Behind the scenes with a Blue Cross veterinary nurse
Thursday, July 22 2010
Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes at one of The Blue Cross animal hospitals? To mark national veterinary nursing week, nurse manager Tamsin Durston, lifts the lid on life at our Merton hospital.
Felix has been hit by a car and comes to the animal hospital with a suspected broken leg.
He is immediately triaged and a first aider assesses his wounds. Then a phlebotomist collects blood and places an intravenous support line through which to give him a drip to support his circulation.
The blood sample is tested by the laboratory technician. Felix is in good general health overall so he’s given a general anaesthetic, monitored by the anaesthetist, so the radiographer can take X-rays of his leg.
A clinical practitioner cleans the wounds and applies a support dressing to the broken leg, while an analgesist administers pain relief.
An intensive care specialist ensures he has a smooth recovery from anaesthetic and settles him comfortably into his kennel.
A nutritionist prepares the perfect diet to aid his recovery and promote healing, while a behaviourist ensures that the cage rest he needs will provide him with enough mental stimulation.
A counsellor talks the owner through the treatment options, while a friend is ready with a reassuring hug and support.
• first aider
• phlebotomist
• laboratory technician
• radiographer
• anaesthetist
• clinical practitioner
• analgesist
• intensive care specialist
• nutritionist
• behaviourist
• counsellor
• friend
12 different people? Or just one veterinary nurse!
Being a veterinary nurse is a physical, emotionally demanding and mentally challenging job.
Nurses at The Blue Cross are often the primary caregivers, providing holistic care for every aspect of their patient.
We strive to ensure that the physical, mental and emotional health of every animal is catered for. This means that we see each and every patient as an individual and treat them with the love and care we would our own pets.
Nurses have to multitask because a typical day at the hospital might involve:
• preparing animals for surgical procedures
• monitoring anaesthetics
• taking radiographs
• laboratory work
• wound management
• giving vaccinations
• advising clients
• formulating dietary requirements for specific patients
• giving basic behavioural and training advice
• supporting animals through recovery from procedures
• reassuring owners about their worries
• maintaining the hospital as a busy, working environment.
And this list is certainly not exhaustive. At The Blue Cross we’re very proud of the high standard of care we give to all our patients and their owners and we keep our nurses up to speed with the newest advancements in medical care.
They all study for a minimum of two years before sitting written and practical examinations and becoming qualified.
Veterinary nursing is not an easy job – it requires professionalism and sound theoretical knowledge of the job.
Nursing takes practical skills, determination, quick-thinking and compassion in abundance
.
Nurses really feel the benefits of keeping pets and owners happily and healthily together for as long as possible and helping the local community.
And yes, sometimes we do take some time to simply bond with our patients –
human nurses don’t get to cuddle their patients as much as we do!
The Blue Cross currently has vacancies for veterinary nurses in London. If you’re interested, visit the
work with us section of our
main website.
For more information about veterinary nursing week contact the
British Veterinary Nursing Association.