May is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, a whole month dedicated to raising awareness of the veterinary nursing profession and the vital role they play in animal care and treatment.
Sophie is one of our dedicated night nurses here at Blacks Vets and she kindly took time out to tell us about life as a vet nurse.
How long have you been a Vet Nurse and what route did you follow to qualify?
Nearly 3 years, and Level 3 Diploma route.
What attracted you to a career as a Veterinary Nurse?
I did my work experience here when I was 15 and I just loved it, I got a job the next month as a kennel maid and haven’t left since that was nine years ago.
What does your job as a night nurse entail?
After doing days for around five years, I’m now a night nurse. Overnight we see emergencies patients, emergency surgeries, care for hospitalised patient and, set up everything for the next day.
What is the most rewarding thing about being a Vet Nurse?
Making sure you can keep an animal comfortable and happy when they are missing home. Whether it be giving them a cuddle, or cooking chicken for their meal, or a brush and a fuss; it’s just the best to see them content in a strange environment.
What kind of attributes do you need to be a good Vet Nurse?
Caring, patient, be able to work in a team, passionate – if you don’t love your job it can become very draining.
What advice would you give someone thinking about a career as a Vet Nurse?
Make sure you find a good training practice, always ask questions to other staff members, protect your knees and back (!) and get involved in as much of every area as you can.
What are the best things about working at Blacks Vets practice?
They care for us, not on an employee level but genuinely as a family. Some of the friends I have made here are just so special and they have taught me how to be a good nurse.
What would be your career highlight so far?
Simply qualifying – it was just such a relief that all my hard work had finally paid off, so happy to get my badge.
Have you completed any additional training to support you in your role?
Currently studying for an Emergency and critical care certificate (2 years).
What's the next step in your career pathway?
Possibly my advanced nursing dumpling or physiotherapy certificate.
Thank you, Sophie, for sharing your story.
To find out more about the role of RVNs in veterinary practice, or if you are interested in finding out more about a career in veterinary nursing, visit the BVNA website at www.bvna.org.uk/a-career-in-veterinary-nursing/a-career-in-veterinary-nursing.
