Careers - Veterinary Nursing
Veterinary Nurses (VNs) work alongside Veterinary Surgeons in order to provide a high standard of care for animals. Veterinary Nurses normally work within a veterinary surgery or veterinary hospital and are involved in a wide range of care and treatment.
Veterinary Nurses provide skilled supportive care for sick animals as well as undertaking minor surgery, monitoring during anaesthesia, medical treatments and diagnostic tests under veterinary supervision.
Veterinary Nurses also play an important role in the education of owners on good standards of animal care.
As with any worthwhile job, the training required takes time, hard work and commitment - but those willing to put in the effort will be rewarded with a career oferring variety, interest and daily contact with animals and their owners. Please click here for the entry requirements.
Once qualified, VN's need to pay an annual fee to the Royal College of Vetrinary Surgeons (RCVS) to ensure they are listed on their list of Veterinary Nurses. This enables the listed VN to undertake certain priviledges under the Veterinary Surgeon's Act 1966 (Schedule 3 Amendment ) Order 2002.
Many qualified VN's continue to work in veterinary practice, taking on greater responsibilities, such as practice management, supervision of staff, hospital wards, and teaching/training other nurses or supporting staff.
Positions outside veterinary practice includes work in research establishments, laboratories, universities, colleges, zoological/wildlife parks, charities, pharmaceutical companies and breeding/boarding kennels.