Beth Lee, RVN
Veterinary nurses (VNs) and veterinary technicians (VTs) are professionals and key elements of the veterinary team. VNs/VTs are trained to work with a variety of species but commonly choose to work with specifics, such as small animals, exotics or horses. Depending on which species you work with, duties of the role can vary but the over-arching goal is to care for animals and their owners, whilst prioritising and promoting welfare.
Being a VN/VT is exciting, challenging, sometimes sad and often tiring, but above all, rewarding. No two days are the same, and although there are drawbacks, there are plenty of benefits which ease any pressure we face in carrying out this role.
Being a VN/VT is like a box of chocolates…
Every day is different! The role of the VN/VT is really varied, as you never know what will walk through the door. A routine appointment can become a complex case, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, you’re surprised, but educated, by something new.
It takes years of training to qualify and in that time, VNs/VTs master many skills and no matter what type of clinic you work in, most, if not all of those skills will be utilised daily. Veterinary medicine is continually evolving, therefore so does our knowledge and skill set. There was a time where VNs/VTs would simply be an assistant to the vet, but the role has come a long way since then and it is an exciting time to be a part of this profession.
Skills, skills, skills…
The skills we have enable us to perform multiple different duties within the clinic. VNs/VTs can: monitor anaesthetics; perform nurse consults; take samples and run laboratory tests; provide in-patient care; calculate, prepare, and give medications; take radiographs; implement infection controls… The list goes on! Another aspect of the role is performing minor surgeries. This requires some extra training and appropriate delegation by the vet, but VNs/VTs are allowed to scale and polish teeth, suture wounds, remove lumps, amputate tails, and repair aural haematomas, to name but a few.
It can be surprising how much we are trained to do, but being equipped with such diverse skills is one of the biggest benefits. Our job is never boring and enables us to feel accomplished and have job satisfaction.
In addition to practical skills, VNs/VTs are also involved in client education and support, whether that be in times of new pet advice, preventative health care, managing long-term conditions or end-of-life care. We can spread our knowledge and compassion to better the day or ease the pain of our patient’s caregivers.
Why not branch out?
Being a qualified VN/VT opens many doors. There will always be veterinary clinics needing VN/VTs, but there are other avenues our qualification allows us to explore. Jobs such as teaching/lecturing, behaviourist, practice manager, rehabilitator and drug rep are well suited to us.
Why not try being a locum VN/VT? Read our blog from Dr. Hannah, ‘Is Being a Locum Vet/Vet Nurse Right For You?‘ Or take a look at what locum vet nurse jobs are available on The Vet Service website.
Pass on your passion!
Being a VN/VT is accompanied by passion – passion for the patients we treat, the job we do, our colleagues we work with and the profession as a whole. The saying “when you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life”, is true!
So, who better to teach the VNs/VTs of the future, than their qualified counterparts? This allows us to pass on our passion, which will enhance their learning experience and the job they do. It is definitely satisfying to see a student blossom into a passionate and competent professional!
Teamwork makes the dream work…
Who you work with can make a real difference. Working alongside fellow professionals is inspiring, enjoyable, and supportive. Having shared goals and great teamwork paves the way for inter-professional education, celebrating triumphs together and supporting each other when you’re having a tough day. It’s like having a second family!
The animals!
How else to conclude this non-exhaustive list of the benefits, than to state the obvious?! Working with animals, of all sizes, shapes and temperaments makes each day even brighter. Our role in particular gives us a unique chance to really get to know, and bond with, the patient we are treating so we can tailor our care to make their experience as stress-free as possible.
The less sunny side…
Unfortunately, there are drawbacks to being a VN/VT, but rest assured that some are subjective and won’t necessarily be negative to everyone.
The role of the VN/VT does not permit us to diagnose or prescribe medication or tests. This is not strictly a drawback, as not having this responsibility can be a relief. However, with experience comes increasing knowledge which can, occasionally, be a source of conflict if our opinions differ from that of the vet. On a similar note, even when a patient desperately requires medication in an emergency, we cannot administer anything until the vet says so, even though we usually know what we should use. This can be distressing! Thankfully, there is usually a vet close by.
Upskilling
Unfortunately, minor surgery is not something we are able to perform regularly. Whilst this does not interest some VNs/VTs, for those wishing to strengthen their surgical skill set, this can be frustrating. Vets are trained to appropriately delegate and the cases often present themselves, but the problem lies with time and staffing. Veterinary clinics are fast-paced environments and are not always adequately staffed, so teaching VNs/VTs surgical procedures often has to take a back burner.
Salary
A common issue noted within the profession is that of the salary. The salary is not reflective of the volume of work we carry out or of the skills and knowledge we possess. The job is certainly something you do because you love and enjoy it and not for the financial gain. Thankfully, salaries are improving so hopefully, this will not be an issue for much longer!
An all-year-round job
Pets require care 24/7, 365 days a year and the unsociable shifts need filling. Most jobs will require weekend cover on a rota basis, and some will have out-of-hours to be covered on a rota basis too. In addition to occasionally not being able to leave on time during the week, this can build up and result in you losing personal time. Nonetheless, out-of-hours work can be very appealing to some, as it allows you to regularly practice emergency medicine, an area VNs/VTs can be heavily involved in.
An emotional rollercoaster
Working in veterinary medicine is an emotional rollercoaster. One minute you can be saying goodbye to a pet and the next welcoming an excited family’s new addition. Clients can be unkind and unappreciative and sadly, this can take its toll. However, there is ample support available, both within your clinic and externally, via recognised support lines.
Being a VN/VT qualifies you as a skilled professional, who will make a difference to multiple lives at work each day and that makes up for any negatives you may incur along the way. Benefits and drawbacks can be subjective and personal, so hopefully this article has enabled you to assess each point and decide for yourself.
Why not register with The Vet Service to find your next DREAM Vet Nurse Job? We have a wide variety of Vet Nurse Jobs and Vet Tech Jobs available at The Vet Service.
Don’t forget to check out our other Vet Nurse/Vet Tech Articles:
