Veterinary nurses are an integral part of the veterinary team. A veterinary nurse's role includes providing expert nursing care for sick or injured animals and also educating owners on preventative health care.
As a veterinary nurse you will be trained to carry out certain diagnostic tests, medical procedures and minor surgical procedures (under the direction of a veterinary surgeon).
Nurses are trained and expected to work in all areas of the veterinary practice including reception duties, operating theatres, wards, laboratory and radiography.
So what is Veterinary Nursing REALLY like?
Veterinary nursing is a very rewarding career choice, however; it does come with a great deal of dedication. The hours can be unsociable, including nights, weekends and Bank Holidays. It is not always about working with "Cute, playful kittens" but more to do with the satisfaction you feel when you finally get the cat that hasn’t eaten for days to finally eat a piece of chicken! It is also a very varied career, you really don’t know what the day is going to be like at the start of a shift.
Nurses have to be aware that the job can be emotionally demanding as well as physical and that we are not only there because we like animals but also because we want to do what is best for them.
A typical day in practice:
Here at Milton Keynes Veterinary Group we currently have 10 qualified and registered veterinary nurses all performing different roles each day.
Laboratory Nurse: We are lucky to have a very well equipped on-site laboratory, the nurses are all trained to run blood samples and various other tests.
Reception Nurse : A nurse is always available to answer client queries or take advice calls.
Ward Nurses: There is always a nurse in each area of the kennels to ensure a high standard of care is maintained. Nurses are responsible for monitoring all inpatients, feeding, grooming, administering medications and liaising with owners.
Theatre Nurses: These nurses are there to look after patients during their procedure or surgery which is usually performed under general anaesthesia. They also assist the veterinary surgeons during procedures.
How become a Veterinary Nurse
You must be employed by a RCVS approved Training Practice or enrol on a recognised veterinary nursing degree course ( a list of universities or training practices can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk)
You must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language, Maths and Science or hold the Animal Nursing Assistant (ANA) or Veterinary Care Assistant (VCA) qualification with key skills level 2 in application of number and communication.
There are two routes into veterinary nursing, the most common being an NVQ level 2 and 3 qualification. Training is taken over a 2 year period, it incorporates day release at college and portfolio work in practice. Examination includes submission of a portfolio of evidence for each year, written examinations at the end of year 1 and 2 and practical examinations at the end of year 2.
A list of college providers can be found at the RCVS website also.
Alternatively you can now undertake a Veterinary Nursing Foundation or BSc honours degree. Training takes between 3 and 4 years depending on the course chosen.
At present we do not have any positions available for trainee nurses but if you require work experience then please send a letter for the attention of Deborah Holland RVN, I can then contact you to arrange an informal meeting
Veterinary nursing is a very rewarding career choice, however; it does come with a great deal of dedication. The hours can be unsociable, including nights, weekends and Bank Holidays. It is not always about working with "Cute, playful kittens" but more to do with the satisfaction you feel when you finally get the cat that hasn’t eaten for days to finally eat a piece of chicken! It is also a very varied career, you really don’t know what the day is going to be like at the start of a shift. 
Laboratory Nurse: We are lucky to have a very well equipped on-site laboratory, the nurses are all trained to run blood samples and various other tests.
Reception Nurse : A nurse is always available to answer client queries or take advice calls.
Ward Nurses: There is always a nurse in each area of the kennels to ensure a high standard of care is maintained. Nurses are responsible for monitoring all inpatients, feeding, grooming, administering medications and liaising with owners.
Theatre Nurses: These nurses are there to look after patients during their procedure or surgery which is usually performed under general anaesthesia. They also assist the veterinary surgeons during procedures.