Veterinary nursing has come a long way from the previous perception that "Veterinary Nursing is a work of the heart". It is now a technically challenging, extremely varied, and rewarding occupation while still maintaining a caring and supportive role to animals and their owners.
Veterinary Nursing
Day-to-day activities include:
- Anaesthesia
- Nursing care of hospitalized patients
- Organization and delivery of client services (eg puppy parties, weight loss clinics, rehabilitation programmes)
- Client education and information
- Performing or assisting with diagnostic procedures eg X-rays
- Performing minor surgical procedures
- Assisting with major surgical procedures
Careers for veterinary nurses include:
- Nurse in companion animal practices
- Nurse in farm animal practices
- Sales representative for animal remedy firms
- Sales representative for nutrition companies
- Employee or manager of animal welfare organizations eg RSPCA
- Employee or manager of animal rehabilitation centres
- Employee or manager of kennels or catteries
- Zoo and wildlife work
Training to be a veterinary nurse
Numerous veterinary nursing training programmes are offered in New Zealand. The premiere training programme is the Massey University Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
- Graduates from the Diploma experience virtually 100% employment after graduation.
- The Diploma offers the most hands-on practical training and experience of any course.
- Diploma students are trained alongside veterinary science students by a team of highly qualified veterinary nurses and veterinarians.
- Diploma students receive hands-on experience with horses and production animals.
- Entry is restricted to 30 students to ensure a high quality learning experience.
- The Veterinary Teaching Hospital in which the training is undertaken is a caring environment.
