The Many Hats of a Veterinary Nurse
Becoming a veterinary nurse always appealed to me due to the variety of work it entails. Having worked alongside veterinary surgeons for most of my career, I have never been tempted to become an MRCVS rather the RVN that I am. As an RVN you're able to be part of many different aspects within a practice, compared to other veterinary roles.
RVNs are the backbone of clinical settings, fulfilling numerous roles that showcase our diverse skill sets. Patient care, of course, is the cornerstone of every RVN's responsibility. This includes tasks like:
- Comprehensive care: administering medication, monitoring vitals, wound management, feeding, walking, and general husbandry.
- Advanced procedures: physiotherapy, IV catheter care, feeding tube and urinary catheter management, fluid therapy.
- Treatment implementation: following prescribed treatment plans.
But our expertise extends far beyond traditional patient care. We wear many hats:
- Anaesthesia: Monitoring patients under general anaesthesia.
- Surgical Support: Assisting with surgeries and performing specific procedures under veterinary guidance.
- Diagnostic Imaging: Taking x-rays to aid in veterinary diagnoses.
- Laboratory Specialists: Drawing blood samples and running diagnostic tests.
- Client Communication: Answering phone calls, addressing client queries, and acting as the practice's "front line."
- Consultations: Conducting routine consultations within our scope of practice.
- Nutritional Guidance: Assisting clients in choosing the right diet for their pets.
- Behavioural Support: Providing basic pet training advice, with some RVNs specialising in this area.
- Clinical Mentorship: Guiding student veterinary nurses towards their qualifications.
- Hygiene and Upkeep: Maintaining the cleanliness and general operation of the practice is a shared responsibility.
- Patient Advocacy: As pets can't speak for themselves, we rely on owners' communication. However, sometimes emotions can cloud judgement. Here, the most crucial role of an RVN emerges: becoming the patient's voice. We strive to provide objective assessments and advocate for the most appropriate treatment, even if it differs from the owner's initial expectations.
Being an RVN is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding vocation. The variety, the challenges, and the opportunity to truly make a difference in animal lives make it a profession worth cherishing.
How to Become a Veterinary Nurse
Working with animals requires care and compassion and as a veterinary nurse you'll be able to contribute to animals well-being. In the UK, qualifying requires an accredited course. The most common option is the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, offered at colleges. This vocational program takes two years full-time and combines classroom learning with practical placements in veterinary practices.
To practice legally and use the title "Registered Veterinary Nurse" (RVN), you must be enrolled with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) https://www.rcvs.org.uk/home/. This involves meeting their entry requirements and successfully completing the course and practical assessments.
Beyond the technical skills, success as a veterinary nurse hinges on your soft skills. Compassion for animals and their owners is paramount. You'll also need excellent communication to build trust with clients, explain procedures, and handle sensitive situations. Teamwork is vital as you'll collaborate with vets, veterinary care assistants, and other staff.
For more information, explore the resources offered by the RCVS https://www.rcvs.org.uk/lifelong-learning/students/veterinary-nursing-students/ and the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) https://bvna.org.uk/. With dedication and the right skills, you can turn your love for animals into a fulfilling career as a veterinary nurse.
Beyond the Practice: The Wider Veterinary World
While directly caring for animals is undeniably fulfilling, the veterinary world offers a diverse landscape of opportunities. After qualifying in 1988, I spent years in clinical practice, gaining invaluable experience. In 2017, I embarked on a new chapter by joining Millpledge Veterinary. Here, my passion for animal well-being continues, albeit in a different way. Now, I support both animals and veterinary staff indirectly by providing expert advice on how Millpledge products can enhance patient care within their practices.
Here, we explore three exciting paths for veterinary nurses (RVNs) seeking to leverage their expertise in new and impactful ways:
- Patient Research: Pharmaceutical companies developing life-saving medications for animals actively seek RVNs with their in-depth clinical knowledge. In a research role, you'd contribute to vital research trials. Your expertise ensures animal welfare and accurate data collection, ultimately leading to better treatments for future patients.
- Education and Training: Your passion for animal care can ignite the future of veterinary medicine. Veterinary schools and training programmes highly value RVNs with their practical experience. As a mentor or instructor, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of veterinary nurses and doctors.
- Industry Support Specialists: Veterinary suppliers such as Millpledge, rely on RVNs' understanding of clinical procedures to develop and promote innovative tools. In a sales or support role, you could train veterinary practices on using new equipment, ensuring its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. This ultimately improves the quality of care animals receive across the board.
Making a difference: The Veterinary Nurse Superpower
Over my 34-year career, I've witnessed countless examples of how a veterinary practice thrives not just on facilities and equipment, but on the collective skill and teamwork of its staff. One memory stands out, filled with pride for both the patient's recovery and the incredible support I received from my colleagues.
It happened during my time with an out-of-hours provider, taking over a host practice at night, at weekends, and on holidays. As usual, I arrived at the end of their day to begin my overnight shift. Entering the prep room, I found a crowd gathered around an examination table. There, on a warm towel, lay a tiny, motionless kitten, surrounded by the team attempting resuscitation.
The veterinary surgeon spotted me and called me over. He explained they'd just performed a C-section, but this lone kitten got stuck in the birth canal. While the mother, still in surgery, was fine, the kitten wasn't responding. He asked if I'd be willing to intervene, and without hesitation, I agreed.
My experience in emergency and critical care (ECC) came in handy. Thankfully, with some techniques I knew, I managed to revive the kitten. Moments later, after those crucial first breaths and a strong heartbeat, the once-lifeless creature began yowling for food! Cheers erupted all around.
The vet, particularly pleased because the queen was a "very fancy breed" (the exact breed, he didn't say!), happily informed the owner of their good news. Though I didn't interact with the owner directly, I could hear the conversation going well.
A few weeks later, upon arriving for another shift, I was greeted with an open box of chocolates and a request to indulge before they vanished (not something I'd ever refuse!). But that wasn't all. Along with the delightful treats was a heartwarming card expressing the owner's immense gratitude to the entire team for saving both mother and kitten. How touching!
There was also a photo of the kitten, much larger now (and cleaner!) enjoying life and starting to explore. One of the nurses told me to turn the photo over.
On the back, it said, “ Introducing ( pedigree name), also known as Angelina, after the nurse who saved her life!”
This experience perfectly captures the essence of teamwork in veterinary practice. The collaboration between the daytime staff and the out-of-hours team, combined with my skills honed through ECC, all played a crucial role in this happy ending. And of course, the heartwarming gesture from the grateful owner added the perfect finishing touch.
Get Involved
Veterinary nurses are the backbone of animal care, providing vital support to vets and ensuring the well-being of our furry (and feathery, and scaly!) friends. VNAM is a chance to recognise their dedication and the important role they play in animal health.
So how can you get involved? Head over to the BVNA website https://bvna.org.uk/ to discover a range of exciting ways to participate:
- Spread the word! Share stories and photos on social media using the hashtag #VNAM2024. Let's show the amazing work veterinary nurses do!
- Thank a veterinary nurse! They dedicate themselves to animal care, so a simple "thank you" can make their day.
- Learn more! The BVNA website offers resources about the veterinary nursing profession.
Together, let's celebrate Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month and show our appreciation for the incredible veterinary nurses who care for our beloved animals.
