Veterinary Nurse

What people in this role do:

• Assist veterinarians by restraining animals during examinations and treatments
• Prepare animals for treatment and surgical procedures
• Assist veterinarians in administering anaesthesia during surgery
• Conduct diagnostic laboratory tests, including urine and faecal tests, and simple blood tests
• Transfer animals to their cages after operations, monitor their condition and administer medication to animals under supervision of the veterinarian
• Bathe, feed, groom and exercise hospitalised animals
• Sterilise and maintain instruments and equipment
• Admit and discharge animals attending the surgery and carry out reception duties such as answering the telephone, make appointments, prepare accounts, accept payments and write receipts
• Advise on nutrition, parasite control and animal behaviour to owners
• Maintain clinical and office records

Your chances of success will be better if you have:

• A love of animals
• An ability to handle animals with confidence and patience
• Excellent observation, communication and organisational skills
• A willingness to work as part of a team
• School Certificate

The Future

• Employment for a minimum of one year
• Employment areas include: veterinarians in private practices, veterinary research organisations or learning institutions
• For more options see www.myfuture.edu.au

Who to contact for more information and advice?