Equine Veterinary Nursing advice please

Re: Equine Veterinary Nursing advice please

cat123 — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 22:05:10 GMT

Hi Roanneth,

If your sure that you are keen to become an equine veterinary nurse we currently have a trainee position at our practice at the moment. Visit: http://www.westerncountiesequinehospital.co.uk/index.php?page=job-vacancies for further information.

Re: Equine Veterinary Nursing advice please

Roanneth Slater-Brown — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 13:33:54 GMT

Thanks for clearing that up Suzy. I have decided to take a year out and get an entry level nursing qualification as well as work experience, whilst keeping a beady eye on wanted ad's. Lets hope it pays off, but thanks for your input

Re: Equine Veterinary Nursing advice please

SuzyM — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 12:44:56 GMT

Hi Roanneth, sorry if I didn't explain properly. I was not limited by geography - I moved from Cheshire to Gloucestershire to get the grooms job. I was a groom for a year and then an unqualified nurse for 6 years (hence the 7 years) before I had the chance to train. Be careful of writing off the grooming option because of one person's opinion; it depends on what you want. I found the groom job very rewarding and a perfect step towards nursing, although of course all practices differ in their job descriptions and the amount of cross-over in duties. Sorry if I sound pushy (I'm really not! :-) but I know how hard it can be to get a training placement, so take every opportunity to get your foot in that door!

Re: Equine Veterinary Nursing advice please

Roanneth Slater-Brown — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 15:38:47 GMT

Many thanks Suzy, I had thought of going this route, but was somewhat put off by the HR person of one of the med sized equine practises, she said I did not want a grooms job, so I didnt perservere. You said it took 7 years beofre you got a chance to train, is this because you were limiting your options by geography and only aiming for a practise local to you, or did you have to groom for 7 years? Sorry, a bit confused by that statement. Luckily I will not be constrained by geography and we will be able to move to wherever the job is, within reason of course as I have elderly parents in Oxfordshire, so would need to stay within a couple hundred miles of them. I will press on with my studies and work expereince as it seems the logical thing to do. Thanks

Re: Equine Veterinary Nursing advice please

SuzyM — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 12:57:16 GMT

Hello Roanneth! I am an REVN, and I love my job. It may not be for everyone but like you, I started out as a groom and then a yard manager. My way into equine nursing was to secure a a job as a groom at an equine practice. I did this for a year and inevitably there was quite a bit of cross-over between the nursing team and the grooms which was great experience. After a year, one of the nurses left and I was asked if I would like to move onto the nursing team. This is partially because they already knew me and knew I would be suitable to do the job, and partially because grooms are generally easier to replace. So what I would suggest is you look for grooming positions as well as trainee nursing positions, as you are already experience in this area. Don't limit yourself to TPs - my practice wasn't a TP when I started, so things can always change. I had to wait 7 years for the chance to train -it really is about getting a foot in the door. Also be patient - it can take a long time, or you may get lucky! Don't let age be a negative factor - I was in my thirties when I started my training and my best friend on my course was in her fifties. We are both so pleased we did it and have no intention of doing anything else. Regarding practices, it really is very individual - I work at a medium sized practice and love the way the nurses work very closely with the vets and you are not 'just a number'. I think I would feel a bit lost at sea at a big practice such as in Newmarket, but then again I have never tried it and I know people who have worked at such places who thrive on the atmosphere. I have no experience of the BTEC first diploma Equine Nursing Technician qualification, but if it is available to you, then it can't do any harm and will show that you are dedicated to becoming a nurse.

I hope this is helpful. The very best of luck!