Veterinary Nurse

Veterinary nurses care for animals undertreatment and assist in the performance of procedures and operations of ill or injured domestic, farm and wild animals. They prepare animals for surgery, administering injections as well as maintaining and sterilizing surgical equipment. They also provide support to both animals and caretakers pre- and postoperatively by monitoring for signs of infection or distress. Veterinary nurses can also provide advice about animal companion care, behaviour and breeding.

Veterinary nurses directly assist veterinarians in caring for animals and regularly interact with the carers of animals. They work long hours in examination or surgical rooms or even outdoors assisting wildlife veterinarians, for example. They can also be exposed to animals with different temperaments.

Skills

Veterinary nurses require technical knowledge and experience in the care and maintenance of a variety of animals. They will also benefit from:

• Strong empathy and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in a team
• Good verbal and written communication skills

Tasks

Conduct examinations of animals

Prepare animals for examination or treatment

Assist veterinarians with administering medicine, anaesthetics and oxygen

Monitor animal care recovery following surgery or other procedures

Studies

B.Vet.Nurs. at UP

Medical registration of veterinary nurses is a requirement for practice.

Employers

Private veterinary practices and hospitals.

Government veterinary providers.

NGOs, animal shelters and zoos.

Research institutions.

Wildlife rehabilitation centres.