Exotic nursing

RE: Exotic nursing

suzie41 — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 19:57:24 GMT

Thanks for all the info.

I volunteer at a zoo at the moment. Even though it's mainly at the vistor side. (Giving directions mainly) bit do get some questions about conservation side.

I do like that side of nursing.

RE: Exotic nursing

Celine — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 15:40:38 GMT

Hello, Zoo Nurse here

I always hate answering this question as I didn't do any formal exotics training, rather fell into this job as a locum and then made permanent. I would say however the large amount of field conservation work I had done, as well as working in a rescue centre for sea turtles for years, gave me the edge in the eyes of the organisation I work for. I don't think you'd have to go as far as a zoology degree unless you really wanted to pursue a more academic / in-situ research type role.

My nurse colleague here at the zoo has done the exotics course and really enjoyed it, although it is primarily aimed at exotics seen in practice I'm sure lots of the info is transferable. Bear in mind that zoo jobs don't come up very often so I think it would be really beneficial to you to do the course and go into exotics practice and get your hand into a lot of procedures etc - you might do tortoise anaesthetics quite frequently in practice for example, but I might only have to do one of ours maybe once or twice a year, for example? By which time I've forgotten how I did it last time (I wish I had spent time in exotics practice sometimes)

I think the longer you've been a nurse really helps too - it doesn't matter if it's a collapsed monkey or an RTA dog, if you are a bit unflappable and have seen it all and are able to whack the O2 on and get an IV in every time then I'd rather hire you than a new-grad who went straight on and did an exotics course and now wants a job (sorry, just being honest and my zoo colleagues may disagree).

Also I'd like someone who can walk the walk as well as talking the talk - Zoos are about conservation, I would like to see someone who has spent a good amount of time (not two weeks!) volunteering at a reputable conservation project (hint: anywhere you are handrearing carnivore cubs to be "released to the wild" is bogus). It's good to be able to say you have worked in dire conditions, dirt everywhere, mosquitos buzzing you as you operate, instruments sterilised in Milton, etc etc. No-one makes equipment for our animals so you have to be a master of invention, I have a lovely oxygen mask made from a 5L disinfectant bottle for example.

Large animal experience is good as well, managing an anaesthetic or doing surgery in a dimly lit stable is not always fun, but taking an elephant into theatre is not an option so you best get used to it.

Several of the zoo vet departments do offer work placements, you can email me for more info celine.campana@paigntonzoo.org.uk

Also considering joining the Association of Zoo and Exotic Veterinary Nurses AZEVN (can find us on Facebook, website pending) for CPD opportunities, we hold a two day workshop + AGM each spring and they are a great source of info and networking.

Good luck!

RE: Exotic nursing

jojofruits — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 11:22:27 GMT

I did the course a few years ago and found the course very involved but very useful. I was working in exotics referral.

I worked with exotics for about 15 years of my career but decided on a move because the welfare of these animals is all a bit heartbreaking, I couldn't cope with one more squidgy shelled tortoise or parrot going nuts in its cage, so for my own sanity I went back to domestic animals...

I think its probably a good place to start with zoo work, but the best thing to do there would be to try to get employed at a zoo vets. London zoo has a vet on site and pretty impressive facilities.

I found that I had to do a fair bit of travelling to work with exotics and my career has been all over the UK and world! so be prepared to move about a bit :)

exotics veterinary forums are also a good place to start.

RE: Exotic nursing

Rachel Woodcock — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 19:04:05 GMT

i did the course when I worked in an exotic referral centre and it was great. Really interesting and good tutors. I now work in a small aniaml practice but my knowledge has helped to improve the care that small flurries get so definitely a well worth course to do!

email Simon or mary who run the course and they can give you some further info

hope this helps! Not sure re zoos though so maybe email some for advice? Isn't one of the rcvs council members a guy who works at a zoo,is it Bristol maybe?

rachel