Want to Become a Veterinary Nurse? ~

Are you planning to become a veterinary nurse? Working as one is hard work but it’s also very rewarding.

In this article, we’ll talk about what veterinary nursing exactly is. We’ll also discuss the routes you can take to be a successful veterinary nurse.

Let’s dive right in!

Veterinary Nursing Explained

Veterinary nursing involves providing support to animals that are treated in a veterinary practice.

If you want to become one, you’ll work closely with a veterinary surgeon and veterinary team. You will help out with surgical procedures, diagnostic procedures, and medical treatments to ensure animals get the best treatment they can.

All that sounds like a lot of work. However, many people have proven that caring for animals is such a rewarding experience, like Lucie Wilkins, who’s an RVN.

Tasks and Responsibilities

A typical day’s work for veterinary nurses includes various animal care tasks.

During procedures and surgeries, you will:

*Prepare the animals for the surgical procedure

*Provide support for the animals and the owners before and after the procedure

*Assist the veterinary surgeon during the procedure

*Administer medications

*Observe and record the animals’ vital signs

Often, patients will consult with you regarding the treatments and processes. You will educate the owners on nutrition and care for their pets, dispensing medication, and showing the owners how to administer them.

If you’re the head nurse, part of your job is to support and manage the veterinary teams and lead during emergencies.

Training and Education

To become a veterinary nurse, you must go through training by universities and colleges that are accredited by the RCVS, or Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

The RCVS regulates the profession under the Veterinary Surgeons Act of 1966, the Royal Charter, and the Veterinary Nurse Conduct and Discipline Rules 2014.

Now, what training routes can you use to finally become a veterinary nurse? You have two options:

1)Vocational training

2)Higher education

You must meet the minimum entry requirements set by vet nursing courses. Programs that RCVS accredits include a full-time period of practical nursing training.

You must enroll with the RCVS to carry out nursing procedures necessary for the training. After you qualify and complete the training hours, you will register with the RCVS as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).

Vocational or Higher Education?

So, which of the two is a faster way to become an RVN?

A vocational qualification is a lot faster. In this route, you must complete a Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, which takes only two years to complete.

Meanwhile, several universities offer higher education for you to complete a Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing (FdSc) or a BA in Veterinary Nursing. You’ll spend three to four years to complete a degree. This route is better for those who want to become an RVN and experience the university, which can open up different career paths and further study.

Ready to Become a Veterinary Nurse?

Apart from the qualifications and requirements, you also must prepare yourself mentally and physically.

Being a veterinary nurse is no easy job; it’s demanding and you need to work hard. You must also be willing to work under pressure and unpleasant circumstances.

Still, it’s stimulating and challenging. If you have a passion for caring for animals, this job is a perfect choice for you.