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Veterinary Nurse

Veterinary nurses provide support to veterinarians in the management and care of animals receiving medical and surgical treatment.

Veterinary nurses work as part of a team in veterinary consulting rooms, surgeries and hospitals.

They generally work under strict clinical conditions.

They may also be involved in the management of the staff and financial and technical resources of a veterinary practice, animal hospital or similar treatment facility.

Working hours may be irregular, including evening and weekend work.

TASKS

Veterinary nurses may perform the following tasks:

assist veterinarians during consultations, examinations and treatments
coordinate patient admission and discharge
care for hospitalised animals, including wound management and bandaging support, feeding and exercising
assist with surgery preparations by clipping and shaving fur or hair, swabbing skin, and administering and monitoring anaesthesia
provide surgical support by handling instruments, swabbing blood, monitoring oxygen and intravenous fluids, and providing post- operative care
perform diagnostic laboratory tests (including urine, faecal and blood tests) and assist veterinarians to produce diagnostic radiographs
assist with procedures involving radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy and electrocardiography
give medication to animals under the direction of a veterinarian
maintain hygiene by cleaning and disinfecting animal cages, floors, benchtops, consulting rooms, waiting rooms and surgeries
sterilise instruments, dressings and other equipment
maintain stock control of medicines, bandages, cotton wool, syringes and other equipment
maintain equipment to be in good working order
perform reception duties, including answering the telephone, making appointments, preparing accounts, accepting payments and writing receipts
provide animal care information on nutrition, parasite control and behaviour
educate owners about responsible pet ownership and maintaining the health and wellbeing of their pets
record and maintain clinical and office records of animals attending the surgery (usually on a computer)

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy working with animals
able to handle animals with confidence and patience
able to make accurate observations
good communication skills
good organisational skills
able to work as part of a team

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a veterinary nurse you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in veterinary nursing. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a veterinary nurse through a traineeship in Veterinary Nursing.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Students are usually required to organise access to a veterinary clinic for full-time or part-time employment and work practice.

After completing the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and gaining 12 months of experience, you may be able to apply for accreditation with the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA).

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Veterinary nurses are mainly employed by veterinarians in private practices, but some find work looking after animals in zoos, wildlife parks and animal welfare organisations, as well as in veterinary research and teaching institutions.

Some experienced veterinary nurses are now gaining employment in marketing and merchandising with veterinary pharmaceutical organisations. A small number are also entering the field of veterinary practice management, or specialising in specific areas such as dental, surgical support or emergency and critical care nursing.