Becoming a Veterinary Nurse
Veterinary Nurses assist licensed veterinarian in the diagnosis and treatment of sick or injured animals. These professionals administer drugs, anesthetics and injections to the patient animals. They collect various samples of animals such as urine, blood, faeces etc. They evaluate the vital status of animals and prepare them for surgery. Besides, they take care of hospitalized animals and monitor their health improvement. They also ensure proper nutrients and hydration during and after the treatment of animals.
Apart from clinical responsibilities, Veterinary Nurses maintain the records, check stock, order drugs and other veterinary supplies, and conduct other administrative duties in animal health centers. On the other hand, some of these professionals work with veterinarians and other scientists in conducting research experiments in research facilities. More importantly, Veterinary Nurses play an advisory role for better health care of domestic, farm and zoo animals with their expertise and experiences. They also train other staff members of clinical setting.
Work Environment
Veterinary Nurses work at different environments such as veterinary offices, animal hospitals, research laboratories, Zoos, animal welfare organizations, pharmaceuticals manufacturers so on and so forth. They may have varying hours of duties depending on the setting and their responsibilities. They can also do private veterinary practices.
Educational Requirement
To become a Veterinary Nurse, the aspirants need to complete at least 2-year degree program, accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). However, most of the employers prefer the candidates with Bachelor’s degree in animal science for this profession..
Job Outlook and Salary
The job outlook for a Veterinary Nurse remains outstanding across the USA. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth rate for job opportunities in this profession may rise 30% from 2012 to 2022. The average annual salary of a Veterinary Nurse was $30,500 in 2013.