What are the Different Veterinary Nurse Jobs?

Veterinary nurse jobs are commonly found in any business that treats animals for medical problems. It is possible for a veterinary nurse to be employed anywhere that he or she might assist a veterinarian. Sometimes, veterinary nurses are employed in businesses that do not employ veterinarians in order to provide minor care or to inform the business when veterinary help is needed. Commonly, shelters, veterinary offices, and zoos all provide veterinary nurse jobs. Each of these jobs is similar, but may include different duties depending on the institution.

The most common veterinary nurse jobs involve working in a veterinary office. Sometimes, these positions are advertised as veterinary technician jobs. Usually, veterinary nurse jobs in vet clinics involve working around cats and dogs and performing tasks like taking x-rays and administering shots. Depending on the size of the office, veterinary nurse jobs can be very specific or very broad, so it is a good idea to look into what precisely might be expected at a particular office.

In rural areas, veterinary nurses often travel with veterinarians to visit clients at their farms and homes. Large animals may need to be treated, and the nurse must be comfortable around animals like horses and cows. This often involves calming the animal and keeping the working environment safe for all professionals attempting to treat the animal. Depending on personal experience, the nurse may need special training in order to work in a rural environment.

Zoos also occasionally hire veterinary nurses to help treat more exotic animals. These animals can be dangerous or large and are not always covered in a nurse's training. As many people consider working in a zoo to be highly desirable, these jobs are often very difficult to obtain.

Animal shelters often hire nurses to help veterinarians and provide minor care. Many animals that end up in shelters are sick or injured and must be treated before they can be adopted. When animals are taken in by animal control, they may need evaluation and care even if they will eventually be returned to the wild. By using nurses to provide triage, these institutions can save on valuable labor and costs.

When veterinary nurses are not assisting veterinarians, they can sometimes be employed in situations where only minor care is needed. A nurse presumably knows when a situation is out of his or her abilities and must be transferred to a veterinarian, so using a nurse is not seen as providing inferior care. Various institutions, including kennels, animal day-care facilities, and special animal sports facilities may provide unusual veterinary nurse jobs. Sometimes, a nurse may work specifically for an owner or a group of owners, providing specialized care for a small group of animals.