Don't know what to do?

Re: Don't know what to do?

Tracy Windler RVN — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:42:31 GMT

I agree with BouncyFi on this one, you seem to love the job enough to be upset and write about it on here, but the situation at your practice is just not acceptable. It drives me mad that there are so many people who work extra hours for free just because its a "vocation". No matter what the situation, if you are working, you should be paid, because if you are working, your employer is charging someone for it.

As for the conditions on night duties and how long you work without a break: do all the nursing staff feel this way, if so, can you all club together and say that you want better night arrangements? Also, check that you are getting the legal requirement for days/hours off. direct.gov website has lots of info on this. It might get their backs up to start quoting the law, but you could try doing it in a gentle manner?

If all else fails, I strongly believe that you should demonstrate with your feet and leave. If you can last another 2 years just to get your RVN training, then great, as there are some great jobs out there (and pay is improving!) and if we all start refusing to work for almost nothing (except poor treatment!) then eventually the profession should improve.

Rant over!

Good Luck xx

Re: Don't know what to do?

zookeeper — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:13:01 GMT

I see where you are coming from, I am nearly 27 and just passed my ANA and keyskills.

I was supposed to start my training in September then it got put off, then I was told i will not be able to train in January as we are to quiet. I have been fobbed off from pillar to post! not only is this the clinic I work at very small (1 vet 1 qualified nurse me the trainee and a receptionist who works 2 days a week). I am just the slave who does all the crappy jobs and never get no nursing experiance. I would do all the kits cleaning name it I done it, but when it came to operations and actual nursing duties I never got a look in!

We had a new vet that started in March who is a right madam its her way or no way. She is not happy being a vet she wants to be the manager aswell, which makes it unbearable. The old vet was amazing she was lovely and we were all so happy, the qualified nurse used to manage us but in a nice way, but since this vet has started she cant do this anymore so her attitude is I cant beat her I will join her so they are the best of buds and they go out of there way to make my working life a misery!

I passed my ANA never asked for any help as I never got no support! passed first time and got a credit for my portfolio, which I am very proud of.

I handed my notice in yesterday as I can not take anymore of the bullying bitching behind my back and just general unpleasant feeling of going to work with them.

I have 2 give 2 months notice, so in the meantime I will look for another job, I sent c.v's out 2 months ago and got really positive feed back so fingers crossed may get something soon.

I love working in the Veterinary proffession and have done so since the the age of 18.

Not all practice's are like this, you will find something else

If any practice needs a Trainee, ANA, email me

Sarah

Re: Don't know what to do?

Maisy — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:53:54 GMT

I would agree that perhaps the career is for you, just not that particular practice. The practice where I trained had good conditions for nurses (though you don't necessarily think that at the time!), but to get there I worked in my fair share of rubbish practices first. Your ANA and years experience would be seen as an advantage if you did decide to move on and do your training elsewhere.

If you're otherwise happy at the practice, can you speak to your HVN about this? The night duties may be difficult to change if your practice carries out their own, but I do think its unfair to expect staff to stay on site overnight with no decent facilities.

Good Luck

Re: Don't know what to do?

Mac Feather — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:27:08 GMT

[quote user="Bouncyfi"]Vets play on the fact that this job is seen as a vocation rather than a professional job, hence the low wages[/quote]

[quote user="Bouncyfi"]Not every employer treats staff as this,[/quote]

I agree, theres a huge variation in places to work and a huge difference in the way some vets view the role of nurses and the amount they pay them.

Re: Don't know what to do?

Fiona Leathers — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:00:09 GMT

Maybe its not the job you're questing just the place you work at. Not every employer treats staff as this, maybe you should start looking around for another student placement, but we all know how difficult they are to get. Maybe you should speak to your employer about the working conditions.

As for the pay, I agree its not the best paid job in the world but you should have known about that from your research prior to giving up your office job. Vets play on the fact that this job is seen as a vocation rather than a professional job, hence the low wages!