Gloria Said:

I have just completed 3 weeks of work experience doing veterinary nursing and feel disillusioned?

We Answered:

I think its like most work experience. You tend to get the thin end of the wedge especially in a caring type job like that. If you give it more time then the staff there will see you can "take the crap" and will draw you in closer to the caring healing side. I can imagine they've had loads of people coming in and not lasting more than a few weeks, kind of like natural selection, the ones without the stubbon-ness drop out. If you can do the unpleasant cleaning jobs you are more likely to be able to cope with possibly distressing scenes with the animals. Know it sounds like a bit of a leap but being able to knuckle down and get it done is a major plus . Also experience is everything. Vet nursing may not be for you in the long run but maybe another branch of animal care is. Zoo's , Equestrian, RSPCA think about it the list is endless. A good reference to approach your next step does wonders. Stay in touch with your work experience placement and don't be shy in asking careers advice. A little bit of voluntary work here and there tends to loosen peoples tongues and helps you get contacts that could be useful. Hey good luck....

Ruben Said:

Questions A Veterinary Nursing Manager Would Ask During An Interview?

We Answered:

http://simplywalkin.com/blog/category/in…

Vernon Said:

What are the required 'skills' in veterinary nursing?

We Answered:

Requirements & Procedures

General:

* Age 18 years or older
* Proof of high school graduation or equivalent
* Physically and mentally capable of safely performing the role of a Registered Veterinary Technician

Additional Requirements:
Additional requirements include drug testing and obtaining the prescribed uniform. More information on these items will be provided on the first day of class. The Vet Tech student must be able to work in an area with various odors, inhalation anesthesia, zoonotic diseases, cleaning chemicals and low-level radiation. The individual must be able to work in an environment with sick animals, distraught clients, and potentially dangerous biological agents. Must possess the physical stamina to lift heavy animals and remain standing for extended periods of time.

Basic Skills:
The prospective student should have good basic interpersonal, oral/written communication and problem solving skills to interact with a diverse group of people. Should possess the skill to recognize and handle difficult/unpleasant situations and or individuals and the temperament to work in a hospital setting, under supervision. Because veterinary technicians often deal with pet owners, communication skills are very important. Additionally, technicians should be able to work well with others, as teamwork with veterinarians and other hospital staff is an integral part of providing quality patient care. Organizational ability and the ability to pay attention to detail are also extremely important.

Persons interested in careers as veterinary technologists and technicians should take as many high school science, biology, and math courses as possible. Science courses taken beyond high school, in an associate or bachelor’s degree program, should emphasize practical skills in a clinical or laboratory setting.

Oscar Said:

Veterinary Nursing for the squeamish?

We Answered:

Well, on my first day at a center for injured wildlife, I remember one of my first jobs was cutting a dead mouse in half. Strangely, it didn't make me sick. I'll tell the only thing the grossed me out was when I picked up a half eaten mouse with a super long piece of intestine hanging out. I also work a vet's office.

Anyways, you basically get used to it. You sort of just have to or else the job will be difficult. I mean you can be fainting or getting queasy while the surgery is going on. It may help you by watching a minor surgery first before you watch a full on cutting open of the stomach for example. What I mean is, watch a minor surgery or two before you help out with the major ones.

By the way, the nurses actually do a lot of surgeries as well and they put down animals too. Could you handle sticking your whole hand in a dog's butt (with a glove on) for a fecal sample? Or drawing up blood through a syringe? Or injecting the fluid used for euthanasia? Nurses can put the animal's down too. Actually they can do a lot of the medical work.