Being a Vet Student at Parkvets
By Charlotte Meire
Final Year Student Glasgow University Vet School
Parkvets is a large, busy practice. The sort of place that can be really daunting to walk into for the first time. Having said that, the staff are really friendly and before you know it you've been shown round, introduced to everyone and thrown right in to the thick of the action.
Something for Everyone
As a large hospital based practice fed by several satellite clinics there is a wide variety of cases, from routine vaccinations and anal gland expressions right through to complex medical cases and orthopaedic surgery. You're guaranteed to get plenty of opportunities to examine animals, both in consults and in the morning rounds.
There is a broad enough case load that you can be certain of being able to spend time seeing cases in whatever area particularly interests you, as well as getting the basics under your belt.
Working Atmosphere
There's a great working atmosphere at the hospital, everyone gets on well (you can tell by the banter if nothing else!) and everyone wants to do the best for the animals. There's a big mixture of experience levels, with certificate holders down to new graduates, as well as a range of experience levels in the vet nurses. This mixture provides a fantastic environment in which to learn. There's always someone asking for advice or help from other members of the team, so you don't feel awkward asking things yourself. Having other vet students and student nurses around also helps, as there's always someone on your level - whatever you find difficult someone else probably does too.
Building Your Experience
Parkvets is a training centre for student nurses as well as student vets, so there are always plenty of people wanting to brush up their practical skills - taking bloods, placing catheters, etc. Luckily, because the practice is so busy, there's enough to go round everyone. It doesn't pay to be shy though, with so many willing volunteers you do have to be prepared to put yourself forward for things. Once everyone knows what you want to see and do, they'll try their hardest to get you doing it all. The vets are especially good at getting you as involved as possible (and grilling you on everything!).
A Great Place to Develop?
If you're keen to learn and prepared to muscle in on the practical stuff then Parkvets is the sort of practice you can thrive in. The staff will give you loads of support and help, but will also push you to learn and acquire the skills, knowledge and confidence that you will need in your first job and beyond.
Want To Read More? - See Also:
Life as a Parkvets Assistant - Andy Perry, MRCVS
Our Pet in Your Hands - A Parkvets Client's Experience
What's it all about - A word from Parkvets MD.
Ready to Apply? Send Us Your CV Now!
- Email it to Dave Nicol at: dave.nicol@parkvets.com.
- Or snail mail it to: Dave Nicol, Parkvets Veterinary Hospital, 53-55 Maidstone Road, Footscray, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5HB.
- Or download our online application form (MS word doc).
