There are two routes to becoming qualified as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN); either through vocational (college) training or via a higher education (university degree) qualification. Both routes lead to registration as a veterinary nurse with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). More information can be found here.
We are currently accepting applications from degree student veterinary nurses at Donnachie & Townley – here’s some more information about what a placement might look like for you at our practice.
Degree student nurses experience
We have always taken 1st, 2nd and 3rd year SVNs. We often find they can help one another and use each other as support.
We have a good supportive experienced team; we encourage students to engage and use the experience to its full potential. We are cat / rabbit friendly accredited and offer a full range of imagery including dental radiographs. We have been a training practice for over 20 years and pride ourselves in a good student journey.
Opportunities available for student nurses and working hours
We encourage the SVN team to complete the hours required over a 4-day rota (we do not ask students to work at weekends, or past 6pm). We allocate a rotation of locations from reception, kennels, laboratory, consultations and theatre, this ensures the students get a good level of experience in all the various roles completed by the nursing team.
What we expect from our student nurses and what they can expect in return
We expect students to engage with the team and to be enthusiastic. We encourage students to ask questions, promoting thoughts and professional discussions as well as contributing to the social aspect of being in a team. The students are expected to complete the rotations around the practice to ensure they are exposed to all elements of veterinary nurse duties.
Travel and accommodation
There is a train station near both sites, and public transport is accessible.
Unfortunately, we do not offer accommodation.
Are there any accessibility considerations that I might need to take into account at your practice?
Rugeley is split over 2 floors whereas Stafford is on one level.