Has this ever happened to any other student....????

RE: Has this ever happened to any other student....????

DarthChic — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 21:34:30 GMT

Thank you for your reply in particular, we do sound quite similar. I think my biggest problem at this point is my crappy self esteem which leads me to ponder too much on my mistakes and that just leads me to making more mistakes for the rest of the day. At this point I am taking ADD/ADHD medication, though I don't know if it's making a difference and sometimes I'm not even sure what is wrong with me at this point (is it ADD or maybe I've got a screw loose ) Some days it feels like I just can't win and even if genuinely nice people want to help me, I just can't be helped. I'll try to be quick, I'll try to be precise and not make silly mistakes, but I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle. I've been at my third placement for MANY weeks (months? I'd need to count) and basically if I can't make it work all the way through to the end of the NPL, I'll be terminated. On my lousier days, I just expect someone to come along and tell me to give it up. Sorry for the mopey reply, just been having a rubbish few weeks.

RE: Has this ever happened to any other student....????

DarthChic — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 20:48:58 GMT

Thank you all for your lovely replies! I never even realised until today that anyone replied to me! I thought I'd set up my account to email me when I got a reply but clearly not.

RE: Has this ever happened to any other student....????

CAB — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:00:49 GMT

Hey there DarthChic, until I read your post I honestly thought I was the only student who had gone through something like this. Although I'm now qualified, I was an SVN from Sept 2015 to Oct 2018 and my training practice also perceived me to have 'communication problems' - something that very nearly got me kicked out!

In my case I have mild autism (Asperger's Syndrome) which can obviously affect how you communicate with and relate to others. Another autistic trait that effects me is poor 'executive function', i.e. organization, planning ahead, prioritizing things, time management etc. My practice and college tried to be as supportive as possible but I don't think they really knew what to do with me - they'd probably never had an autistic SVN before. I felt that any mistake I made they put it down to this, whereas if any of my colleagues made a similar error it would just be brushed off as not a big deal. They insisted that my practice wasn't suitable for me due to it's large size and was going to terminate my placement. I was heartbroken at the prospect - especially as it took me so long to find a training placement in the first place (I must have lost my own body weight in tears). I also had the "this isn't the job for you" insinuations aimed at me which really made me question myself. Long (very long) story short I worked very hard and by the skin of my teeth convinced them to let me stay. I was the last one in my college class to qualify (about a year after most of them) so don't worry if you don't finish your NPL and OSCEs for a while (it's not a race remember and your peers haven't had to put up with the difficulties that you have).

Fast forward and I am now employed at another practice. This practice has a few branches and I'm at my happiest when I'm working at the smallest branch. Here we have a small close knit team (me, one vet and one receptionist) and I feel much more in control here. We do dentals most days so that has allowed me to get into a general routine. So far I haven't received any complaints regarding 'communication problems', although I think my 'executive functioning' traits are showing - I try hard to please my colleagues but even so I've recently been told I'm quite messy.

Could it be possible that a different practice would suit you better than your current one? Each company is run slightly differently and it may be that a smaller practice with fewer staff and a slower pace could be easier for you to navigate; there would be less people to 'communicate' with and less chance of wires getting crossed.

Anyway, sorry for the long post - just wanted you to know that you're definitely not the only student to have these sorts of issues and that hopefully things will soon start to work out better for you x

RE: Has this ever happened to any other student....????

Vet nurse0000 — Wed, 29 May 2019 15:51:57 GMT

Hi :) I have had significant issues whilst training and now im qualified. Turns out I probably am autistic which is really rare for girls and tends to get overlooked during childhood for females. I am very determined though and just struggled through. I hear it’s very common for people to be on the autistic spectrum and have adhd so maybe look into that if you haven’t already :) Just want you to know you’re not alone though and it is entirely possible. I have also felt like a complete weirdo and like I’m from another planet.

RE: Has this ever happened to any other student....????

Sal the 1st — Fri, 24 May 2019 09:39:41 GMT

sorry this is a short reply as on my way out. You must be doing something right - you got the exam results to get on the nursing course in the first place - so many don't get that far. . Give me a shout later on if you think it could help at all.

RE: Has this ever happened to any other student....????

Alison Clare Hickman — Thu, 23 May 2019 18:05:45 GMT

Aw bless your heart. Firstly, I wish you well. Secondly, yes the RVN role is very stressful and can be awful for mental (and physical) health if you are not a. In a supportive environment when working and b. Don't take good care of your own health. However, it IS a VERY rewarding role if a and b are working...

I have a friend who has communication limitations and she has very much experienced difficulties in non-supportive work environments. I can certainly ask her if she'd be willing to chat to you? PM me your email address and I will contact her to see if she feels she can help guide you/just chat....

I'll end this message by saying that if you decide not to continue as a veterinary nurse, you haven't wasted anything. You've learned a lot and it will stand you in good stead for wherever you decide to take your skills elsewhere.

Wishing you strength. X

Ali