Personal Narrative: A Career As A Student Veterinary Nurse

LOTS of Cleaning!

This was the most common task that I undertook as a student veterinary nurse due to the numerous different sections within a veterinary practice that required routine attention. Carrying out the various cleaning tasks allowed me to become familiar with specific protocols that my practice followed and the relevant regulations that were to be adhered to.

Reception duties

With working in a busy practice I often found myself that as a student veterinary nurse that it was more beneficial for my learning to help out the staff on reception. At first I found the reception duties a little overwhelming and it was mainly due the lack of skills in operating their computer system, but I soon discovered the importance of the job role. On a regular

This really helped me familiarise myself with the various medications and the appropriate PPE.

Supply of medication to clients

As a student veterinary nurse I know that I was unable to be involved with the process in prescribing of any medications to patients and if a client requested information, I would seek the advice of a veterinary surgeon. Dispensing drugs after they had been prescribed, and subsequently handing them to the client was often another role I became familiar with. As previously stated this helped me gain the knowledge of the different medications but also the relevant legislations that were associated with them.

In-patient treatment

During my placement I got to help with administering medication to various inpatients. I gave treatment to patients under the supervision of one other registered veterinary nurse or a veterinary surgeon. The medication or treatment prescribed was only done by one of the veterinary surgeons. I learned about how to administer oral (tablet, liquid, paste), topical (spot-on, shampoo, cream) and injection (intramuscular, subcutaneus, flushing IV