Diary of a Vet Nurse: Q&A

Hi again, so this month I thought I’d do a Q&A about myself and my training at Pride to give you a bit more of an insight about me.

What Made You Want To Go In To Veterinary Nursing?

For as long as I can remember I knew that I needed to have a job working with animals. I originally wanted to be a vet but then discovered that I would be more suited to the care giving and nurturing role rather than the investigator and decision maker. I also wanted to study a practical animal management course, rather than complete A-levels which are necessary to get into vet school. Whilst completing my college course I volunteered at a first opinion vets which confirmed my thoughts, that becoming a vet nurse would definitely be the right career path for me to follow.

What’s Your Aim In The Next 5 Years?

My main aim is to become a qualified/registered vet nurse. Once this is achieved I would like to continue improving my skills and focus on becoming the best nurse possible. At some point in the future, once qualified I would love to specialise in either exotics or animal behaviour, within the veterinary field. However, I’m not pressuring myself to complete that within the 5 years though they’re both areas I am very passionate about. As for now, I’m taking each day as it comes, and anything could happen.

How Do You Balance Your Work, Studying, Social Life & Hobbies?

This is a hard one as everyone is different. However, for me I train in dog agility once a week and sometimes compete, as well as meeting friends, so it can get rather busy. The main thing I’ve learnt so far is prioritising. My goal to become a vet nurse comes above everything else so ultimately that’s what comes first. When I qualify, I will be able to take part in agility for the rest of my life, so these 3 years of commitment and dedication are completely worth it. Though, that doesn’t mean I put my social life on hold, it’s finding your happy medium between hobbies and studying. I use a calendar, planner and to do lists to ensure I fit in all the topics and revision sessions I need. I meet with my clinical coach to discuss how I’m getting on and take breaks if I get carried away. So I think overall it all depends on organisation and planning.

What’s Your Favourite Thing About Your Job?

I love the fact that as a nurse, you are constantly learning and advancing your skills. You can never predict what case is going to come through the door or what trials you are going to face. I love getting involved in the patients’ lives, helping them to improve and get better, whether it’s just by giving them a cuddle and temping them to eat or some essential medication or medical intervention. It’s knowing that you have a meaningful impact to improve the quality of animal’s lives.

How Do You Stop Yourself Getting Attached To The Patients?

It’s the question that everyone asks, how do you not get attached? The fact is, that you do get attached and if you’re a genuine animal lover then there’s nothing you can do stop that connection or bond with a certain patient. However in a vets, sometimes reality can be harsh and painful but as long as you know that you did everything possible to make that animals life as enjoyable and comfortable as possible, than that’s rewarding and makes the heartache worthwhile.