Can I/Should I transfer onto a UK VN course?

Re: Can I/Should I transfer onto a UK VN course?

Mark Hedberg — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:36:14 GMT

VCA is equivalent to the ANA, so worth checking that out too. It's a distance learning course that takes place in a work environment.

Cheers,
Mark

Re: Can I/Should I transfer onto a UK VN course?

cc17 — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 09:04:35 GMT

Hi Mark and Ginny, thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Mark, yes the practice manager route is a very sensible suggestion, I am going to explore this, I'm sure I would also enjoy it as I like everything organised and in its place! And yes maybe a practice would see the benefit of a multitasking practice manager as well and I could get my practical experience to finish my course. Ginny, I hadn't thought of the ANA route that way that helps me understand, I just thought because I couldn't register for VN work here, I could do the ANA and work my way up. I am studying the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, I was accepted at this level because of my academic history and my previous animal care experience. I now have over one years experience of working in vet practices both here and in Australia. To complete the certificate IV I need more work practice, which is the stumbling block here at present. I haven't contacted any colleges here yet as I wanted to see if anyone knew if transferring onto a UK course was even possible or would I have to restart from scratch. Its really helpful to hear your views on nursing in WA, I do have two vet friends (both from UK) living out in Australia and both have commented on the different standards but they too feel UK is now too complicated and full of red tape. Thanks also for saying not to worry about my age, I had not even considered this an issue until the comment from the vet here, I saw my maturity as a positive, lots of work experience etc. I think we were just unlucky with our timing with my husband's job, we arrived on East coast just as construction (his industry) grinding to halt, fortunately we've had the opportunity to live out there before so I have a good experience out there to look back on as well. I will contact the BVNA as well. Thank you both again.

Re: Can I/Should I transfer onto a UK VN course?

ginny — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 05:18:27 GMT

To be honest I can understand you not getting ANA jobs as many places want an ANA and not a student VN which is what you will end up being there. They have no guarantee that you will stay if they sign off your work and will be back to square one looking for an ANA. I'm currently in WA and have to say that although the Australian system has some benefits to it (ours has become way too complicated in my opinion!!) they are a fair bit behind the UK in training and recognition of vet nursing. I have had to bite my tongue on a couple of occasions and I'm not working in practice. Which level of the Australian qualification were you studying for? How much time have you spent working in practice? Don't let your age put you off for one minute. Ignore the rumblings of one grumpy vet!! I think practice management sounds like a good plan. Have you looked at colleges courses here? I would use the experience you have gained in Australia as a stepping stone to a UK course if possible. I'm sorry to hear your husband's job fell through and you had to go home. If you were doing the level III / V qualification and finished it then I think there are ways of transferring and registering with RCVS. The RCVS would be able to advise or maybe the BVNA? Sometimes the RCVS take a bit of time to reply. Best of luck!

Re: Can I/Should I transfer onto a UK VN course?

Mark Hedberg — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 21:36:15 GMT

Solid admin and legal experience can be quite valuable in the vet nursing field; have you considered applying for a practice management position? Experience in animal work, training in VN and nursing; extensive legal work, you sound like a rare catch - and incidentally you can help out with ops and nurse consults if need be - everyone loves a multitasking practice manager! Once you've got your foot in the door, you can then decide if it's possible to continue with a UK VN course.

Welcome back to the UK, anyway!

Cheers,
Mark