Alternative careers for vet nurses

RE: Alternative careers for vet nurses

Gill French — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 16:53:33 GMT

My first job after qualifying left me feeling like i had to be on the defensive every second of the day which is totally exhausting so you're right there, my mental health suffered as a result so I'm determined not to let that happen again. When I left and started locuming, I received so much positive feedback that I've started to gain back the confidence I lost in myself and my skills. My family has noticed how different I am since I left which makes me more wary of a more permanent job that might put me in that position again.

I know what you mean though, the grass is always greener on the other side. I'm trying to not let that affect my judgement so I'll try not to rush in to (or out of) anything too soon and wait for the right thing to come along, whether that be within practice or not

RE: Alternative careers for vet nurses

Alison Clare Hickman — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 10:46:31 GMT

[quote user="Gill French"]already losing enthusiasm for nursing[/quote]

What's changed to make you lose your mojo? Rather than make a bolt for the hills, is there something you can do to reinvigorate your existing role as an RVN?

I do know that post-education, and when the intensity / excitement of studying and revision to pass examinations has ceased, we can start to feel deflated and 'underutilised' once faced with the 'daily grind' of day-day routines and the more mundane aspects of work. So, perhaps further study to gain an additional post-grad qualification might help you reignite the spark? And find a practice that will enable you to utilise your new skills?

You mention about 'office politics' (and, being a locum, can avoid it. Totally agree!). This comment does make me think you've encountered some problems in the past and that has likely negatively flavoured your opinion of RVN work in-practice? However, you won't avoid office politics in other professions/jobs/industries etc etc etc! It's rife, urrrrrghhhh .... well then, what to do? . . . no easy solution but . . .

I personally found that doing my job searches exceedingly well, interviewing the interviewer, waiting for the right job, environment, boss and team I REEEEAAAAAAAALLLLLLY needed and wanted, worked for me. [I kept working in a job that wasn't ideal, but paid well, until I could take the leap to my happy place].

I now work in my happy place and make great efforts to avoid and not involve myself in gossip, back-stabbers, political manoeverers, one-upmanshippers, unfairness, harassment and bullying. None of that s**t if I come across it (to-date, in my happy place, just a bit of gossip but I firmly refused to join in so it withered on the vine). My philosophies are that I (try to) be as harmonious, egalitarian and communicative as possible. I listen to the bad and deal with it before it grows fangs and, leading by example, take my team along with me in all these respects as well... seems to work for us.

Hth - good luck with whatever you decide to do and I hope you can find your own happy place to be. xxxxx

Ali h

RE: Alternative careers for vet nurses

VetNurse Anon a/c — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 17:00:54 GMT

I worked for vetfone for a few months and tbh I didn't enjoy it. I found it too restrictive in the advice I was allowed to give as you follow flow charts and pretty much read out their advice (which is aimed at saving the insurance companies from paying out for unnecessary vet visits). Also the majority of my calls were people who called the wrong number and were actually wanting the claims department.

I read on the forum about other people who have had great experiences working for vetfone (and others the opposite). It wasn't what I thought it was going to be.

With regards to other careers have you thought about setting up a pet sitting business? Canine hydrotherapy? Mobile RVN?

Its a shame that you are thinking of leaving after such a short time in the profession. Have you tried working at a range of practices - maybe you've not found the one yet. Referral for example.

I hope you figure out what you want to do. Life's too short to be unhappy

RE: Alternative careers for vet nurses

Gill French — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 16:49:10 GMT

I hadn't seen that one It looks really good, I'll look more in to it now.

RE: Alternative careers for vet nurses

Gill French — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 16:47:10 GMT

I hadn't thought to look at VT I'll keep an eye on it. Thanks

RE: Alternative careers for vet nurses

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 11:13:05 GMT

Gill French - Had you spotted this one: https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/veterinary-jobs/permanent-other-united-kingdom-9288/

RE: Alternative careers for vet nurses

Mason8 — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 07:40:00 GMT

There is an idexx job in Gloucester. I don't remember where you are located but it would be Different aspect of veterinary work. You train practices on use of equipment requiring travel. physiotherapy???

RE: Alternative careers for vet nurses

James Colver Cert. Ed, RVN — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 00:49:21 GMT

Look at the jobs section on here - industry positions sometimes come up. Also in the back of the VT and VNT, and on Vetclick.

P.S. the longer you stick with nursing, the fewer animal scratches and bites you will sustain :)