How did you get your training post?

Re: How did you get your training post?

Stephanie Barnard-Horne RVN CertFN MBVNA — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 20:32:53 GMT

When I finally decided to make the switch from admin to vet nursing I started by having a really long look at my CV. I researched what the job required, looked at nursing job descriptions online and figured out what skills I needed to gain. This website helped immensely!

I had the customer service and reception skills required from all of my work in admin but needed more animal handling time so I wrote to a bunch of rescue shelters and vets asking if I could do some work experience. I didn't get many responses at first but perseverance paid off and in the end I found a few places willing to give me a couple weeks unpaid work. The fact that I am in my twenties and more mature than most work experience students helped. I even found some places internationally so it is also worth looking abroad if you want more experience and can fit it into a holiday. They often offer money towards your stay if you pay for your flights.

To add to my animal experience I took a few weekend and evening short courses in animal related topics that took my interest. Horse ownership, lambing, and veterinary admin. I also found a Vet Nursing Taster Course which was very helpful.

I continued to searched for TP's that were hiring. I used the list off of the RCVS website for all of the TP's in my area and searched the websites daily. After I found a few jobs I looked over the adverts and edited my CV.

The next important thing was working on the covering letter. I researched online again and found a few books at the library on covering letters and CV's. I emailed my draft to some friends to check for mistakes and get feedback. I also sent them my CV and sent out requests for references. It is good to ask for these well in advance so your refs can have plenty of time to write you something decent.

After that I sent off the apps and endured the wait. I didn't expect to even get an interview but I think the research I did to make sure my CV and covering letter made the right impression paid off. Out of seven applications I got one interview and a few replied to say the other positions had been filled.

For the tips on interview I asked questions on here. Went to my local job center to have a few practice interviews. I realize this is a bit excessive but I had not had an interview for 3 years so I wanted to make sure I knew what to expect. It ended up making me much more relaxed on the day and helped me be myself.

I also brought a portfolio of all of the work experience, courses and qualifications I had. This is a good thing to have when going for hands on jobs like this. It is not needed but it did seem to help. I could talk about something and then flip to a page with a picture talking about what I did. I helped me answer questions better.

Hope this helps. It is time consuming but actually kinda fun.

After a few long months of hard work I am now an SVN with Medivet and loving every minute of it.

Good Luck!

xxx

Steph

Re: How did you get your training post?

xXx Cat xXx — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 10:38:50 GMT

Im L2 student who at 32 recieves no goverment funding and I pay my own fees (my college is lucky enough to have some money to put towards my fees) all the other students in my class either have their practice pay for them (Im not the oldest in my class there is another student who is older but her practice pays her fees) or are funded and get their exams and registration paid for some even get money for books.

I travel 80mile round trip to get to my TP each day.

The advantage to all this for me is that im not tied to my TP when I qualify and can give a months notice so it opens up my placement for another student. (wont leave till secured another job)

hope that all makes sense

Tracy

xXx

Re: How did you get your training post?

Phrin Vernon RVN — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:02:34 GMT

[quote user="Polly Player SVN"]

I'm 32 and just got my training place. I think some places prefer older people for a lot of reasons.

[/quote]

I think so too. I recently returned to practice as a 29yr old L3 SVN, after a 4 year (ish) break. Granted my previous experience may have swayed them, but I have known a few VNs train as a second career, and I too had someone in their 40's in my L2 classes.

Unfortunatley now I am one of the oldest, if not THE oldest in my class at college! Bah!

Re: How did you get your training post?

Polly P — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:52:36 GMT

I'm 32 and just got my training place. I think some places prefer older people for a lot of reasons.

Re: How did you get your training post?

Claire Cameron — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:38:57 GMT

[quote user="Clare Singleton"]

[quote user="Angiy Michael"]I don't see you age as a bar to changing careers..lots of VN's come into the job as a second career and I have known several students in their forties . Lots of luck [/quote]

I'm glad to hear it as I'm keen to change careers at 29, but worried about managing on the salary with rent as it would be a pay cut but then at least I'd be following a dream!

[/quote]

A student in my class at college was in her late 30's. Infact I seem to recall throwing a party for her 40th when we were there

Re: How did you get your training post?

Clare Singleton — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:55:46 GMT

I'm glad to hear it as I'm keen to change careers at 29, but worried about managing on the salary with rent as it would be a pay cut but then at least I'd be following a dream!

Re: How did you get your training post?

Andrew Frazer — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:52:17 GMT

Also we have not been banned as you say for flooding Vetnurse.co.uk with jobs. However we have been asked not to contact nurses directly about vacancies we have like every other recruitment agency that is registered on here!

Andrew

Re: How did you get your training post?

Andrew Frazer — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 08:49:02 GMT

Hi Heather,

I believe you have been registered with us for 3 months and during that time we have approached you about 2 jobs. I did tell you at the time that my clients ideally wanted qualified nurses but in an effort to try and find you work I sent your CV off and both times they came back wanting a QVN which I then duly rang and informed you of.

I'm sorry that our efforts haven't found you any work so far but rest assured if I have any requirements for an un qualified locum nurse I will indeed keep you in mind!

Kind regards

Andrew

Re: How did you get your training post?

Angiy Michael — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:09:53 GMT

I was very lucky , twice. I did a Animal Science at uni and after a while of doing bar jobs etc., went to the job centre and asked for any animal based jobs within a 30 mile radius and a student nurse job came up, had a job interview the next day and started the week after. I did 6 onths there but the pay and hours were horrendous so left and moved back near family a few hundred miles away..was temping when a friend pointed out a job ad for a student nurse job and I applied and got that. I had to wait 2 years to do my training as they were over subscribed. Have been doing the job now for 12 years..leaving full-time vet nursing shortly to re-train as a human nurse. Def try getting some work experience first..it isn't the job most people think it is..I am not saying it can't be great, it can..just that the outsider's perception of it can be very differen't to the reality.. The RSPCA role that Nick sent through would be a good start ..some quieter practices may have much less hands on roles and can give a false perspective of what others may expect of a qualified nurse .

I don't see you age as a bar to changing careers..lots of VN's come into the job as a second career and I have known several students in their forties . Lots of luck

Re: How did you get your training post?

Alex Brotherston — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:49:02 GMT

Another very lucky one here!

After wasting my time doing A-Levels I sent a begging letter and CV to around 25 practices. Most didn't reply, and those that did were all 'no's'. Needing something else to do in the mean time I did a foundation degree in Animal Science for 2 years. When I'd almost finished that I did the letter thing again and received more 'no' letters, until one day, when in my tea break at my part time job as a cleaner, I got a phone call from one of the practice's offering me an interview! At the interview I was told I would have to work there for at least a year before starting my training - I was so happy to even be considered for the position that I would have said yes to just about anything they offered me!

I'm still at my practice nearly two years later, am part way through Level 2 and am absolutely loving it! The disappointment from begging first time round was definately worth it to be where I am now!

Keep trying and never give up - you'll get there in the end! Good luck!

Re: How did you get your training post?

Nikki Graef — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:02:16 GMT

I was another very lucky one, i wrote to around 50 TPs with a CV etc and got 2 offers of an interview, went to one interview and got the job so didnt even go to the second interview!!

Half the practices didnt reply to me either dispite me enclosing an SAE.

I didnt realise at the time just how lucky i was!

Re: How did you get your training post?

Doolally — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:38:07 GMT

I tried for about 18months to get a training place, then did the foundation degree in veterinary nursing. I'm so glad i did otherwise i'd probably still be trying to find a TP place!(and i loved loved loved the degree)

Re: How did you get your training post?

PHA86 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:49:47 GMT

I had done about 6 months of volunteering with exotics, when I say 'exotics' I mean mainly elephants, alongside my snore-worthy office job. I then managed to get a job where I assisted consulting vets with vaccinations/worming/post operative checks, routine stuff. After 12 months was asked to help in theatre alongside studying for my ANA. Trusting I pass this summer, I have to stay with my clinic for 12 months. Then, well, pray someone will pay for me to go to college!

Re: How did you get your training post?

Polly P — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:24:36 GMT

Ah. Ok, thanks for the heads up. They do seem to have a specific training position in a particular vet practice going though... But I am not expecting anything, but no harm putting in my cv!

Re: How did you get your training post?

albatross — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:51:43 GMT

[quote user="Polly Player"]

Also someone from Thinkvets (which I think is a vet recruitment agency only) has asked for my cv relating to some roles they are dealing with that are on the other side of London to me, but a lot closer than a lot of roles I would have also gone for.

[/quote]

been registered with them for ages - they ring up with a great sounding job - then nothing ever comes of it. They tend to want qualifieds for positions they have on their books.....four times I've chased them since they flooded this site with adverts wanting people to sign up (and they got banned for it!). They too asked for CV, said my details sounded great, had just the jobs for me then..... nowt

Re: How did you get your training post?

Polly P — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:14:49 GMT

I have done, thank you.

Re: How did you get your training post?

littlehays — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:55:18 GMT

damn right looks a cracking position!

Re: How did you get your training post?

Nick Shackleton — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:01:17 GMT

Look at that job I posted would suit someone looking to get a foot in the door!

Re: How did you get your training post?

Polly P — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:58:17 GMT

Thanks for all your replies everyone. I am 31 now without any other driving ambitions so I am going to pursue getting a foot in the door for at least a year in an attempt to get a starting role, before having a re- think if I haven't gotten anywhere by then!

Re: How did you get your training post?

loopylou711 — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:26:58 GMT

i'd say go or it then i would say don't. Not worth the headache or heart ache whn you realise it probably will never happen.

Re: How did you get your training post?

Nick Shackleton — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:25:01 GMT

just seen from your profile your in London!

Check this out, althou not training position might get your foot in the door!!!!!

http://www.vetnurse.co.uk/forums/t/6858.aspx

Re: How did you get your training post?

Polly P — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:20:41 GMT

Eek. Thats not good!

I am going to spam all of the vets within about 50 miles of me and ask any that reply even to say 'no' if they would consider letting me work for free!

Re: How did you get your training post?

albatross — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:27:47 GMT

I first started looking for adverts in 2004, then went to college to do an HND in Animal Management which I completed with Distinction in 2006.
In April 2006 I started applying by CV to all TP's in the county, applied for any advert I saw online or in newspapers and never got an interview (and still haven't in my own county!!)

I then started applying for jobs anywhere in the country and got several interviews, finally gaining a TP place 160 miles from home (and having to rent a room and live away from home most of the week), but the job ended after 3 months due to their lack of money....

Concurrently I have worked in a charity vet practice for 3 1/2 years, also one year as night auxilliary in a TP.....

and have just about given up trying ....

as some have said, it's right place right time, or even who you know (at one place several trainees could not believe it was difficutl to get a place as they either used the practice or their mum knew the vet etc etc and that's how they got the place).

Age is against me, and although I thought initially that people with years of experience couldn't get jobs (like licklesal above), maybe a lot of places like inexperienced as you don't come with bad habits (or in some cases more knowledge than others....)

so I'm now off to the NHS with my dream career in tatters because I can't get a TP place - and the new rules when/if confirmed probably won't help us oldies...

good luck.....

Re: How did you get your training post?

Sally Seddon — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:55:07 GMT

im still looking for my trainee position 10 years later

Re: How did you get your training post?

Vicky RVN — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:50:06 GMT

I didn't pay...my mums office did