time to throw in the towel?

Re: time to throw in the towel?

natalie.c — Sun, 27 May 2012 18:41:02 GMT

Don't give up! Have you tried Warwickshire College? I did their Foundation Degree, I only had 4 GCSEs (which didn't include science) and a NDAM when I applied, and they only want 2 weeks work experience, which I had only just got, having worked 1 month at a local practice. It was hard to find a placement, but the tutors are all so helpful in finding a place nearby. I lived on the campus for the entire 3 years and got the maximim amount of loan and grant from the student loans company, as well as the tuition fee paid for. The college also offers a variety of bursaries each year. I only finished the course last year so it won't have changed too much, have a look at the website if you haven't already...

http://www.warwickshire.ac.uk/courses/search_results/course_details.aspx?Id=27104

Hope you manage to catch a break, I know how hard it can be, and thought many times of giving up. I spent ages trying to find a course, sent CVs to god knows how many practices all over the place and heard nothing. Something will come up though! :)

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Jacquelyn Smith — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:22:49 GMT

I only managed a Pass profile for my ND as my mum was terminal for about 90% of my time at college so i was sat in hospitals when i should have been doing the extra work to get a distinction profile. it means that grade wise i should be able to get onto the foundation degree or the NVQ, but as i cant get the work experience it probably wont happen. its ok. i am used to working my ass off for a pants outcome.

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Teri-Ann Baldwin — Thu, 03 May 2012 08:41:28 GMT

Never give up on yourself! Fundamental rule number one of being a vet nurse. I'm currently training in Hartpury College for the degree in nursing, I'm sure we only had to do something like 2 weeks experience and the funding is good, you get full funding and can also apply for government and maintenance grants, did you try calling them? I know I'm younger than you so you might not find this helpful after your set backs, but my friend is going through the same thing you are, it's getting harder and harder to find placements and even qualified jobs now that the job is becoming more and more popular. Keep trying, try finding jobs in the VNJ or VN times, they regularly have advertisements for students. What qualifications do you already hold if you don't mind me asking? Because I got in to Hartpury with a BTEC Diploma in Animal Management (DDD). If you have the equivalent to that I can't see why they would say you aren't qualified!

I hope that something comes along for you, you seem like a wonderful, hardworking person.

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Jacquelyn Smith — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:52:07 GMT

This isn't me having a bad day and starting a fresh tomorrow. This is over 7 years constant applications, sending out speculative CVs to every training practice, this is being told by universities that I will probably never meet the entry requirements to even start the foundation degree. There is clearly something fundementally wrong with me that I can't get a trainee position in practice. So that's it. I am just going to leave animal care all together as I don't want to be a kennel maid. I want to be a vet nurse and as that's not going to happen I may as well stock shelves/ flip burgers.

Re: time to throw in the towel?

JaneRVN — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:41:08 GMT

Take a break, breathe and come back to this when you are ready. Focus on getting a job that is right for you now, bot worrying about the future.

Don't let your perceptions of other people and how they might be getting jobs get you down - it doesnt help you.

Stay positive and consider yourself lucky that you have got out of what sounds like a messy situation.

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Jacquelyn Smith — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:21:10 GMT

The vets I can get to won't give me work experience and with no job can't afford to get farther afield. The Mrs is trying to encourage me but just so tired of fighting for jobs against little miss 'mummy and daddy still wipe my financial backside' I am just tired of the constant rejection. Its exhausting and demoralising. I left the hotel as I found out about previous staffs wrong doings which were jeopardising the business so I decided to leave rather than stay with the business and risk my reputation being soiled.

Re: time to throw in the towel?

JaneRVN — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:03:39 GMT

Just read your whole thread. Am so sorry to hear of your situation, it sounds like you have made positives out of negatives all your life!

I started training at 27 with a non relevant degree behind me. BUT I did 1 day a week voluntary for 3 months (worked 6 days a week elsewhere) then got taken on. This was after writing 60 letter to all TPs within 1.5 hours of me and getting 12 replies all saying no, expcet 1!

That practice wasnt up to much and so after my 3 months voluntary and then 3 months full time I re-wrote to the 12 repliers from before and secured a really good position.

What has happened at the Pet Hotel? Although it was a job it sounded very long hours, and maybe this is a chance to use your time to get a job that would give you time to get some work experience.

Good luck and take a break, but keep trying!

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Jacquelyn Smith — Wed, 02 May 2012 04:36:57 GMT

Well After speaking to every university that teaches veterinary nursing and basically being laughed at I have decided on a completely new career path. I am going to work at macdonalds until I drown myself in the fryer. I am no longer at the hotel and my local vets won't even give me work experience so I am throwing in the towel. Just wanted to thank you all for the advice.

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Jacquelyn Smith — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 07:18:45 GMT

Hi Claire Yes its me. Sent you an email. One assumes you're well if you're still loving 'scough. Will talk to you via email. X

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Claire Bloor — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:29:23 GMT

Jax...is that you??? I have read all of your posts and I can't think of anyone else it could be You're not having much luck are you chuck? I'm still at Myerscough and loving it. Drop me an email cbloor@myerscough.ac.uk and I'll try my hardest to find you a training position / give you more help and guidance re: HE routes. xxx

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Roseann21 — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:47:05 GMT

Hi Sharon

I'm sure you've already seen it, but this is a rarity:

http://www.vetnurse.co.uk/blogs/jobs/archive/2012/03/12/student-veterinary-nursing-placement-available-12460-bramley-vets4pets.aspx

I work in Leeds, so if you're interested and need to know anything, just contact me. (Not sure where you are)

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Sharon Jones — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:06:52 GMT

You are so right! I feel like I am being used but life is a two way street. At least I am still working within a practice and am looking to gain experience in other vets. I don't want to work at this practice as I know how they treat their staff but its better sitting in doors and at least I am having hands on experience.

Thank you for your comments.

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Sal the 1st — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:37:15 GMT

no I didnt say if you are really keen you dont get the job. What I did say is if you are too keen and make promises you are unable to keep it makes some employers suspicious you wont stay the course. Just to clarify.

[quote user="Sharon Jones"]

Please if any employer reads this, please realise that if you get someone who is willing to wash, mop and clear up for 3 years unpaid, I think they are a good bet!

[/quote]

Just be aware there are employers out there that will let you do this to your dying day and will still not offer a position because they know they can get the work for free. I am trying not to put a downer on things for you and wish you all the best but if after 3yrs voluntary they havnt offered you a position the chances are they arent going to. By all means learn to drive if that is what you want (it is a good thing to be able to do) but dont spend the money learning to drive on the basis that you might get offered a job by the practice if you have other things the money needs to be spent on. Some practices will keep people hanging on for years and when each goal is achieved just throw them another hoop to jump through. Just my opinion but 6mths voluntary is plenty of time for a practice to be making their mind up if somebody is going to fit in and a year would be the limit in my books - I hate to see people strung along and I hate to see people waste their time and effort when they could be trying elsewhere. I know it isnt always easy for the practice either when they have somebody who is really keen and they dont want to let them down (there are some nice practices out there) but sometimes I just wish they were more honest.

Maybe that sounds a bit hard ? but I have in the past advised voluntary workers to move on from places I have been working when I can see they are being taken for a ride and have tried my hardest to get them a foot in the door elsewhere but with most people wanting the practice to commit to 3 yrs training these days and its expense and not so many training practices around it isnt so easy anymore. There are still practices out there that will train people into what they need ok it wont give you a formal qualification but it will give the experience.

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Sharon Jones — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 09:46:53 GMT

I feel the same as you except nearly 21. I have worked at a large vet practice for 1 day a week for the past 3 years. Been to College have level 2 in Animal management and Animal Care have all the qualifications to start training as Vet nurse. The practice I work for said get your Maths & English and then apply for Care Assistant, got those. Now they say I have to drive! I am learning but I'm not earning so progress is slow as I cant afford regular lessons. I have written to vets, sending CV to well over 150 practices. I get the interviews and are in the top 3 but I lack experience and someone else get the job. I have read on your post, that it has been said that if you come over as really keen you wont get the job. Please if any employer reads this, please realise that if you get someone who is willing to wash, mop and clear up for 3 years unpaid, I think they are a good bet!

Good luck with your job search. I'm sure that one day someone will realise just how good we are and give us a job! (please!!!!)

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Jacquelyn Smith — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 04:54:24 GMT

Thanks for the heads up Sal. I try and be professional whilst visiting practices for interviews. Its finding the balance between professionalism and eagerness. Because one assumes that I won't be hired if I seem flippant and treat the position as if it is any other job either. Sorry for the delay in replying too. Been so busy just done 2 x 16hour days on the bounce with a bad back from getting floored by a dog.

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Sal the 1st — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:39:05 GMT

The one thing I will say is dont sound too desperate at interview, even if you are - it is possible to appear too eager to please and there are employers out there that will think twice. I know I have been involved in the interview process in the past and this has been the case. The reason being that in many cases the people who seem the most eager to please are the ones that are least likely to live up to promises or make promises that they are unable to keep, they dont stay as a result and then the practice has to start the interview process all over again. Not saying you are one of these at all but just be aware of it.

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Jacquelyn Smith — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:25:16 GMT

The only negative feed back I have ever had was that they didn't like that I had been an LAT. Which I don't understand as the pharma I tested... Get used by them on the animals. And why did they waste my time in inviting me to interview when its all their in black and white on the CV I used to apply.

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Gillian Mostyn — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 16:12:32 GMT

'On paper', you sound like an ideal candidate. I wish I could work out what is going wrong for you...but only the people who are saying 'no' can answer that. How frustrating...

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Jacquelyn Smith — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 15:08:04 GMT

I don't think I am to old to train, infact I think being a little older is of benefit to both me and a practice that may be willing to hire me, I have more life experience, general work experience, and (not to toot my own horn but a fair bit of technical skill from four years as an LAT. I actually taught one of my friends who is a qualified vet nurse, how to do a small animal/rodent gavage, because we all know small fluffy things hate baytrill and he was sick of being bitten and if you can do it properly its less stressful for the animal!) My CV has been checked by someone who pretty much writes them for a living and she said it was great... The only thing she had to say was that I should put my address on (I had left it off because I was in a homeless hostel at the time and didn't want employers tarring me with the smackhead brush just because I found myself down on my luck, I am not a drug user, I don't even drink, but it only takes a postcode to look like you come from the wrong part of town) For interviews I dress smart in either a dress or trousers and shirt as I find it rude to go in jeans. Go prepared, having researched the practice, memorised the job description and my interviewers name. I have my record of achievement to show what I have done in the past, extra copies of my cv, just in case. I am enthusiastic, because that's the way I am and I want to be a Vn. I am knowledgable because I have spent 7 years reading veterinary text books. I am polite because that's just who I am. I have no visible piercings (I even take my tongue bar out just in case). I would chop off my right arm to be a vet nurse if it weren't that I would probably need it to do the job Lol. I will try to look at the student finance thing... I don't have family, period, so maybe I will be able to find a way in via the degree route. Don't worry about offending me. You're offering me advice, for which I am grateful, offend away if it means I can fix whatever I am doing wrong so I can finally get at least a foot in the door. I feel like at 23 I am still waiting for my life to start, because I don't feel like I am doing what I am meant to do.

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Gillian Mostyn — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:25:52 GMT

OK, this really is meant to be constructive so bear with me.....

If you weren't getting interviews then I'd suggest someone look at your CV for you, preferably an employer. However, if you are getting plenty of interviews and then been turned down then there is a reason. OK - so you're told that it is due to lack of experience; assuming you're applying for relevant positions, and not VN ones, then this shouldn't be a barrier. Most practices would take a lovely, friendly, enthusiastic person any day of the week, even if they haven't had much experience in a practice. In some cases it can be nice - no pre-existing ideas or bad habits! Afterall, it doesn't take any prior experience to be taught how to hold, clean and mop which, if you are applying for entry-level positions, is mainly what you will be doing initially! However, lack of experience is an easy excuse for someone to give when asked 'why not me?' Often it is just that the other candidate was preferred for one reason or another, but none of us want to hurt or offend anyone so you try to think of something to say which will not do that. But that isn't to say that there may not be other reasons....something which is stopping you coming across as well as you'd like to. I do a lot of interviews and it IS really difficult to assess someone in just a few minutes, but for some reason your interview technique is letting you down. Hence my advice to ask the practices you have done some work experience with, and ask them what they think. Ask them to be honest - would they employ you if a suitable position came up? I don't mean to be harsh or upset you - it is just that you mention you've been trying for 7 years - I know it is hard to break into this career but for a suitable candidate it shouldn't be THAT difficult, especially as you are willing to go anywhere in the country!

Your post was heartbreaking as it does sound like you are desperate to become a VN - I remember how I felt when I thought I may never get to be a VS and it was devastating. I really want to help you get there and I do understand that not everyone is in a situation where college is an option. You just need to find out why prospective employers aren't saying yes.....???

Re: time to throw in the towel?

bongo — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 11:56:30 GMT

I didnt start training till I was 24, don't give up because you feel you are too old to train! Keep at it and good things will happen

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Katie Mansfield — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 09:56:50 GMT

If you're not living with your parents and have never been to uni before you're potentially get the full amount. check it out on the "What help can I get?" calculator

http://www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk/portal/page?_pageid=153,4680136&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

K x

Re: time to throw in the towel?

SmegSlayer — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:34:53 GMT

Student finance may pay your tuition fees, unless you have been to university before and then they may not pay for the full amount years e.g I did my HND in Vet nursing 10 years ago which was fully funded. I'm back at uni now doing a BSc in forensics which is 4 years. Student finance are not paying my tuition fees for this first year but will do for the next 3 years.

You also get a maintenance loan and potentially a top up maintenance grant to live off which is based on household income.

Student finance only help you if your doing a full time course- the part time people on my course get no help from student finance

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Mark Hedberg — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:33:24 GMT

Qualification
Foundation Degree

Course Type
Full Time

Attendance
College Attendance

Monday-Friday
9.30am-4.00pm
Location: Hawkshead Campus of the Royal Veterinary College, Potters Bar
Course Length
Three Years
Start Date
September

Entry Requirements
All applicants should:
1. be a minimum of 18 years of age
2. have 5 GCSEs (grades A-C) or 5 SQA Standard Grades (Band 1,2 or 3) including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject, plus: At least 80 tariff points at A2 and AS level, including at least 40 points (Grade E) in an A2 Science subject (preferably Biology).
3. have a minimum of two weeks referenced work experience in a veterinary practice and two weeks other animal work experience.

Mature and international students are encouraged to apply, as are those with equivalent qualifications. Such applicants are still required to meet the minimum professional entrance requirements as determined by the RCVS i.e the GCSE/SQA Standard Grade requirements above.

(this is the Foundation course CAW runs at the RVC. )

http://www.caw.ac.uk/courses/vn/veterinary-nursing-courses.aspx

if you want to know about any funding, ring 0844 372 9410, admin staff will let you know if there's any offers running.

Good luck!

Re: time to throw in the towel?

Jacquelyn Smith — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:57:05 GMT

I am short on ucas points for the bsc(some of my level 3s don't qualify for points). 'Scough ask for 8 weeks for both fdsc and bsc... and it has to be exclusively veterinary practices, not just animal care. From previous experience, it would take me a year to work out the ucas website anyway. Lol. Out of curiosity (tell me to but out if its being too nosey) what funding is there for degree? I thought it only covered the cost of tuition fees? Living expenses are through grants and scholarships aren't they? Just curious how you support a family on student finances, most of my friends who did degrees when I was doing my ND struggled to afford rent and food for one person...