Whats the best route?

Re: Whats the best route?

Charlotte says smile — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:07:50 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]

Hmmm....be careful taking this route. When I employ a receptionist I am very cautious about people who want to be a nurse. The jobs require very different skills and once you've trained up a good receptionist (hard to find) an employer will be reluctant to lose them - even to nursing!

[/quote]

3 now qualifieds at my practice came into practice as receptionists

Re: Whats the best route?

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:02:47 GMT

[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]

[/quote]

Thats how I got my nursing position, I was a receptionist for 2 years, and got the SVN position when I applied at my place of work.

At the end of the day, if you are a good employee, who is a good timekeeeper and gets on with all the staff, then I think it is a good way to get your foot in the door and would recommend it to anyone.

Re: Whats the best route?

A Little TLC — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:57:06 GMT

i'm just going to throw you a high five and say well done for following your dream.. its never too late...

Re: Whats the best route?

Gillian Mostyn — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:55:04 GMT

Re: Whats the best route?

JoeyRoo — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:45:48 GMT

im doing the VCA qualification at the minute, i work as a veterinary receptionist - its a good foot in the door if you want to do nursing as your employer will know youre keen and will also know what you are capable of when you fly through your exams with distinction!

Re: Whats the best route?

Jazmyn — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:45:26 GMT

Thank you Jenna. No Malmsebury would be too far sadly. Which is a bit of a bummer as I used to live near there.

Re: Whats the best route?

jenna Covill — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:59:56 GMT

Hi Jaz,

I wouldnt worry about the age as far as ive seen its never been a problem. Its never to late to start nursing.

Just keep sending out the CV and eventually something will come up. Is wiltshire anywhere near you as ive heard of a possible ANA around malmesbury area.

Good luck

jenna

Re: Whats the best route?

Debbie Allgood — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:28:20 GMT

Hi Jazmyn,

Also have a look at The College of Animal Welfare's VCA (Veterinary Care assistant) programme, same level of qualififcation as the ANA but 100% distance learning and you can do this on a voluntary basis as apposed to actually having to be employed. Take a look at http://www.caw.ac.uk/vn/vnncvca.htm for information.

Also in my experience a lot of practices prefer to take on more mature candidates so do not let that worry you!

Re: Whats the best route?

Jazmyn — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:14:11 GMT

Thanks Caro. Money isnt an issue really. I spent years working in a high pressure, high paid job in Export for a big company, and was classed as one of the elite. Great company and we were well looked after but I was never happy.

Would rather be happy in my job and a bit broke then have a lot of money and be miserable.

Re: Whats the best route?

Caro Laithwaite VN — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:34:58 GMT

Us oldies are more emotionaly stable than the young ones it is just we are getting cranky so go for it. But do be aware the wages will probably not be what you are expecting

Re: Whats the best route?

Jazmyn — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:15:48 GMT

Thank you Helen, I appreciate.that. :)

Re: Whats the best route?

Helen Freer — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:48:07 GMT

Jazmyn donot worry about your age. I am 42 and changing career (hopefully to train to become a veterinary nurse). Think about all the skills and experience you have, from other jobs and life, as a positive and go for it.

Helen

Re: Whats the best route?

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:49:37 GMT

Awesome Good luck Jaz!!! I know it can seem a bit hopeless sometimes. I am so greatful and thankfull for my acceptance recently! I was getting really down about it.

Re: Whats the best route?

Jazmyn — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:47:20 GMT

Thanks for that Steph. No it wasnt yours it was one in Yatton, as its only 9 miles from me.

I will keep in mind what you have posted and look into doing something to get me there. I have done the voluntary thing for RSPCA etc. There is a vets around the corner from us, which I may speak to and ask if there is an work experience opportunity there.

Thanks again.

Re: Whats the best route?

Anonymous — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 23:39:27 GMT

If it's the Morley Surgery in Taunton I've just filled this position I'm afraid. Not sure about the Watkins and Tasker position.

But keep your eyes peeled! They come up every so often. Johanna Page is up your way she might be able to help you find a position.

Your other option would be to take a Higher Learning course to cover your missing academic qualifications so you can do your VN degree at Bristol Uni. Otherwise keep your eyes open and send out your CV and cover letter to all the local Training practices in your area. If you can get a work experience position as a volunteer at a practice part time with your other job this will help with your experience and may or maynot help you get your foot in the door with a practice for a future position or help you decide if its what you want to do still. Good luck!! Don't lose hope! I'm almost 30 this year and I didn't think I would find something being older either. There are lots of older students on here too, you're not alone. :)