ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

Re: ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

Sally Seddon — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:00:07 GMT

[quote user="Lori-Jade Fadden"]

ALways surprised about how in-depth it is. Was convinced it would be quite elementary!

[/quote]

i was suprised too. some of the nurses i work with said that alot of what i was learning was first year stuff from when they qualified , they did qualifiy years ago tho so no doubt its all changed now. Good luck hun, keep going at it because its defo worth it

Re: ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

Lori-Jade Fadden — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 08:49:17 GMT

Thanks all for your help! I was just feeling a bit despondent yesterday as I don't appear to be getting anywhere fast where I am, but I think if I really apply myself I can get it done......and as you say, it's very good grounding for the VN training. ALways surprised about how in-depth it is. Was convinced it would be quite elementary!

Re: ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

PHA86 — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 20:02:14 GMT

I was in a similar situation last year. I was offered the ANA course by my employer but felt a bit 'fobbed off' as I wanted to go straight into nursing (seeing as I wasn't a fresh school leaver). However, I did it, it was fairly interesting and it flew by. As it turns out my employer are now sending me on the the VN training in September (which I didn't find out until last week) but I had interest from other practices with student VN places following my results, so I would say 'ja', go for it!

Re: ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

jodieandrews — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:08:43 GMT

I was also 28 when I got my first job in a veterinary practice. My G.C.S.E results were good enough but my boss still wanted me to do the ANA first. I wasn't keen but am so glad I did it! I did it in a year with one day a week at Hartpury college in glos. It really helped me learn the ropes of what i was being asked to do at work and is now invaluble for my VN training. I have just finished Level2 nursing. My boss wanted me to do the ANA as a way of being sure that nursing was suitable for me before paying out on the VN training for me. It also helped me get back into the whole studying thing as it was a long time since I had been at school or college. I would stick it out if I were you, get the ANA and experience working at your practice, but also be on the look out for a TP place to move straight on to.

Re: ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

Sally Seddon — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:04:29 GMT

I've done my ANA and felt it was totally worth it. I've got my gcses so didn't need to do it but just really wanted to get back into studying after 10 years since doing my exams at school. I think its totally worthwhile, its given me a great base of knowlege for when I start my training. I did mine voa sjs training.

Re: ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

Nicola Russell — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:01:47 GMT

Still the same problem of finding a position in practice. I've arranged a week at a vets next week so hoping something might come of that. I've done a home learning course for veterinary nurse assistant but since found that is worthless.

Re: ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

Jennifer Seymour — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:59:09 GMT

Warwickshire College do the ANA via Distance Learning.

Open to those in full time employment in veterinary practice

Contact: jseymour@warkscol.ac.uk

Re: ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

Maisy — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:47:37 GMT

[quote user="Nicola Russell"]

Where can I find info on the distance learning course, what company/college does it?

[/quote]

I think there are a few now that do it though I did mine with Myerscough. They sent out work books to complete and return to the tutor for marking as well as mock exam papers nearer the exams. SJS Training also do distance learning ANA course too.

Re: ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

Nicola Russell — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:44:47 GMT

[quote user="Maisy"]

I did the ANA as well and would definitely recommend it. Its more than helpful at giving you a good grounding for your VN training, and if you don't do the VN course you still have a useful qualification which IMO is essential if you want to stay in practice.

I did mine via distance learning and it does take a lot of self commitment to getting study done especially when working full time and having a life out of practice but is worth it in the end

[/quote]

Where can I find info on the distance learning course, what company/college does it?

Re: ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

Maisy — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:39:20 GMT

I did mine via distance learning and it does take a lot of self commitment to getting study done especially when working full time and having a life out of practice but is worth it in the end

Re: ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

Yvette Patton RVN MBVNA — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:36:15 GMT

I did the ANA course when I first started in practice and really enjoyed it, I came to Vet nursing late on (although it is always what I wanted to do, but couldn't find a practice to take me on, the usual story!). I had to do one year in house training, then my ANA before I could go on to do my nurse training, but as I was 35 when I started, I hadn't done any studying for YEARS! For me it was great as it eased me back into studying so when I did start my nursing it wasn't too much of a shock. Finally qualified when I was 39! So never too old to learn.

Re: ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

Lori-Jade Fadden — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:13:35 GMT

No, that's fair enough.

I do enjoy it (when I have a chance to touch it, which is not often!!!!!), but for me, the time factor is weighing on my mind somewhat. It's taken me 28 years to work out what I really want to do, and I just feel time is of the essence. I guess you're never too old to take on any challenge, but I would rather be qualified sooner rather than later.

Re: ANA Qualification - Worthwhile?

S-J — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:00:01 GMT

personally i like the course, i havent done it myself but i have 2 students and we have just got thier portfolios in for the marking deadline. both of my students have been out of school for a while and to be honest they didnt pay much attention while they were there. but i feel that the course has eased them back into accademic work without the pressure of going straight into nursing and the base knowlage they gain far out ways the speed in which they wouldget to thier nursing.

i like it but thats just me