Getting into a Vet Practice is so hard, suggestions?

Re: Getting into a Vet Practice is so hard, suggestions?

Lisa Yates — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 22:53:57 GMT

I started the VCA in Sept, after applying to every vet within an hour away for around 6 years! I know how disheartening it can be, all you can do is carry on trying. I am working 5 days at my kennel hand job and 2 days at vets, which is very hard, luckily the kennels are quiet at minute, so get some early finishes!

I have been thinking about sending letters to training practices ready for when i enrol on the NVQ's, even though it will not be untill Sept, as i know it will probably take a lot of letters and no responses / no vacancies etc....Not about to give up now after so long. Hopefully they will remember me from the countless letters i sent and also see that i have added NVQ in Animal Care and NCVCA to my CV and realise i am serious about it!

Re: Getting into a Vet Practice is so hard, suggestions?

Katie B — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 23:39:22 GMT

[quote user="Pippa Louise"]

Hi Katie!

It's taken me 5 years to get into practice but it definately is worth it. I started as a volunteer at one practice for 3 months and then went to an RSPCA practice where I met a vet who worked at my local surgery and did locum work at the RSPCA and he was able to see me in practice and put me forward for interview.

I think its definately worth you sending your cv and a letter in every now and then as it shows keen interest. I am also doing my ANA. Its a shame voluntary work is not an option for you as it does help and can lead to you getting a paid position sometimes as the vets do like to see people in practice before they employ them (I've found).

If there is anything I can help you with course wise let me know as I am 3/4 of the way through the ANA =)

Pippa xx

[/quote]

Cheers sweetheart and welldone for getting in. I can bet how elated you feel. I know I would be, well hopefully with this move I can start my voluntary day again at the practice, heres hoping. And thanks, I start my ANA in September so will give you a bell if I struggle, is it hard? xx

Re: Getting into a Vet Practice is so hard, suggestions?

Katie B — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 23:34:42 GMT

Ok, so in order to do my course, my boyfriend and I have decided to move into his parents, so can definately volunteer, if I don't get an ANA job. So for any of you reading this, I am going to be near chelmsford, braintree, witham, halstead, colchester. Now hopefully I have a better chance of getting a job now, things I do to do this course but I have wanted this for so long I will do everything.

Re: Getting into a Vet Practice is so hard, suggestions?

Katie B — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 23:48:31 GMT

I am based in Colchester, Essex. On the edge of Suffolk though as well. So if anyone could help that is great. Got my letter wrote just need to send off now. I may be changing jobs so may be able to volunteer once a week as your right it definately does help. Thanks guys for all your help. Will definately be doing my ANA in September but doing voluntary will make everything tight but if it has to be done then so be it! I can't keep waiting, too desperate to do it!

Re: Getting into a Vet Practice is so hard, suggestions?

Michelle Lawrence — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:48:05 GMT

What area are you in? We are advertising for a night care assitant, not a student nurse but may help get experience.

Re: Getting into a Vet Practice is so hard, suggestions?

Emma Purnell — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:43:52 GMT

There are also still some places offering a full Vet Nurse job plus training - we may be doing just that soon.

Where in the country are you so we can hopefully help you out by keeping an eye out for jobs?

Re: Getting into a Vet Practice is so hard, suggestions?

Pippa Louise — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 21:25:30 GMT

Hi Katie!

If there is anything I can help you with course wise let me know as I am 3/4 of the way through the ANA =)

Pippa xx

Re: Getting into a Vet Practice is so hard, suggestions?

Hannah Young — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 21:00:44 GMT

Hi Katie

I started my Vet nursing course in September and I am a volunteer so I dont get paid for what I do. So I have to do have part-time work at the weekend to earn me some money. In between this I also have to study for my exams-it is extrememly hard but all worth while! I enjoy what I do even though I have a waitressing job on the side but this allows me to do something that I have always wanted to do!! I started off sending letter to all local vets in my area that I could easily go to! I then got offered a work experience placement at a practice that is 1 hour away from me-did that for about 6 months every Friday and have no been offered a place as a Veterinary Nurse. You just have to make decisions on things as they dont always be how you wanted!! Just keep writting letters out every few months just to remind then and to see if there is a placement yet. This isn't bugging them it shows that you are keen!!!!

Hope this helps

Hannah x

Re: Getting into a Vet Practice is so hard, suggestions?

Katie B — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 23:04:42 GMT

Thank you. I will get there. x

Re: Getting into a Vet Practice is so hard, suggestions?

Kim Buckley — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:48:13 GMT

Hi Katie,

I did the degree so didn't have to find myself a training practice. However from reading other peoples experiences on here, it isn't easy. It sounds like you are doing everything you should be doing but sadly training positions are few and far between. Because of this, there must be a lot of applicants when they do come up so I suppose the most important thing is standing out from the crowd and getting as much as experience as you can.

If you search on this site I'm sure you will find some more helpful hints in other peoples threads. Best of luck!

Re: Getting into a Vet Practice is so hard, suggestions?

Katie B — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 21:37:05 GMT

Oh dear, not a good start lol!