Vet Nurse Potential: Unleashing the Potential of Vet Nurses in New Zealand
Vet Nurse Potential: As the world of veterinary medicine continues to evolve, the role of vet nurses has become increasingly important.
However, the perception and utilisation of vet nurses can vary greatly depending on where you are in the world.
In this episode, Julie South and Jade Pengelly explore the similarities and differences between how vet nurses are trained and perceived in the UK vs New Zealand.
They also delve into the controversial topic of how vet nurses can advance their careers and gain the recognition they deserve.
The culture of vet clinics and how it impacts the role of vet nurses is discussed. They also chat about what it will take to see positive change in the industry to bring about a change in vet nurse potential and career satisfaction for vet nurses.
Tales of a Vet Nurse – Jade Pengelly – BSc DVN – image provided by Jade Pengelly
In this episode Julie South speaks with Jade Pengelly, a vet nurse and author of Tales of a Vet Nurse, discussing the similarities and differences between how vet nurses are trained and perceived in the UK versus New Zealand.
The conversation covers a range of topics, including:
- how vet nurses in New Zealand can advance their careers and gain the recognition they deserve,
- the role of trust in building a successful working relationship between vets and nurses,
- the importance of mental health in the veterinary profession, and
- the need for a cultural shift in New Zealand practices where everyone is seen as having something to contribute to patient care.
Trust Building by Vet Nurses is Essential
One key takeaway from the discussion is the importance of trust in building a successful working relationship between vets and nurses.
Both Julie South and Jade Pengelly emphasise the importance of communication and setting expectations from the beginning.
Trust is crucial in gaining more responsibilities as a vet nurse from a vet with a controlling personality.
Jade suggests starting with small tasks such as drawing blood or inserting an IV catheter can help build trust with the vet.
However, credibility and knowledge gained through ongoing training and research can also earn respect and trust from the vet.
Jade further suggests that vets have a responsibility to trust their nurses to make their job easier, and can ask trusted nurses to provide training for other vet nurses.
Mental Health & Job Satisfaction
Another key takeaway from the discussion is the importance of mental health in the veterinary profession.
Jade discusses how she’s received feedback from the public about her book (Tales of a Vet Nurse) indicating that many people were surprised by the skills and responsibilities of vet nurses.
Clients look for reassurance from Vet Nurses
She believes that providing information about vet nursing could help reassure clients who are anxious about leaving their pets at the clinic.
Furthermore, Julie and Jade discuss how management and business owners have a duty of care to ensure the mental health of their employees by implementing simple measures such as allowing time off and hiring enough staff to avoid consistent overtime.
Jade says that employers should prioritise their employees’ mental health instead of dictating their schedules and denying them time off.
Improving mental health in the veterinary profession requires a collective effort from all parties involved.
The conversation also covers how the degree of professionalism and education for vet nurses is expected to improve in New Zealand. Jade believes that for vet nurses in New Zealand to achieve their full potential, it’s the vets that need to change their attitudes towards them.
The culture in UK veterinary practices is described as one where vets see nurses as equals and where nurses have an involved role in patient care.
In New Zealand, there can still be a hierarchical attitude where vets dominate. This can result in nurses being expected to listen and not express their opinions. Jade believes a culture shift is necessary. She would like everyone to be seen as having something to contribute to patient care. Until that happens, New Zealand nurses will not reach the same level as UK nurses.
Jade believes that New Zealand vet nurse education is of a high standard. She also thinks New Zealand has a Tall Poppy culture problem. Unfortunately, some people are discouraged from standing out or expressing their opinions.
Tales of a Vet Nurse – the book
Tales of a Vet Nurse by Jade Pengelly
Where to purchase Tales of a Vet Nurse – available at all good bookstores in New Zealand. Also available via Amazon in either softback or Kindle version:
- ASIN : B0BH6RYTX4
- Publisher : HarperCollins (March 1, 2023)
- Publication date : March 1, 2023
- Language : English
- Print length : 270 pages
- Page numbers source ISBN : 1775542173
Listen to Part 1 – Tales of a Vet Nurse
Listen to episode 133 – Book Review – Tales of a Vet Nurse
Revive Your Drive – Mental Health Awareness for the Month of May
To view the playlist on YouTube click the logo in the bottom right hand corner of the video below
