Too old?

RE: Too old?

Nicola Russell — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 22:13:33 GMT

Thanks. I've been working in practice for 4 years. I have animal science qualifications, I seem to be able to get interviews but just can't get a break, even with recommendations from friends.

RE: Too old?

JaneRVN — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 12:58:20 GMT

And Kayleigh is now an RVN!!!

I started nurse training at 28 and had no animal background. I wrote to 50 TPs I could commute to and got 12 replies, all NO, even although I had offered to volunteer.

one accepted me for a day a week volunteering. I have up my graduate job, got a temp job with flexi hours and volunteered for 3 months. Then their trainee left and I got her job, the practice wasn't great and so after another 3 months I wrote back to the other 11 practices who replied to me.

got an interview and got a better paid job in a much better practice and started college 3 months later.

there is hope! Keep trying.

RE: Too old?

Kayleigh Charman — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 12:11:12 GMT

I was 23 when I realised I wanted to get into nursing, but with no animal qualifications behind me I had to start from scratch and got a job as a kennel assistant. I obviously proved myself as I got offered an position as an SVN a year later. It's not ideal and the wage is a lot worse, but it's a foot in the door if you're desperate to get into nursing.

RE: Too old?

Nicola Russell — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 20:17:59 GMT

I emailed back asking for feedback to help improve my chances in future interviews but have had no reply in over a week

RE: Too old?

FINNIGAN — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 14:16:47 GMT

Have u asked them to be totally honest and to tell u why u weren't given the position,,?? I'm sure the right job is there for you, don't givd up

RE: Too old?

Nicola Russell — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 21:20:04 GMT

Third interview this year and still no success. I'm starting to think it's me, my cv can get the interviews but I can't get any further. Really feeling dejected.

RE: Too old?

Nicola Russell — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 13:09:21 GMT

Thanks Sal, I've had a look on the adult education website but couldn't find anything. There is a place near me that I think does do it but it's only for up to 25 year olds. 3 of the 5 interviews led to trial days but still had no luck

RE: Too old?

Sal the 1st — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 02:38:07 GMT

I dont know if this will be any good to you but a good few years ago I used to help teach an adult skills class at local college/ WEA ( wasn't a formal qualification as such just basic numeracy and literacy ) but we also used to practice interview technique - just wondered if there was anything like that running near you? If you are getting through to interview then you are doing better than a lot of people - stick at it the right job for you is out there somewhere

RE: Too old?

Nicola Russell — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 01:58:51 GMT

Thank you. All feedback has said "they have gone with someone who they feel would better fit the team". I don't know how to interpret this, I can't change who I am, but I just think there is something about me that puts people off. It's happened all through my life, friends from school, college and university all lost contact. When I ask my few friends about if they say I'm being mad and the job just wasn't right for me. 6 interviews in the past 18 months, surely something must be wrong with me :(

RE: Too old?

FairyFerret — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 23:10:15 GMT

Ditto! I'm almost 36 I funded my own ANA course & have been in vet practice 7 1/2 years & am really struggling to get placement :( I have been a carer for my husband since I was 23 after being left disabled from a bike accident. No one ever says but I think this is putting people off as they think I won't be dedicated, which really saddens me. I hope you get a placement soon as you certainly deserve it :)

RE: Too old?

Nicola Russell — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 14:40:17 GMT

No, didn't get that one either

RE: Too old?

Jennifer — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 22:15:05 GMT

It's a brand new one I have a job in as an RVN. They like you to tell them about you. Make your CV come to life so to speak! Good luck! I hope you get it

RE: Too old?

Nicola Russell — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 22:11:53 GMT

Thanks, I've always wanted to be part of a brand new practice. Hopefully this is my chance :D

RE: Too old?

Jennifer — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 22:09:39 GMT

I've just got a job with V4P. Being willing to promote the business, clinics etc. I got asked for a time I've went above and beyond. Be confident in your abilities. I asked alot how the business worked.

RE: Too old?

Nicola Russell — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 22:01:15 GMT

I've got an interview for Vets4Pets :D Keeping every crossed but not getting hopes up too much. Any interview tips? I always feel they go ok but then am not successful

RE: Too old?

Nicola Russell — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 21:24:34 GMT

I'm in Kent, whereabouts in West Sussex are you?

RE: Too old?

FINNIGAN — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 21:12:19 GMT

Where are u based? We are in West Sussex an looking for a trainee

RE: Too old?

JaneRVN — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 20:27:40 GMT

Funding is individual depending on age and previous quals.

however age should be no barrier. The oldest I have taught were 64 and 65!

RE: Too old?

Louise Northway VNCertECC NCert(Anaesth) RVN — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 16:23:40 GMT

our last student was in her 40's and our new one is in her early 50's... it is never to late to live the dream!

RE: Too old?

Nicola Russell — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 16:23:27 GMT

I've just applied for a vca position at a new companion care opening soon. I check the website regularly for positions at vets4pets and cc

RE: Too old?

Jennifer — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 16:16:04 GMT

vets4pets take on alot of unqualifieds with a view to train them, they maybe a good shout for you

RE: Too old?

Nicola Russell — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 22:39:44 GMT

Thanks everyone. Am on the verge of giving up, I get interviews and am invited back for a trial day, and always think it's gone well, mucked in with cleaning and talking to clients etc but no luck.

RE: Too old?

Wildlife Nurse — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 15:06:53 GMT

I'm 35, I finally started my training this year after 14 years nursing. You can do it :)

RE: Too old?

Heather Bacon — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 10:52:12 GMT

The students on my college course range from 20 years old to 50! So you are never too old.

The college fees are the same, however I was told that there are varying levels of government funding for ages 16-24.

If you have a degree you cannot get another student loan, however you can get an over 24 loan?

Students on my course vary: Some employers pay the full fee themselves, course fees coming out of salaries, payment split between employer and student, or the student paying the whole thing themselves, either outright or with a loan.

RE: Too old?

Sal the 1st — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 10:51:44 GMT

I dont think the fees will be any more - what they probably mean is that because you are over 25 you wont qualify for funding or they won't be able to train you under an apprenticeship