May is Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, a whole month dedicated to raising awareness of the veterinary nursing profession and the vital role they play in animal care and treatment.
Sara Pratt is a Registered Veterinary Nurse here at Blythwood Vets and she kindly took time out to tell us about life as a vet nurse.
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How long have you been a Vet Nurse and what route did you follow to qualify?
I have been a Vet Nurse for 20 months and I have a Level 3 Diploma
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What attracted you to a career as a Veterinary Nurse?
I have always wanted a career with animals.
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What does your job as a veterinary nurse entail?
My job as a veterinary nurse entails supporting the vets, nursing care for the animals' pre- and post-surgery, monitoring anaesthetics, inpatient care and supporting the owners as well.
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What is the most rewarding thing about being a Vet Nurse?
The most rewarding thing about being a Vet Nurse is caring and investing in the care of an animal and seeing them go home with a happy owner.
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What kind of attributes do you need to be a good Vet Nurse?
Compassionate, caring, empathetic, organised, calm under pressure, and efficient.
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What advice would you give someone thinking about a career as a Vet Nurse?
It is a rewarding career, but it is very hard work and can be emotionally draining. It is not just cuddling puppies and kittens! It is a very varied day and you never know what is going to come through the door next!
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What are the best things about working at Blythwood?
The best thing about working at Blythwood are my colleagues.
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What would be your career highlight so far?
Qualifying as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
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Have you completed any additional training to support you in your role?
I am keeping up with my continuing professional development (CPD) courses and I am a clinical coach.
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What's the next step in your career pathway?
Getting my Student Vet Nurse to qualify. After that, I would like to do additional training but not sure what area of nursing that would be – I have always been interested in wound care.
