Need help and advice on training to be a Veterinary nurse

RE: Need help and advice on training to be a Veterinary nurse

Tania Ford — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 09:33:50 GMT

The 5 GCSE's required are actually not totally essential. After many years working as an unqualified nurse (23 to be exact!) I eventually found out from the RCVS that it is the training colleges decision whether to enroll you on the VN course and not absolutely essential or written in stone. You do however have to prove that you have enough previous experience and knowledge within the veterinary field, just so they have proof you are dedicated and able to complete the course successfully, as their funding gets cut dramatically if they do not produce enough successful passes! I only had 3 O'levels but many years of experience nursing, so was able to undertake my training and pass with flying colours eventually (thankfully!) I have to say though that the only difference the piece of paper has made to my day to day work is the ability to continue doing a job that has been my vocation since the age of 13. Therefore getting good hands on experience is invaluable, so i would suggest finding a practice that will gain you that experience is a good place to start. The ANA/VCA course is also a good way to start as you need to be employed (not necessarily paid a salary) which will help you get the experience you will need to continue if this really is what you want to do and if your health does improve enough for you to cope with the physical side of things.

Good luck if you decide nursing is still what you wish to do! :-)

RE: Need help and advice on training to be a Veterinary nurse

JaneRVN — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 16:20:33 GMT

Sorry that your health isn't great. I hope it improves. I agree with the others that the role is very physical and I think your ability to complete all tasks required would be limited.

For the future - to get on the diploma RVN course you need 5 GCSEs at C or above so extra study is needed to get another 3 GCSEs. That could partly be achieved by the ANA course already mentioned.

Howvere it is still physical and if tiredness is an issue you might want to put health first and y to get as healthy as possible first and then pursue your dream.

RE: Need help and advice on training to be a Veterinary nurse

Mark Hedberg — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 14:23:39 GMT

GSCE maths and english are fine as long as they're C or better; in terms of reading and learning, the book you want is

https://www.bsava.com/Publications/Buyonline/Veterinarynursing/tabid/419/ProductID/222/Default.aspx

BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing, 5th edition (P00104)

(it's available online from other sellers as well.)

RE: Need help and advice on training to be a Veterinary nurse

WelshyNurse — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 12:22:39 GMT

You could maybe do the ANA course instead? You still have to be employed in a practice, but it's a correspondence course and you can do it at your own pace.

I have done it and never felt the need to go on to do VN training And I have now been working in the veterinary industry for 8 years.

RE: Need help and advice on training to be a Veterinary nurse

Anastassia Cassar — Fri, 04 Dec 2015 12:12:34 GMT

Thank you all so much for responding. I was afraid that might be the case. I was hopeful that I could just do short walking stints and take breaks in between.
KATSEYEZ Sorry about your arthritis I hope it's getting better.
Is there anything I can do before hand such as learn some of the modules or get some course notes from someone? Or is there a book I could get specifically for the RCVS veterinary nursing course? It would be great to do some learning before hand.
Also I only have GCSE maths and science am I going to need to learn more before I take the course? For example should I think about taking A level maths before I enroll?
Also before taking the vocational veterinary course am I right in thinking I have to become a student nurse? For example i cannot be a receptionist instead? Thanks for all your help

RE: Need help and advice on training to be a Veterinary nurse

Tania Ford — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 11:57:09 GMT

Sadly i think your health is and will be an issue. I have suffered from Rheumatoid arthritis for many years and find this is quite debilitating most days and i am able to move around freely and lift etc. Veterinary Nursing is a really difficult area to get in to at the best of times, so I think it unlikely that you will be offered a trainee post. Personally I would wait until you are 'able bodied' before even considering training.

RE: Need help and advice on training to be a Veterinary nurse

Selena Carnell — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 19:15:20 GMT

sadly i think you may struggle, as sometimes things can be quite fast paced. wheel chairs may be an issue in theatres as you may have to go quick in and out to get items for the vet. you can be expected to be on your feet for long periods of time.

RE: Need help and advice on training to be a Veterinary nurse

Mark Hedberg — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 16:09:33 GMT

VN Training is pretty high intensity - is it likely your health will improve? With all the heavy lifting and physical prep work that student VNs do, it might be better to wait until you're feeling better.

Good luck,
Mark