• Veterinary Nurse Job Description

    Veterinary nurses may do some or all of the following:

    • perform clerical duties and receptionist work
    • do clean ups and prepare animal treatment areas
    • keep animals calm while they are being examined by a veterinarian
    • perform diagnostic tests on animals
    • collect blood , urines and other samples of animals
    • develop x-rays
    • assist the veterinarian in medical procedures and surgery
    • give injections and drugs to animals under the supervision of a veterinarian
    • sterilize and prepare surgical instruments and other equipments used during operations
    • monitor and maintain the level of anesthetic during operations
    • give advice and educate animal owners about the care of their animals
    • keep records of animal treatments
  • What does a Veterinary Nurse do?

    Places of work for veterinary nurses include:

    • Animal shelters
    • Pet stores
    • Zoos
    • Animal research centers
    • Kennels and catteries
    • Veterinary clinics
    • Animal farms
    • Veterinary supply companies
    • Government agencies
  • Where does a Veterinary Nurse work?
  • Working Conditions

    Veterinary nurses may work long and irregular hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays, or be on call. They work in veterinary clinics, zoos, kennels, catteries, farms and stables. Their work may involve traveling to visit clients, and wearing of uniforms and protective clothing.

  • What is Required to Become a Veterinary Nurse ?

    To become a veterinary nurse, you will need to have at least a certificate or diploma in veterinary nursing.

  • Modules

    Just to give you an idea, some of the classes that you’ll be taking in college may include:

    • Animal science
    • Animal handling
    • Animals in society
    • Clinical decision-making
    • Veterinary Pharmacology
    • Animal Behavior, Nutrition & Welfare
    • Veterinary Anesthesia & Therapeutics
    • Clinical veterinary nursing
    • Animal husbandry
    • Small animal nursing
    • Large animal nursing
    • Surgical Nursing
    • Comparative Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Veterinary nurses need to have:

    • empathy
    • patience
    • adaptability
    • self discipline
    • physical stamina and strength
    • good attention to detail
    • good hearing and eyesight
    • good hand-eye co-ordination
    • good listening and communication skills
    • organizational and clerical skills
    • animal-handling skills
    • observational skills
    • excellent nursing skills and knowledge of different animal nursing methods
    • the ability to care for sick animals
    • the ability to clean up animal waste
    • the ability to assess and monitor patients' conditions
    • the ability to teach and instruct others
    • the ability to work well under pressure
    • knowledge of veterinary science
    • knowledge of animal care and hygiene
    • knowledge of comparative veterinary anatomy & physiology
    • knowledge of different animal diseases and illnesses
    • knowledge veterinary hospital tools
    • knowledge of veterinary medical terminology

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Radiographer
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Nurse
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