Is vet nursing training really for me?

Re: Is vet nursing training really for me?

Debbie Main — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 22:49:32 GMT

HI Laura, I am a first year SVN and I understand where you coming from some days you can feel like a servant and get sick of the sound of your own name but don't give up! I completely agree with the others it sound like your practise don't appreciate their assistants or developing new nurses! It is the hardest thing ever trying to find a new practise but I would give it a go! I am lucky that my practise good and for all the days I spend scrubbing isolation and making cups or tea there is another day round the corner where I get to watch and assist in ops and help nurse patients. I hope you find a practise with a little more give and take! If you are passionate about working with animals stick at it! The only thing I would say is don't pin your hopes on money I work in my practise 35 hours a week for free as placement and live off £400 a month it's not easy but I really feel like it's all going to be worth it in the end! xx

Re: Is vet nursing training really for me?

Lucy Powell — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 10:10:19 GMT

I agree with everybody above. I am roughly in the same age bracket as you and I went to university, got a degree, blah blah blah, and realised that being a VN was what I wanted to do. It's really difficult to get into, so so difficult. I spent months and months and months trying to find a training practice that would be willing to have me, and eventually I had to re-locate. Some days, as a student, I get treated badly and people snap. I generally put it down to my lack of knowledge. It must be really frustrating to work with someone that doesn't always know what they're doing. When some days are worse than others, say something. I found that really helped. People started supporting me more and actually appreciating that I was trying my best. You do have to bear in mind though that you won't really ever get paid well and everywhere you go people may be snappy. Pressure and stress does do that to you. You need to decide whether it's the practice or the job. Only you can decide whether you love it enough to continue... even if it's somewhere else. And... be strong. You are no doubt better at it and less stressy than you think! x

Re: Is vet nursing training really for me?

Redhen — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 21:08:56 GMT

Hey, I am nearly 40 and a svn, you are never too old to change your career!

I am in the same boat with my employer but now I'm registered as a student with RCVS, I intend to qualify. It doesn't mean I have to stay. I would recommend finding a training practice that values their team and support their nurses & students. I'm not going to lie, it isn't always easy. I sort of followed the same route as you and have only just become a student (have had family in the meantime though).

If you feel your heart is in VN and working with animals then stick with it, but put your feelers (CV & Covering letter) out to the TP's available in your nearest area as sometimes they dont always advertise these positions. I got my job simply by enquiring if they would consider a student if the RVN post wasn't filled and here I am.

Re: Is vet nursing training really for me?

Celine — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 21:52:30 GMT

Definitely agree with the others - this is a problem with the practice you are in at the moment, not neccesarily the work itself. A difficult manager / colleagues can chip away your confidence until you find yourself second-guessing EVERYTHING, even silly things that arent even veterinary... pretty sure i remember fretting about whether i had mopped a floor correctly when i was on placement as a young 'un ;) Get out if you can, but dont give up on veterinary, they are not all like that and there may be a practice out there who will appreciate the experience you now have! :)

Re: Is vet nursing training really for me?

bongo — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 16:05:10 GMT

i would agree with the above. Your current employer sounds horrendous and I have been in this situation before, fortunately not in the veterinary industry. Try and find another auxillary type job in another practice where you wont be treated quite as bad and then if this helps then you can look for student placements when you are sure. It isnt something which you should take lightly though, it is hard graft and you won't be paid awfully well. It is such a shame that you are being put off by bad experiences at the moment. Whatever you choose, the best of luck to you and keep us informed.

Re: Is vet nursing training really for me?

Lor12 — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:21:14 GMT

I would say that if a situation/person/place etc is making you feel that anxious then for your own sake and health you need to come away as soon as you can as nothing is worth making yourself so unwell.

Maybe you just need to try a different practice, see if you feel the same towards the job and if you do then you know perhaps its not for you. On the other hand it could just be the practice isnt for you and finding somewhere else might be the making of you... worth maybe giving it a go

Good luck