Review for South West Regional Meetings
'Old Dog New Tricks'- management of the canine chronic arthritis patient | Langford Vet School | 12th January 2012
With Christmas and the New Year only just over it was nice to see another good turnout for the first meeting of 2012. Entitled 'Old dog New tricks?' Susanna Alwen MA VetMB MRCVS from Merial Animal Health gave us a valuable insight into the management of the canine chronic arthritis patient. Not only was it nice to see so many of the regular members but also a lot of new faces too, including Hydro therapists.
Having got a dog with chronic arthritis which has undergone surgery on 3 out of his 4 legs this was a subject very close to my heart. Susanna enlightened us on the use of the common NSAIDs used in practice and how they work and their differences. It is important to recognise the pain that these dogs are in and how best to manage them, not only with medication but also with an overall care plan involving regular check-ups and assessments - something that maybe we as nurses can help with in our geriatric clinics. Along with advice on weight control, correct exercise with the help of hydrotherapy.
We were also joined by Dr Janet Miller from the University of the West of England who is compiling a research project on 'Employee voice in the small firm'. The project will investigate how individuals deal with work problems in the small work place. The research will establish the degree to which workers pursue individuality or seek collective means of resolving issues. Her aim is to organise semi structured interviews with 20 staff in veterinary practices, who have pursued a grievance through formal voice, and in/or informal voice. All interviews will also address issues of collective response to workplace issues. All participants will be fully anonymous and data gathered will be stored confidentially and electronically at the University of the West of England. If you would like to participate please either email Dr Janet Miller at janet3.miller@uwe.ac.uk or follow the web link below:
https:/bristol.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1N8pzFJqEa6COOg
I would like to express my thanks to Merial Animal Health for sponsoring the evening and to Langford Veterinary School for their wonderful catering and the hire of their facilities.
Kate King RVN MBVNA, BVNA RCO South West
Hartpury College Careers Fair | October 28th 2011
The 28th October saw Hartpury College play host to the South West Regional Animal, Land and Equine careers fair. As BVNA regional co-ordinator for the South West I was asked to represent Veterinary Nursing as a career and be available for students to ask questions regarding the profession and advice on training as a veterinary nurse. 
Students studying a variety of courses were able to speak to a variety of employers and representatives about career choices. There was also a CV clinic and we were treated to a display of show jumping and dog agility during the lunch break. Guest speakers spoke about how important it is to get work placements/voluntary experience, as in this current economic climate there are often hundreds of applicants for one post graduate job. This I feel is also true for those wishing to train as a Veterinary Nurse.
Most students I spoke with commented on how difficult they were finding getting into a training practice. From my experience, trainee nurse positions are often not advertised - as practices don't need to. They often have dozens, if not more, applications on file waiting for a position to become available. Therefore my advice to all budding trainees is to be on top of that pile of applications held by practices - make sure your CV is current and send in a new updated one if any further experience or qualifications are gained. Get as much experience in animal care as you can, either within a veterinary surgery, animal rescue centres, boarding kennels and catteries or any other animal based position you can find. Voluntary work will show determination to reach your goal, this is a quality that employers will look for, hard work, passion and above all determination will hopefully secure that position you long for.