Middle aged and wanting to train as a vet assistant/ nurse !

RE: Middle aged and wanting to train as a vet assistant/ nurse !

Deanna Hartley — Thu, 21 May 2015 06:51:26 GMT

I changed my career at age 45. I started volunteering at a vet practice 1/2 days a week while still working in my old job - contacted several practices but only 1 replied. After 9 months the practice offered me part time hours as a nurse auxillary which I did for a year before they recently offered me full time, still a an auxillary. I took a risk here as I had to take a huge drop in income to do this but, I have gained so much experience in this time and it has confirmed it is the right career change. I'm hoping to be offered the opportunity to start training as a nurse this autumn.

i approached colleges initially but was told I was too old to do the 2 year training course, I couldn't afford to start a degree (I already have one) so getting a practice to set me on as a student was the only option. Those vacancies don't appear to be advertised very often. This route has so far worked for me.

my advice is to volunteer first to see if it's what you really want to do - I love it, muck and all - best of luck :)

RE: Middle aged and wanting to train as a vet assistant/ nurse !

Selena Carnell — Wed, 20 May 2015 22:07:19 GMT

also look at the pay scale - its pretty dire for nursing assistants

RE: Middle aged and wanting to train as a vet assistant/ nurse !

Donna Davis — Wed, 20 May 2015 18:35:32 GMT

Thank you so much, having a look now xx

RE: Middle aged and wanting to train as a vet assistant/ nurse !

Donna Davis — Wed, 20 May 2015 18:34:29 GMT

Hi, thanks for the replies I do not have any experience, but could volunteer at a vets for either a Sat or Sun morning, as unfortunately I already work full time and have to do so to pay the bills :-( Do you think this would be enough to start?

RE: Middle aged and wanting to train as a vet assistant/ nurse !

enigmaticat-uk — Wed, 20 May 2015 17:09:45 GMT

As above but also do you have any work experience in veterinary practice? Most training places will ask for some sort of experience to weed out folk who have unrealistic ideas of the type of work this is. It's a hard, messy & emotional career often with unsociable long hours. So if you can get some experience then that will go in your favour.

RE: Middle aged and wanting to train as a vet assistant/ nurse !

Nicola Russell — Wed, 20 May 2015 13:32:20 GMT

Hi Donna, I'm in Medway too (Rochester) :) If you go on the RCVS website you can search for training practices. I kept sending cv's every few months and after years of trying I'm starting my training this year. Good luck x

RE: Middle aged and wanting to train as a vet assistant/ nurse !

Mark Hedberg — Wed, 20 May 2015 08:55:21 GMT

http://www.rcvs.org.uk/education/i-want-to-be-a-veterinary-nurse/

Some good info and background here - good luck! :)