Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

Connie Kolbohm — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:02:41 GMT

How did you qualify as a veterinary nurse? (E.g. NVQ, foundation/BSc (Hons) degree or any other qualification)

I am now in my 3rd year of an Bsc (HONS) Veterinary Nursing Science Degree at Hartpury College.

How did you find it? Was it worthwile? Would you recommend it to others?

It is a difficult course and you really need to be committed and motivated otherwise you will not do less. Some of the modules where very interesting but depending on what your interested in, some of them where very boring and not really specific. It is worthwhile if you want to go to uni and meet new people. It is also worthwhile beacuse there was some really interesting subject that I learned about exotic species and zoo animals but again it depends on what your unto. On the other hand, I am in a huge amount of debt and I have moved from Ireland to England to do this degree and beacuse of this I have found it really difficult to get a placement at home and I haven't had a lot of support to help me get a placement at home. However another University could be better.

If you had the option, would you have chosen a different route? Why?

At the minute I would say yes because I personally am sick of university and I am in so much debt.

Do you think the route chosen has a big affect on getting a job once qualified?

I can't answer this because I'm not qualified but if anything....I think getting a placement is more difficult because a number of practices refuse to take on degree students.

I hope this helps.

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

midget_d — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:00:50 GMT

How did you qualify as a veterinary nurse? (E.g. NVQ, foundation/BSc (Hons) degree or any other qualification)

I took the BSc (Hons) degree route, but did the NVQ2/3 training alongside it.

How did you find it? Was it worthwile? Would you recommend it to others?

It was extremely difficult and included loads of course work- lectures, tutorials, essays, university exams (written and practical), dissertation, portfolio, placement and NVQ exams. Although hard work, it was a worthwhile route as it trained me to multi-task, as we had full-time placement and university modules at the same time. I would definately recomment this route to others...but only those willing to work hard.

I have heard that some people think degree vns lack practical experience. But during my four years at university we had practical classes and placement almost every term, plus at least three months placement during the summer. I found that we did more hours in practice than the local NVQ courses, but this may just have been my course.

If you had the option, would you have chosen a different route? Why?

No, I was accepted to do the NVQ2/3 route at college, but picked the degree route. Maybe I was a snob, but I felt that a BSc (Hons) would set me up for life after veterinary nursing, and a more indepth training, as we studied aspects of veterinary nursing in more detail than the NVQ route.

Do you think the route chosen has a big affect on getting a job once qualified?

No, I don't believe that one qualification is better than another when it comes to recruitment. Although, I've heard of some practices thinking degree vns don't have the same practical experience. which is a very old-fashioned belief. In my opinion, it's down to the nurse. Everyone did the same basic training for portfolio and NVQ exams.

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

Anonymous — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:15:53 GMT

How did you qualify as a veterinary nurse? (E.g. NVQ, foundation/BSc (Hons) degree or any other qualification)

NVQ

How did you find it? Was it worthwile? Would you recommend it to others?

Alot of work especially on top of a full time week, portfolio was very repetative, would recommend it to others but only if they were serious about becoming a veterinary nurse

If you had the option, would you have chosen a different route? Why?

No, I enjoyed working while I was learning, I felt like when I learnt something at college I was able to apply it at work and felt like my skills were being used. I aslo really enjoyed being able to have so much hands on experience. Having a regular wage ment that I didnt get uni debts either.

Do you think the route chosen has a big affect on getting a job once qualified?

I personally have noticed that it does have a first impression type effect, if we get 2 CVs one NVQ and one uni then NVQ seems to get more interest that uni CV. I have also heard my employer say that she thinks nvq nurses are more experienced therefore improved skills however it has never been an issue when interviewing they both uni and nvq had a fair chance and the uni nurse did prove her opinion on skills wrong as she was great.

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

abi Mahon — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 21:52:46 GMT

hey,

I qualified from harper adams with a Bsc Hons in Veterinary Nursing and Practice management.

The course took 4 years, and eventhough I definately wouldnt change he whole uni experiance, I think there wasnt really enough actually practical stuff - I only did 75 weeks in practice by the time I was qualified and the nurses that have done day release at college have So much more experiance and confidence to actually do the job! Yes Imay have more indepth knowlege - but thats not actually that practicle when it comes to doing the job! I would however recommend it to others. Going to uni is fab, and having th PM part of the degree means that you really get to know all aspects of a practice business. Plus if I dont want to nurse forever I have a degree in Pratice management too.

Having a degree doesnt make you more or less employable. Maybe a little less if anything as you dont have so much experiance. However if vet nursing goes down the same route as human nursing, with senior nurses being able to dx and prescribe then I think having a degree will put me at a real advantage-at least I hope so!

Hope this helps, good luck with your degree - I really wouldnt change mine for anything. it was the best 4 years.

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

Debbie Summers — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:19:38 GMT

Hi sofehh,

How did you qualify as a veterinary nurse? (E.g. NVQ, foundation/BSc (Hons) degree or any other qualification)

Like ginny, I am green book trained with the original RCVS VN qualification. I did 6 months in my training practice before I started my theory training, which I did by correspondence course. I have to say I have strongly dissuaded other people from studying in this way, as I had minimal support and no time allowed for studying during my prelim year. I was pretty insistent that for the final year I had half a day a week to study, but still had to do full time plus hours including on call & weekends (hospital status practice). Practical skills wise it was very hard - we only had a T-piece and a 'to & fro' (!!!!), so when it came to putting anaes circuits together I was stumped!!!! Despite all this, I still passed both prelims & finals first time, so I suppose it must have worked for me!

How did you find it? Was it worthwile? Would you recommend it to others?

No (see above), I wouldn't recommend. I believe a student needs 'teaching' - someone to talk things through with, and to go over those elements you do not understand. Listening to hours of monotonous voice over on tape, does not equate to be taught a subject, and most often I fell asleep!!

If you had the option, would you have chosen a different route? Why?

Now, I would probably opt for blocks of study, though I do believe it is what suits the individual.

Do you think the route chosen has a big affect on getting a job once qualified?

Continued in training clinic once qualified, but only for another 6 months!!

Debbie

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

staceyvn — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:05:41 GMT

i qualified via nvq route, the amount of satifsfaction you get from a course (and therefore your career) depends on how much work you put in, iv worked with some nurses who once have the badge then dont feel the need to push forward and gain more knowledge - i found the nvq most enjoyable and worthwhile.

The degree route iv found has a plus in that you gain a degree, however i have worked with nurses doing the degree and they can lack practical skills and a lack of experience when it comes to day to day practice - but im sure if you were to "see practice" when you are not at uni then you should manage to gain some practical experience. i would say myself i would take a nvq newly qualified over a degree nurse just for this reason, but there are exceptions in every situation.

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

sofehh — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:21:20 GMT

Thankyou for the help everybody!!!

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

ginny — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:58:17 GMT

Sorry I'm not computer friendly enough to write it out like the others!

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

ginny — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:25:04 GMT

Q1, I'm green book trained. Had required o levels to train - no pre VN then.

Q2 It was hard work., we worked a 42 hour week plus weekends. I started paid work (not placement - you applied for a job as a trainee not a training placement) at a charity hospital in Victoria and worked there for 9mths before starting college - paid for by the charity. I commuted to Victoria from North Kent. We did half day release at a college in Kings Cross for prelim then evening class for final. Travelling across London in the evening is not fun. On the way home i had to get from Kings Cross to Charing Cross to Kent. Our HVN and 2 Head Vets were very strict and kept our practical books, not signing them off til they had seen us do the task over and over and were competent. The 2 vets were very training friendly and gave up lots of their own time to go through stuff. We made our own skeleton with a dead cat, with one of the vets painstakingly going through every bone and muscle. We couldn't have had better training. I'm hoping the new one line log will give the trainers time to train in a similar way rather than just doing paperwork which as an assessor i seem to do a lot of now!

Q3 There wasn't another route. I think the portfolio might have been a good revision tool for me but have to say i really resent this theory that all people did with green books was block sign - didn't happen with any of us.

Q4 No - because then there wasn't another route. I now have a DipAVN and have joined the VN register, i think these and the places i've worked and experience i have will have more effect.

Hope this is ok

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

Nick Shackleton — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:48:58 GMT

How did you qualify as a veterinary nurse? (E.g. NVQ, foundation/BSc (Hons) degree or any other qualification)

I did Pre-VN followed by NVQ. I did day release once a week for three years (inc Pre-VN)

How did you find it? Was it worthwile? Would you recommend it to others?

Definitely think it's good to combine the theory and the practical side of work like. It was hard at first. Had recently left home living in practice accom. with a guy from hell. But got through it in the end.

If you had the option, would you have chosen a different route? Why?

Maybe I would of gone down the degree route, who knows. Think there are more options out there for those who have a degree. Althou the NVQ is recognised outside of veterinary nursing (now working for he NHS)

Do you think the route chosen has a big affect on getting a job once qualified?

I had a job as part of my course, so didn't need to try and find a job once qualified.

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

Kim Buckley — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:34:16 GMT

I would just like to add that we had about half the people on my degree leave over the years to do the nvq instead so it really isn't for everyone.

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

Sandra Taylor RVN, MBVNA — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:30:16 GMT

[quote user="sofehh"]

Hi, im studying animal management and going onto a degree course in vet nursing in september! Im doing this investigative project on the best pathway into veterinary nursing and im asking QVN's to answer some questions to really help me with it. The questions are:

How did you qualify as a veterinary nurse? (E.g. NVQ, foundation/BSc (Hons) degree or any other qualification)

I qualified through the NVQ route doing block release at college every few months.

How did you find it? Was it worthwile? Would you recommend it to others?

It was good, but hard work, as I had a small family at the time, so studying and working full time and bringing up a family was a challenge,but it was well worth it. Definitely recommend it.

If you had the option, would you have chosen a different route? Why?

I dont think so, the NVQ suited me and my circumstances at the time, ie I needed a job to support my family. I think the degree route would not have suited me at that time., plus I enjoyed the practical side of things. Maybe now I might have chosen a different route, as I am in a different situation now, as my family are grown up, but I think I would just want to get stuck in, and not spend too much time in class.

Do you think the route chosen has a big affect on getting a job once qualified?

No I already had a job, and have been able to get locum work no problems. I am now back working full time in practice and studying for my diploma.

Please fill this out!!!!!!

Thanks!

[/quote]

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

S-J — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:29:21 GMT

[quote user="sofehh"]

How did you qualify as a veterinary nurse? (E.g. NVQ, foundation/BSc (Hons) degree or any other qualification)

i qualified through Bsc (Hons) while doing the nvq alongside it

How did you find it? Was it worthwile? Would you recommend it to others?

i enjoyed it, it was definatly a lot of hard work but i still got to experiance the fun of uni while still studying what i wanted. i would recomend it if only because you can incorparate business management, equine therapy, complementary therapy which ever you are interested in.

If you had the option, would you have chosen a different route? Why?

no i wouldnt have chosen a different route because despite the long hours and hard work it was fun (well most of it). though now that im helping the students i really like the ana route it gives a really good simple groundwork

Do you think the route chosen has a big affect on getting a job once qualified?

it hasnt really affected me but because i worked for my training practice for 15mth they did offer me a job before i had finished uni or qualified fully

Please fill this out!!!!!!

Thanks!

[/quote]

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

louise170388 — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:16:01 GMT

How did you qualify as a veterinary nurse? (E.g. NVQ, foundation/BSc (Hons) degree or any other qualification)

NVQ Working at a sa practice and spending one day a week at college

How did you find it? Was it worthwile? Would you recommend it to others?

I enjoyed it and getting paid while i was training was bonus

If you had the option, would you have chosen a different route? Why?

No :)

Do you think the route chosen has a big affect on getting a job once qualified?

No I don't think it matters once you have qualified :)

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

Fuzzyduck — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:14:32 GMT

[quote user="sofehh"]

How did you qualify as a veterinary nurse? (E.g. NVQ, foundation/BSc (Hons) degree or any other qualification)

I did the NVQ3 weekly day release at college

How did you find it? Was it worthwile? Would you recommend it to others?

I loved it, really enjoying going to college and learning on the job. I never wanted to go to uni, it was great to go straight from school in to a paying job where i still got a qualification at the end of it

If you had the option, would you have chosen a different route? Why?

No, uni was never something i wanted to do, i hated school and studying. Learning on the job and meeting new friends was a fantastic option for me. No regrets :)

Do you think the route chosen has a big affect on getting a job once qualified?

I have never had a problem getting a job since qualifying, once your qualified im not sure it matters how you got there. there is always a practice who needs a nurse.

Please fill this out!!!!!!

Thanks!

[/quote]

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

Claire Cameron — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:00:32 GMT

[quote user="sofehh"]

How did you qualify as a veterinary nurse? (E.g. NVQ, foundation/BSc (Hons) degree or any other qualification)

[/quote]

NVQ Block release route via Myerscough College

[quote user="sofehh"]How did you find it? Was it worthwile? Would you recommend it to others?[/quote]

I loved it, block release really worked for me, being away from all distractions at home and work. My lecturers were brilliant. I would definitely recommend this route. I also found that working in practice whilst studying provided me with priceless practical experience.[quote user="sofehh"]If you had the option, would you have chosen a different route? Why?[/quote]

No, If I could do it all again, I'd still go via the route I chose

[quote user="sofehh"]Do you think the route chosen has a big affect on getting a job once qualified?[/quote]

I personally think so, the degree vs NVQ argument is an old one. Both systems have their merits but for me, having worked and studied I had experience, particularly over the degree students we had in for placement, but they aren't a fair cross section of the whole degree system. I've worked with some brilliant degree nurses and some equally 'un-brilliant' NVQ.

But personally for me, NVQ was the perfect route for me

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

sofehh — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:34:28 GMT

That does help alot, thankyou !! :)

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

Laura Wills RVN — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:31:26 GMT

How did you qualify as a veterinary nurse? I qualified with Fdsc

How did you find it? Was it worthwile? Would you recommend it to others? It was hard work with portfolio and exams, but worth it. It was worthwhile as got to uni as made me a stronger person being away from family. I would recommend it to others, just have to the committment to the course.

If you had the option, would you have chosen a different route? Why? No wouldnt change route as wanted to go to uni and im able to go travelling with my degree.

Do you think the route chosen has a big affect on getting a job once qualified? No, i was able to find a job very quickly coming out of uni, and it didnt matter whether a had a NVQ or degree. They want a veterinary nurse.

Hope that helps :)

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

sofehh — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:20:37 GMT

Thanks!!!

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

Kay Eminson — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:13:38 GMT

How did you qualify as a veterinary nurse? FdSc + NVQ, now on BSc top up year

How did you find it? Was it worthwile? Would you recommend it to others? So far the work load has been okay, finding a practice was the initial problem but luckily got one, have yet to finish the BSc so cannot comment on how worthwhile it was, I believe it will be as it will allow me to branch into different places. I would recommend it for anyone who has the time and commitment.

If you had the option, would you have chosen a different route? Why? Would never of chosen a different route, going to uni has meant I have moved away from family and know how to fight for myself!

Do you think the route chosen has a big affect on getting a job once qualified? Depends on the job, I have worked in practice non stop during my degree whereas some students at other uni's are only in block placement, I'm fortunate enough to use my skills three days a week whereas some degree nurses havent done that so hopefully that will not go against me for future position. I don't like to compare NVQ vs Degree too much, only advantage is I have business management attached to my degree

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

sofehh — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:10:42 GMT

Thankyou!!!!

Re: Veterinary Nursing Questions-Please Help!!!!

Kim Buckley — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:05:38 GMT

[quote user="sofehh"]

How did you qualify as a veterinary nurse? (E.g. NVQ, foundation/BSc (Hons) degree or any other qualification)

I did the BSc (Hons) degree purely because I wanted to go to uni.

How did you find it? Was it worthwile? Would you recommend it to others?

I enjoyed it but it was a lot of work. Had to do portfolio (although this has probably changed), practical exams, written exams, essays and dissertation. Some of the subjects we covered were interesting but I don't think essential and I would only recommend it if you are prepared for all the work. You also come out with a rather large student loan!

If you had the option, would you have chosen a different route? Why?

I wouldn't because I wanted to do a degree and I found it a good experience.

Do you think the route chosen has a big affect on getting a job once qualified?

Nope. If anything I have heard a lot of negative things directed at degree nurses saying that they aren't as practical as they aren't in practice full time. I was lucky enough to get a full time job in my holidays from uni in a practice so feel that I don't have this problem.

Good luck!

Please fill this out!!!!!!

Thanks!

[/quote]