Volunteers

Re: Volunteers

ejones — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:26:15 GMT

Thanks everyone!! That is really helpful.

I'm drafting my letter today, so fingers crossed for any responses!

Who are you doing the animal care diploma with Kelly? That sounds like a good idea.

I will keep you posted on my progress...if any

Re: Volunteers

Kelly 26uk — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:27:30 GMT

Hey

I'm hoping to change career and become a vet nurse too. I've been trying now for about 6 months.. but read all the stories and researched so much and realised that it's such a difficult area to get into.

I've had one interview so far.. was told that I couldn't have done any better really, just someone had more experience than me and the number of applications they received was crazy.. two full days of interviews. I was very pleased with how it went though, but so disappointed when you realise how difficult it is just to find a job in the first place.

A couple of tips.. I'm doing an animal care diploma at the moment, distance learning in my spare time - maybe something you can think about? Also doing volunteering for a cat charity, not really hands on stuff unfortunately but I think it's valuable! Also I wrote to a local vet surgery about vacancies and they offered me a weeks work experience.. difficult to fit in, as I also work full-time - but hoping to take some holiday to fit this in also!

I've been looking almost everyday for vacancies, only seen 4 in my area in 6 months.. scary stuff, so figure I'll do as much as I can whilst I can..

Kelly

Re: Volunteers

Katie Tallett RVN MBVNA — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:11:03 GMT

Also, if you can't get in at a vets, try boarding/ rescue kennels/ walking peoples dogs/ groomers etc etc. Any experience with animals is better than none!!

Re: Volunteers

Caro Laithwaite VN — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:10:39 GMT

Have a good read of the training threads, be aware that TLC, Albatross and a couple of others will be letting you know just how hard it is to get the places. They have several threads around the place you should have a read of l am sure they will point you at them.

The wages are often bad, the job can be distressing abusive and at times fun. If you want to do it you will need the staying power of an ox and the constitusion of one but good luck.

Not trying to put you off just saying it can be a hell of a life and an emotional rollercoaster.

Re: Volunteers

Katie Tallett RVN MBVNA — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:09:22 GMT

i would phone / e-mail/ write, inform them WHY you want the work experience. Be prepared to do lots of cleaning and getting your hands dirty- a practice likes someone who is asking for jobs and seems keen rather than propping the consult room walls up!!

Also, i would go to any practice available- it won't matter to prospective employers whether the experience was at a TP or not.

Good luck!