Day in the life of a Veterinary Nurse

Name: Jennie Keen
Location: Gillingham PDSA PetAid hospital

Career to date:
I worked as a Trainee Veterinary Nurse in two private practices during my two year college course. I qualified as a Veterinary Nurse in 2001 and started working for Gillingham PDSA PetAid hospital in 2003. In February 2009 I gained promotion and became Head Nurse.

How and why did you get into nursing?
I wanted to work with animals after volunteering, which I found very enjoyable and interesting.

Describe a typical day as a Veterinary Nurse at PDSA
There is no typical day, that’s part of the attraction! At Gillingham PetAid hospital we work on a weekly rota basis, taking it in turns to care for the animals in kennels, prepare prescriptions, perform minor operations, take x-rays, observe anaesthetics, perform tests in the lab and see clients. So every day there is a different job to be done. My Head Nurse responsibilities involve some clerical duties, the management and organisation of the nursing team and running the hospital alongside the Senior Veterinary Surgeon and the Practice Manager.

What are the best and worst aspects of the job?
The best thing about the job is when you touch someone’s life, whether it’s helping them with their grief after losing a pet or helping their animal lose weight. It’s wonderful to play a part in making an animal happier and healthier.

The worst thing about the job is that animals can’t live forever.

What advice would you give someone thinking of doing the same job?
Make sure you get your qualifications so you can get started straight away.

Veterinary Nurse positions are very popular so you need to stand out from other applicants. Volunteer and get as much work experience as you can. Life experience is also essential.

Look for vacancies in the Veterinary Record, Veterinary Times and BVNA website.
 

27/01/2010