We spoke to our Head Nurse Jo Waldron for Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month, which takes place each May to recognise and honour these hard working members of UK veterinary practices and hospitals.
- How long have you been a Vet Nurse and what route did you follow to qualify?
I qualified in 2002, with credit and I’m extremely proud that I was the highest achiever in that year of entrants. The route I took was the day release from South Staffordshire College which involved one day at college and 4 days in practice. My training was with Donnachie & Townley and I’ve been employed there ever since.
- What attracted you to a career as a Veterinary Nurse?
I always wanted to work with animals and having worked previously for a cattery and rehiring centre for the RSPCA I knew I wanted to help animals when they needed and nursing was the best way I could achieve this.
- What does your job as Veterinary Nurse entail?
I am now the head nurse so I perform all nursing tasks such as consultation, theatre duties, radiography, laboratory, reception, Kennel /patient care, client care including information events, train students (I am a clinical coach) some administration work and surgical procedures that nurses are permitted to carry out.
- What is the most rewarding thing about being a Vet Nurse?
The most rewarding thing about being a veterinary nurse is you go home and feel like you have helped and made a difference to someone’s life. Pets are increasingly more like part of the family and people want the best for them, as a nurse you are a part of making that happen. I have also used my knowledge and skills to complete two neutering trips in Greece, not only to help the stray cats and dogs but to help educate the local people regarding health care for these animals.
- What kind of attributes do you need to be a good Vet Nurse?
Nursing requires patience, dedication as it’s not a 9-5!, empathy, passion, team work and belonging. And if your anything like me be prepared to end up with a house full of pets that you acquire through work for various reasons!
- What advice would you give someone thinking about a career as a Vet Nurse?
My advice would be to do it! It’s wonderful and rewarding, no 2 days are the same and you will see a variety of situations. You need to prepare for sadness at times and utter heartbreak but you will also see great joy a sense of achievement and use skills you develop, that you keep on learning and this is a great drive as it will never become boring and mundane
- What are the best things about working at Donnachie and Townley practice?
D&T is a wonderful place to work, having been with the practice for 20 years I have built relationships with clients, I know them, I know their pets and seen many through the good times and the bad. The ethos has always been team work and it has a wonderful family feel. My colleagues are supportive and people I also call friends.
- What would be your career highlight so far?
My most rewarding moment was hand rearing a litter of spaniel pups from birth due to the bitch being unable to nurse them, one had an eye defect which resulted in him losing the eye however he is my beloved pet; he has a pet passport and travels with me in Europe. The rest of the litter went to friends and family.
- Have you completed any additional training to support you in your role?
In addition to my nursing qualification I have achieved my Advanced Award in Feline Friendly Nursing again passing with credit with COAPE, my Diploma for Teaching in the lifelong learning sector with Staffordshire University which assists with my role as a clinical coach along with some lectures at the local college. These extra qualifications keep my mind engaged as being a veterinary nurse, we are always updating skills and keeping up to date with education through additional courses and CPD
- What’s the next step in your career pathway?
The next step in my career is to concentrate on my role as Head Nurse and strive to help and support the students in my care. Personally, I would like to continue with my own education by undertaking another certificate, which subject area I am still undecided.
For more information about becoming a veterinary nurse, visit the British Veterinary Nurse Association (BVNA) website.