Veterinary Nurse Overload

I've just completed the first week of vet nurse training. For these first four weeks, I'm learning the basics so that I can then "float" around the eight branches to which I've been assigned. So far, I have learned so much that my brain is going to explode. There's a very large gamut of tasks that a veterinary nurse should know how to do. And safely - there are an awful lot of drugs, needles and wet floors at a vet clinic.

Some of it is very familiar. I'm good at answering the phone (although I don't always like it), and learning new computer software has always come easily for me. But most of it is brand-new to me, and I sometimes feel like a ninny when I have to ask questions that are obviously very basic.

Some of the more interesting things I've learned so far:

• Calculating dosages for injections, drawing them up and then giving intramuscular or subcutaneous injections (there are at least two more ways that I haven't learned yet)
• Monitoring an animal under anaesthetic
• Sterilizing and setting up instruments and drapes for operations
• Holding an animal so that they can have blood taken, have a catheter put in a vein, or be intubated for oxygen

I've also scrubbed kennels, vacuumed, mopped, answered the phone, taken sales, made appointments, walked dogs, washed dishes, made phone calls, filed paperwork, put new stock away, and all the other little not-as-interesting things that make up the vet nurse's professional life.

All in all, I've really enjoyed it. Yes, I'm tired from learning all of these new things and being on my feet all day, but there are so many things that make up for that. Obviously, helping and being around the animals is very rewarding to me. And then I also have a wonderful, friendly team that's training me. The head nurse is a patient, thorough teacher, and the vet has been great about telling me when I'm doing well, which is very reassuring to a newbie. The other trainees have taught me a great deal, too. So I think it's all worth the toil. And soon I'll be competent enough to undertake most of the tasks without immediate supervision, which will make things much easier.

Meow for now!