Just starting out

Re: Just starting out

Katie B — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:58:35 GMT

I am in the same position. I have done voluntary work for RSPCA shelter and a local vets, looks great on the CV. Just keep writing letters every month. I send about 50 letters a month and it is expensive but when I get my placement it will be worth it for definate!

Re: Just starting out

Anonymous — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:19:39 GMT

the Nottingham one doesnt seem to need anyone at the moment.

Does volunteer work in a non vet situation for example a rescue still look good do you think? its got to look better than sitting about surely? :)

im really excited about my work experience next week, a spay and a castration! im actually getting spayed myself next month and I asked if I could stay awake and watch but they said no :(

Re: Just starting out

Nicola Russell — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:33:48 GMT

Try the PDSA for volunteering, I volunteer one day a week as kennel assistant/cleaner to get more experience.

Re: Just starting out

Anonymous — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:22:49 GMT

Sorry I couldnt see if I could edit my post, Laura I guess you are my co-ordinator as there isnt one for Nottingham, I am looking for placements Nottingham, Grantham, Derby. Id even stretch to Loughborough or Leicester I guess!

What kinds of courses should I be looking out for? Thats an avenue I havnt explored yet!

Thanks again!

Re: Just starting out

Anonymous — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:15:39 GMT

wow very fast reply! you know, I always knew this is what I want to do, but everyone I have ever had any contact with during my research has been so friendly and professioanl it just really cements it in my head that this is what i want to do!

I have work experience watching a spay and a castration, and a guided tour of the local vets, with lots of information abut their practice, she said there might be more to follow but I guess they want to meet me first! This came about just by calling to ask if they train VN's!

I am in Nottingham. I will get onto those links now, many thanks!

PS my spelling is better than my typing!

Re: Just starting out

Jessica Scaife — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:15:15 GMT

It's the same for a lot of people, it really is a case of just keep sending out CVs to keep your name fresh in their minds. I'm pretty much in the same boat as you. I have a new batch of CVs that I'm going to send out today actually. Also a volunteering place is pretty difficult to get, there are issues with insurance if your not a college student, doesn't mean that you shouldn't keep trying though. I keep saying that even doing cleaning and observing would be brilliant, I would be so happy to be mopping the floor if it meant I was one step closer to becoming a veterinary nurse.

Re: Just starting out

Laura Akers RVN — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:05:22 GMT

Hi Helen, welcome!

What area are you? May I recommend contacting your Regional Coordinator for the BVNA (British Veterinary Nursing Association) as we are able to give advice on these things. You can find your RCO on here, under the BVNA section, or on the website, www.bvna.org.uk, under regional CPD meetings

You are doing everything I would recommend, definately voluntary work is a plus, and any relavant courses. You are welcome to become a member of the BVNA then you can get the Veterinary Nursing Journal which has a few job vacancies in the back, and also a 'Situations Wanted' section where you can advertise yourself, so to speak!

Good luck!