If you could turn back time

Re: If you could turn back time

dinkyd — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:21:46 GMT

Absolutely - I couldnt imagine ever doing anything differnt.On a personal level i have achieved so much.I look at where i am at the moment compared to five years ago and i am very happy- i just hope it continues that way.

Re: If you could turn back time

LoveCat — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:47:23 GMT

[quote user="bizzy"]

Ah, I'm really nervous about the practicals. What bit did you fail on? I'm sure you will be fine next time. I'm planning on doing a practicals training day run by my college. Maybe you coukd try something like that?

[/quote]

Oh, the whole day was a disaster!! I really don't do well in high pressure situations like that and i had a really long journey to the college which made me feel sick! I failed one task for something SO stupid and I was really cross with myself - I got one of the bits of an anesthesia calculation wrong, which meant my overall answer was wrong which meant I failed the whole task. Then, for the other couple of bits I got wrong the RCVS had changed the tasks after I had finished college so I never had a chance to go through them with my lecturers. I assumed I knew what the RCVS were looking for and clearly I did not - for example taking blood from a cats jugular we always use a blue needle in practice but the RCVS want you to use green - bigger bore so the blood cells are not damaged. Selecting the right needle and syringe was a major point so I failed. Make sure you check every detail!!

This time I'm at a college much nearer my home and have done a LOT more preperation so hopefully I'll be sucessful this time. As I said - if I can't get this exam passed I don't know what I'll do!

Re: If you could turn back time

Claire Cameron — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:22:12 GMT

[quote user="Vicky C"]

[quote user="bizzy"] I've just joined the BVNA so hopefully their legal helpline will be useful.[/quote]

I can say they are very useful, and have always been really nice when i've spoken to them for the BVNA

[/quote]

ARGH You've just reminded me my membership is due this month. one more thing to pay for in Christmas month lol

Re: If you could turn back time

Vicky RVN — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:18:21 GMT

[quote user="bizzy"] I've just joined the BVNA so hopefully their legal helpline will be useful.[/quote]

I can say they are very useful, and have always been really nice when i've spoken to them for the BVNA

Re: If you could turn back time

Honeybadger — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:16:23 GMT

Just wanted to say thanks so much to all you guys for the support and advice.

I'm usually at my lowest in the middle of a long shift when the animals are really ill and the vet and clients are being arses! I WILL finish my training though!

I've looked into the working times directive. You're allowed to work a maximum of 48 hours a week over a 17 week period. College time doesn't count as working hours. So currenlty I work an average of 45 hours a week. When I've finished college this will be higher so I am planning on looking into things again. I've just joined the BVNA so hopefully their legal helpline will be useful.

Re: If you could turn back time

Honeybadger — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:11:30 GMT

[quote user="LoveCat"]

I have worked in practice now for 3years - the last two of which have been at college gaining my qualification. It has been very hard work and very tiring. I think I have been lucky as I have worked in a wonderful practice with a great head nurse who has really supported me. I took my final exam in september which was my practical. I have managed to pass all other exams first time but this one I failed. I am going to retake it in December and I just pray it goes well and I manage to pass because if I fail again I don't know what I will do. I find it very stressful knowing that I only have three attempts at this exam and if I can't pass it I won't qualify. I will then be faced with probably having to quit the profession as I can't afford to continue on trainee wages. Now - hopefully it will not come to that as I am putting all my efforts into passing!! I don't think there is any other job that you can do for three years only to be told at the end of it that you're not good enough and that you maybe need to think again.

Given another chance I think I would do it all again as I love my job so much and there is nothing else I want to do. But I just really hope that I can pass the exam so that I'm not forced to quit!!

I know how hard it is and how bad you feel when things don't go right but just keep trying - I'm sure we'll get there! xxx

[/quote]

Re: If you could turn back time

Vicky RVN — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:42:34 GMT

www.youtube.com/watch

Wow, she's not wearing much is she!!!

Re: If you could turn back time

Maisy — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:58:16 GMT

I often think I'd like to do something alongside vet nursing. Did consider doing something completely unrelated but don't think I could actually tear myself away for too long.

Re: If you could turn back time

Claire Cameron — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:14:28 GMT

I can honestly say, hand on heart I wouldn't do anything else

I had this conversation with my boyfriend the other night and despite everything, hours, pay, disrespect from vets in certain practices, I love my job and can't imagine doing anything else

Re: If you could turn back time

Vicky RVN — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:08:39 GMT

Yes the title did put the song in my head too! Thought i was the only one haha!

Re: If you could turn back time

Saskia Quinn — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:05:52 GMT

[quote user="hissycat"]

If I could turn back time Has anyone else got that song in their head now?? was it cher?

[/quote]

If I could turn back time, If I could find a way,

I'd take back those words that hurt you, and you'd stay!

Re: If you could turn back time

Nick Shackleton — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:05:41 GMT

[quote user="hissycat"]

If I could turn back time Has anyone else got that song in their head now?? was it cher?

[/quote]

Oh god that song is awful!!! think you'll find it was part Cher part computer synthesised!!!

Re: If you could turn back time

hissycat — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:04:04 GMT

If I could turn back time Has anyone else got that song in their head now?? was it cher?

Re: If you could turn back time

Nick Shackleton — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:02:54 GMT

I would agree with what hissycat says! At the end of the day once you qualify you will have an NVQ which opens more doors to and as Hissycat says even grant you entry to university! And it might look slightly bad on your CV not completing a qualification!

As for having to pay back fees, I can understand slightly, but tying you in for 2 years is ridiculous! and as for making you pay back wages that is out of order!!!

Good luck with the studying remember us guys are all here if you need any help with your studies we're here for advice and support

Re: If you could turn back time

Saskia Quinn — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:02:03 GMT

If I could turn back time, I wouldnt change a thing with my professional life. I would still be a VN

Although I didnt realise at the time, I got in to Veterinary extremely easily, and my first practice was a training one. They never had a QVN before and I was the first to train and become qualified while I was there. I learned an awful lot in that practice and I worked in various practices since - from referral to Vets Now, and now PDSA.

Re: If you could turn back time

hissycat — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:54:46 GMT

If I could go back would I choose the same path? its a tough one because you don't really know until you've tried whether something is for you, and then you might spend your whole life wondering what if..?

I remember going on work experience through school and all the nurses would tell me to have a serious rethink about my career choice. They were completely disillusioned in the same way that I would become but I didn't listen at the time.

I certainly don't regret doing my VN qualification, without it I wouldn't be where I am now, probably wouldn't have got into university. It has also taught me an awful lot about people, both the good and bad sides! I would keep going with your training because it is worth having the qualification.. you wouldn't have to stay in nursing but would have a lot more options open to you and would have something to show for all your hard work and sruggling. by the way, if you are working 22 hour shifts that it probably illegal and it would be worth looking into that. If there is one thing I have learnt (and has prompted me to look into work in the public sector) its that employers will think nothing of exploiting their staff with no regard for their emotional, physical, financial or mental health. Unfortunately there is not nearly enough protection for employees so employers will continue to get away with whatever they like!!! i'm sure this is the case in other professions too but was certainly the nail in the coffin of veterinary work for me. Also I don't think the 'work for one/two years after qualification' clause in contracts is watertight, I got out of mine.

Good luck whatever you do, hopefully you will find a decent practice that doesn't overwork and underpay you but if not, there is life after vet nursing

Re: If you could turn back time

Vicky RVN — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:21:28 GMT

I can honestly say, even though i will often have a whinge about work, i can't see myself doing any other job. It's amazing what i can do to help animals. I feel like i don't really know that much...then i find myself understanding more and more of what of vets are saying/doing and realise that maybe i am learning and retaining stuff, such a lovely feeling

I don't like it when places put a clause on paying them back if you leave after qualifying. My old practice had it...i left before starting my training, i'm pleased to say. Yes it costs a lot to train someone (wages while you're at college, college fees, wages of a assessor etc) BUT if they're a practice that looks after their staff and keeps staff happy, then surely people won't feel the need to leave as soon as they're qualified?! Some people may not agree with this, just my opinion!

I hope things work out ok for you, please don't give up, once you're qualified the world is your oyster...that's what i keep telling myself. Do what others suggest and keep an eye out for a 2nd year trainee, or maybe even apply to a place looking for a QVN, if they are a TP, you never know, they may be willing to take on a 2nd year x

Re: If you could turn back time

Tracy Windler RVN — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:32:19 GMT

Oh please don't give up! It will get easier if you are working without college as well and you have come so far. Most trainees say that getting the placement is the hardest thing.

But I'm pretty sure that they can't say you have to pay back your wages as well as your college fees if you leave when you qualify? You still worked for the money! I would check that one out, as it seems ludicrous!

If I felt low when I was training I would look through the vet times and look at all the different places in the country (and world!) where I could work once I was qualified. Stick at it, its well worth it and not all practices make you work 22 hour shifts! Maybe see if there are any practices looking for 2nd yr trainees and if they want you badly enough, maybe they will pay your fees? Or apply for a bursary from the BVNA. Thats how I paid for it. You don't have to work til you drop just to qualify!

Good luck x

Re: If you could turn back time

LoveCat — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:44:00 GMT

Given another chance I think I would do it all again as I love my job so much and there is nothing else I want to do. But I just really hope that I can pass the exam so that I'm not forced to quit!!

I know how hard it is and how bad you feel when things don't go right but just keep trying - I'm sure we'll get there! xxx

Re: If you could turn back time

Honeybadger — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:36:40 GMT

[quote user="albatross"]

well in hindsight I certainly wouldn't have taken the SVN place I had in the summer - the way it ended has damaged me so emotionally that I have put ideas of training on hold for a year, and also I lost out chances of other jobs so now I'm broke and desperately searching for any job at all.
I keep thinking about switching to the NHS but after the first interview I was offered this week being cancelled an hour before the time (ust as I was going out the door I worry about their integrity as well now.

Using a huge bit of hindsight - I wished I'd decided I wanted to be a vet nurse years ago, because lack of TP's, credit crunch and my old age means it's so much harder (for the last 3 1/2 years) to get a place.

I know many many students are treated like s**t at work and on minimum or less wage, but I sure wish I had that option......

if you can get through the second year and pass it will all be worth it as there's so many qualified jobs out there in all types of practices and all areas of the country.

However if it is making you ill, perhaps a hold on training while you get a place elsewhere and then wait for the new rules?
Good luck, you have my support.

[/quote]

Thank you for your support.

The problem is that I am contracted to stay at my job for 2 years after qualifying or I have to pay back all college fees and wages paid to me whilst I am at college (At least £5000!) so I am really stuck at the moment. I would never give up now as I struggled so hard to find a training position and I know how hard it is for people (including you) to get a place. it would seem selfish to give it up now!

I cant beleive they cancelled your interveiw an hour before!! I have thought about human nursing in the past but would you really want to work for someone who treats people in that way!?

Re: If you could turn back time

albatross — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:13:54 GMT

if you can get through the second year and pass it will all be worth it as there's so many qualified jobs out there in all types of practices and all areas of the country.

However if it is making you ill, perhaps a hold on training while you get a place elsewhere and then wait for the new rules?
Good luck, you have my support.

Re: If you could turn back time

Honeybadger — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:00:33 GMT

[quote user="Button"]

I wouldn't. I have quit. I'm glad I tried though as I've wanted to do this since I was little - didn't want to get old and start regretting having never tried.

Good luck. Try and stick it out as you've got so far

[/quote]

Thank you.

What was it about nursing that you didn't like? What are you doing now instead?

Re: If you could turn back time

Anonymous — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:43:29 GMT

I wouldn't. I have quit. I'm glad I tried though as I've wanted to do this since I was little - didn't want to get old and start regretting having never tried.

Good luck. Try and stick it out as you've got so far