A veterinary nurse, also known as a technician, works alongside a veterinarian to provide medical care to animals. This could include assisting with an examination or assisting in the preparation of a pet for surgery. The assistant may be called upon to perform routine tests or laboratory work on occasion. Administrative tasks, such as updating medical charts or entering billing information into a database, may be performed the nurse in some cases. Other times, the job may entail providing basic care for animals that have been admitted to the hospital.
A veterinary nurse is often one of the first people seen when a pet owner brings their animal to a veterinary clinic. The nurse may take the animal’s weight and temperature before speaking with the owner. This information is then recorded, along with any changes in the pet’s health or recent medical concerns, for the doctor’s review. After the visit, the technician usually adds the diagnosis and recommended treatment plan to the pet’s record.
The veterinary nurse may assist the doctor during the examination holding the animal still or muzzling if necessary. The nurse may also assist in the bandaging of wounds and the application of topical ointments. This assistant may fill syringes and administer vaccinations to animals in some cases.
A veterinary nurse’s main responsibilities include caring for animals before, during, and after surgery. Prior to the operation, a pet’s fur may be shaved or the heart rate monitored. She could assist the veterinarian during surgery handing the doctor surgical instruments. She may observe the animal after the procedure is completed to ensure there are no complications.
When a pet is admitted to the hospital, the veterinary nurse is usually in charge of the animal’s care. Food, water, and medicine are examples of what can be provided. Walking dogs, changing litter pans, and cleaning feces from cages are all examples.
Certain tests or procedures may be requested veterinarians for their patients. A veterinary nurse’s duties often include checking for worms and inspecting an animal’s ears for ear mites. A nurse may also draw blood samples and test them for heartworm, anemia, or other conditions in some cases.
The educational requirements for a veterinary nurse differ country, but they typically range from two to four years of college. Before working in this field, many people complete an internship with a veterinarian. Education and internships can both lead to a rewarding career working with pet owners and their pets.