at reduced rates for members. Further details
are available from the BVNA Office. Please enclose
a stamped addressed envelope with ALL enquiries
to:
BVNA Office, Unit 12D The
Seedbed Centre, Coldharbour Road, Harlow, Essex
CM19 5AF
Opportunities for Veterinary
Nurses
Once qualified many Veterinary Nurses continue
to work in Veterinary Practice but may take on
greater responsibilities. These include practice
management, supervision of hospital wards and
teaching other nursing or support staff. A Veterinary
Nurse is not restricted to working in an A.T.C.
once qualified and so may move to any veterinary
practice.
Positions outside veterinary practice include
work in research establishments, laboratories,
universities, colleges, zoos, pharmaceutical companies,
breeding and boarding kennels etc. Some Veterinary
Nurses have used their qualifications to secure
jobs abroad.
At present the majority of Veterinary Nurses
are female although the number of men gaining
the V.N. qualification is steadily increasing.
Veterinary Nursing is often physically and emotionally
very demanding. However, the skills acquired and
the satisfaction of caring for animals and their
owners can be extremely rewarding.
Qualified Veterinary Nurses working in A.T.C.s
may now go on to study for the Diploma in Advanced
Veterinary Nursing (Surgical). This, like the
initial veterinary nursing training is a two year
course although one examination is taken at the
end of the two year period.
Further details regarding the Diploma is available
to qualified Veterinary Nurses from the BVNA Office
upon receipt of a LARGE stamped addressed envelope.
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