A Day In The LIfe Of A Student Veterinary Nurse

Recently, it was Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, a yearly celebration in recognition of the skills and value registered veterinary nurses bring to animal health and welfare. Below I share with you a typical day in the life of a student veterinary nurse working in a practice. It’s worth mentioned that ’typical’ doesn’t really exist though!

Each day in the veterinary practice throws up a number of unique cases and you’re always learning something new. I myself am undertaking a Level 3 Veterinary Nursing apprenticeship. This involves 2 days a week at college and the rest of the week is spent working in practice. A day at work could go something like this - 8:30am – Arrive at work and tend to any inpatients which have stayed in overnight. This includes taking them out and administering any medications. We begin to set up for the day as well as help to admit patient’s who are coming in for surgeries. 9:00am – Morning consultations begin, nurses can assist vets in their appointments by, for example, holding patients or running blood or urine tests. During this time, we also prepare for the upcoming surgeries and procedures of the day. 11:00 – By 11am the day’s surgeries have begun. These can range from routine procedures such as neutering and dentals to lumpectomies or orthopaedic operations. A big part of nursing is the monitoring of anaesthesia during these procedures as well as the patient’s recovery afterwards. Any other procedures can also be carried out at this time such as X-rays, ultrasound scans or Laboratory diagnostics which nurses can play a big part in. 13:00 – Once all animals are comfortable and settled we are able to get some dinner. 14:00 – After a bit of time to relax and recharge it is back to work to clean up after a busy morning – a significant part of nursing is the cleaning! Afternoon consults have also begun so we are at hand if the vets need us. Later in the afternoon we discharge any patients who have undergone procedures. As students, we also try and find time to regularly log our practical skills. This is done by uploading evidence onto an online portfolio. We are assigned a clinical coach within practice who helps keep us on track and monitors our progress. It is often a challenge to juggle studying for exams, maintaining our portfolio and working in a busy vet practice, however, our role

A DAY IN THE LIFE AS A STUDENT VETERINARY NURSE

Ella Smith Student Veterinary Nurse

of BECK VETS

at work offers us the best learning environment we could hope for. 18:30 – Practice closes for the day and the phones are switched over to emergencies only. The last bits of cleaning and sorting are to be done to be all ready for the next day. 19:00 – Home time! It is important to be aware of how much of a vital and versatile member of the veterinary team nurses are (even students!) and this month gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate it. Starting out in a busy practice is a daunting prospect for student nurses but definitely a rewarding one. It takes a lot of perseverance and support but over time we develop a wide collection of skills and are proud to care for the pets of our local area!

For any help or advice with your pet please do not hesitate to give us a call on 01947 820333 and remember we are available 24/7 for any pet emergencies.

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