Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, then and now

Having been a Veterinary Nurse (VN) for some time now, it might be a good time, to reflect. Especially with Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on those of us in the VN role, shout about what it is we do and help others understand. Also, perhaps, look to the future generations to consider this role as an amazing job experience themselves.

How have things changed for Veterinary Nurses?

When I first started out as a Veterinary Nurse, being in the role and helping with an anaesthetic was especially nerve-racking. Now I’ve anaesthetised, what must be, thousands of animals, as well as being a helping hand during major operations. Aiding an animal to be numb to pain and lose consciousness is a big responsibility, but it is all part of the role we play in ensuring animals are as comfortable as possible.

The equipment and treatment are a lot different now to decades ago. Medication and pain relief weren’t so great, they were especially potent and animals would suffer bad hangover type symptoms from being anaesthetised. Now, 30 years on, medication is much more sparing on bodies and safer coming round from anaesthesia.

Cat care changes

Treatment of cats has changed. Then, cats were very much misunderstood, not so many facts about diagnoses and symptoms were misread or put down to common problems rather than investigated.
Now owners and vets know so much more, symptoms can be easily recognised by either and problems are tested more, allowing for more research and a broader idea of what may be the problem or disease.
If symptoms are spotted early in pets treatments can be administered quicker and ultimately prolong their life. I am very much behind preventative care, it is a big reason behind launching The Friendly Pet Nurse, to enable pet owners to help their habits and their pets so we can enjoy them longer, in full health.

Pets live longer now

A more nurturing nature as pet owners, awareness, diet, medical advances, preventative care, and lifestyle changes mean our pets are definitely living longer. A recent dog study found neutered dogs live a lot longer and we already know this is also the case with cats.
This year also see 10 years of cat-friendly clinics being celebrated. This recognising that cats get stressed in a vet environment and helps to do more by creating cat only and cat-friendly spaces with the clinics, understanding and approaching them better.

Seek out an independent veterinary clinic

It is a sad time, as many independent veterinary practices are no more. Veterinary practices are booming and more are corporately owned. I find this hard as it’s certainly lost the personal ‘James Herriot’ type feel we have had over the decades. With the effects of COVID on veterinary staff, burnout as well as Brexit and the impact of losing many who returned home, there are certainly problems within the veterinary sector. Adding to these issues is the pet boom that occurred in lockdown those in the veterinary profession certainly are struggling…maybe this will be the time that the ‘independent’ veterinary practices will start popping up again…I really do hope so!

Working independently too

After starting out as a Veterinary Nurse I then set up The Friendly Pet Nurse to help those who couldn’t get to a vet clinic or whose pets were stressed too much. I realised there was a way to help, by bringing services into the home.
First I offered pet clipping, such as nails and lion clips etc. then on to cat sitting and over time, with a lot of studying, specialising in cat behaviour consultations.
Most recently I have been able to assist owners with their monoclonal antibody arthritis injections. This is to aid with joints and pain relief in cats and dogs. This is a monthly injection that is very effective and safe. As many cats and dogs suffer from arthritis is it great that this is something I can offer to my clients, without having to visit the clinic, again it saves on stress and allows treatment within the home they feel safe and at ease.

The future for Veterinary Nurses

Many people don’t realise there are different pathways within the VN career. Chances to focus on an animal or topic you care about. There are also referral hospitals, teaching and ranking up to practise manager or ownership. I have helped over 20 other VNs go through their exams, nursing certificate and animal management by being a mentor.

Did you know, that Veterinary Nurses have to study?

Veterinary Nurses have to keep up-to-date with clinical standards, called a CPD (Continuing Professional Development). This is around 15 hours per year. It also means, as many who know me… studying never ends!!