Getting frustrated with trying to find a placement

Re: Getting frustrated with trying to find a placement

Gillian Davidson — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 17:48:11 GMT

You could phone the practices and ask to do work experience on Saturdays or a full week here and there.

Even if the part-time position isn't a full-time SVN job, it would be better doing that than waiting for the perfect job. If you do that job for a year then you will be in a much better position to apply for SVN jobs.

I worked for a year in a non-TP as an aux nurse. A year later got a SVN job and I've just qualified. The year in the first practice gave me loads of experience in reception, handling and restraint, cleaning, lab work and injections ( shh...) So when I sent out CV's in a year I could put all that on it and say all that in my interview.

The vet world is very small, so it's also about who you know... so if this job doesn't work out for you(fingers crossed it does) try and get known by getting work experience in a lot of practices in your area.

Good luck!

PS. if you don't get this job, phone them up and ask to do a week or 2 of work experience. Will show you are keen and they may feel bad about not giving you the job so won't refuse work experience. This is what our current SVN did with our practice and now she is in full-time employment with us!

Re: Getting frustrated with trying to find a placement

Katie B — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:23:01 GMT

You don't need a slap hun, your doing everything you can. I am in the exact position but I am looking for a voluntary position and still finding it hard. I have to send 70 letters every month which costs. But if we want to do it, you have to put yourself out there. The most frustrating thing for me is Essex never has any ana positions it's always hertfordhire, kent or surrey. So I can't find a job, been looking for two years. Frustraiting when you hear that people get a job after looking for a few weeks.

If you can afford to do a voluntary day one day a week at a vets then do that. I did that last year and got my placement through doing that but unfortunately I am now working 50 hours a week so I don't have time to do it. Voluntary experience looks fantastic on your CV, so try to do that. Maybe even try your local RSPCA shelter, they always need help. Hope this helps, above all just keep plodding on and every month write your letters as then you are seen as serious to the practice managers. Good luck! I am sure we will both get there, good thing happens to those that wait!

Re: Getting frustrated with trying to find a placement

Maisy — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:11:24 GMT

Its the same old situation I'm afraid - there are more people wanting an SVN position than there are jobs. Keep persevering, get as much experience as you can with voluntary work or any related jobs and send CVs regularly.