The challenges faced by a student equine veterinary nurse and how to overcome them

Abstract

Student nurses can train to become qualified veterinary nurses via a degree route, or by acquiring a diploma while employed in practice. The training period is exciting and rewarding but presents many challenges. Both routes are stringently assessed and require student nurses to work proactively to complete a wide range of tasks for their electronic logs, prepare cases to discuss in assignments and revise for exams. In order to overcome these challenges, students can adopt time-efficient study strategies, prepare for meetings in advance, keep track of paperwork for interesting cases as they arise, and implement a strategy for managing cases required for electronic logs. Students should also ensure that they are making time for exercise, hobbies, socialisation and rest to prevent burnout, make their time studying more enjoyable and increase the likelihood of success. If they are struggling, students can turn to sources of support such as Vet Life, who help with health, mental wellbeing and financial challenges.