Student Nurse - info

Re: Student Nurse - info

midas1 — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:49:37 GMT

Thanks for your replies, they are all really helpful!!

Was also wondering as I have been applying to practices out of my area as am prepared to move. If I did get an interview at a practice out of my area, do I have to have applied to a college in that area already? how does it work with tying up your study at college with the job as a student nurse? Do the TP sort it out or you have to get enrolled etc?

Re: Student Nurse - info

Sally Seddon — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:39:52 GMT

I go to ProCo and they do an intake in Sept and March (i think its March).

My advice would be to get your foot in the door any way you can. I started on reception and, although i hated it, it was totally worth it because after 18 months i got my auxilliary position, after a few years did my ANA and have now just finished my first year vn training. Be persistant and if its what you are determined to do you will get there

Re: Student Nurse - info

Anonymous — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:03:35 GMT

Hi, I have also been an animal care assistant for just over a year, but very luckily my work place has now offered to train me as a SVN starting next month.

If you cant find a TP, there is other ways to become a Veterinary Nurse, the Degree method as outlined above, or the College of Animal Welfare now also do a course where they place you somewhere and you train on the job still. Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing;

http://www.caw.ac.uk/courses/vn/vndl3ft.aspx

This would mean that your work placement doesnt have to pay you however (more appealing to quite a few practices - if you can afford to do that method).

In terms of getting a SVN position, your W/E puts you above quite a few people, so just keep going into practices showing your face and giving your CV, emailing them a month or so later if no response so they know you are serious about it. You could also do the ANA course (a year course) that would then make more employers see how dedicated you are to being a Veterinary Nurse.

Oh and in terms of enrolement, I know they happen in September and February not sure if any other time of the year :S

Fingers crossed you find somewhere and fulfil your dream xxx

Re: Student Nurse - info

sarah Hall — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:01 GMT

Check out http://www.caw.ac.uk/ as they have nursing cources all over the country. For the diploma you will need to be enrolled in a TP so find out if your practice is one. They intake Students in Sept so give them a call to find out if they are still accepting them for 2011.

Good luck

Re: Student Nurse - info

Alison Clare Hickman — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:32:07 GMT

Hello,

Firstly, my best wishes for your future career! (I am assuming you have the right qualifications to enroll as a Nurse? - see awardingbody.rcvs.org.uk/students/a-career-as-a-veterinary-nurse/)

2) You don't mention if there is the opportunity for development as a Student Veterinary Nurse (SVN) at your current place of employment? If so, what are the barriers you could overcome there to foster your progression?

3) If you cannot progress at your current practice - have you researched into whether there are any Training Practices (TP) in your area? If you find one, could you offer your services on a volunteer basis to 'get your foot in the door' so to speak? Jobs can often get offered to someone the practice staff know the measure of and feel 'fit' their team. Mould yourself to fit (so long as this is what you want!).

4) Look up 'How to be great at interviews' on the internet - there's plenty of free advice from how to 'ace' your CV, to what to wear, how to present yourself positively etc etc.

5) Be prepared to travel- can you? Would you take a position elsewhere in the country? Being flexible expands your job search horizons.

6) What route of study are you looking to take up? Degree? Diploma? Deciding this will enable you to decide where to apply to work (e.g. no good applying to a TP that only takes Degree students if you want to study the Diploma). Also, as far as I understand it (and I might be wholly wrong), if you are studying for a degree the university/college has a responsibility to FIND you a placement...so that could help you.

7) Intake dates - depends what you are studying. September and January for some courses, just September for others...so you need to decide WHAT you are going to study and THEN apply that to the in-take of the relevant college/university/training practice.

8) Make yourself unique and have something to offer the practice (it's not just about what THEY can give YOU!). Have something special to offer a prospective employer/placement practice. Find out what type of client the practice services and use that to show them how you can contribute to their success, e.g. they are a small animal clinic, so read up all you can about, say, rabbits and be VERY informed about their care, handling, nutrition, problems and lifestyle needs.

9) Outside interests - make them relevant to your chosen career. Showing the practice your commitment to animal nursing/care elevates you above the normal and indicates that you are really 'into' the career choice and it is not just a whim.

10) Be yourself and don't be false (it will show). Just be the best and most polished real you possible! Be friendly and approachable. Smart of appearance. Eager. Enthusiastic. Willing. Show that you are not afraid of hard work (academic AND practical). Evidence of academic successes are great, especially if relevant to the job you are seeking to pursue. Evidence of practical achievement is fabulous (your current position as an ANA will help with proving that).

Hope some of this advice helps. Even if it is just the wishes for good luck!

If it is worth having, it is worth striving for - so go get it kidda!

Toadster.

Re: Student Nurse - info

les punton — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:21:07 GMT

hi im not sure about the intake times (im only aware of Sept but could be wrong).

but when I was looking to train I posted out a letter and cv to all practices with in a 60 mile radius, I figure that even if they are not advertising they may keep your details on file or some practices it may plant the seed in their head. Obviously it depends on where you are based and transport etc but it might be worth a go.

Also look into your local colleges to see if they do college based training full time with block release to practice.

Hope this helps!