Veterinary Nurse

You'll need:

• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

In this role you could:

• keep the practice and equipment clean and hygienic
• prepare animals for treatment and assist vets during treatment
• give injections, medication and remove stitches
• take x-rays
• take care of in-patient animals
• support and talk to pet owners about treatment and care of their animals
• undertake reception and administrative duties

You could work at a veterinary practice or at an animal welfare centre.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.

You'll need some work experience before you start training. You could volunteer with a vet, a local kennel or animal welfare centre, or with animal charities like the PDSA or RSPCA.

Registration

• you'll need to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Veterinary Nursing Association for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a veterinary nurse from the British Veterinary Nursing Association.

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks