For anyone considering a career as a vet nurse, the most important desirable quality is a love of animals

So, you're thinking of being a vet nurse.

As long as veterinarians continue to care for our furry and feathered friends, they're always going to need the support and assistance of trained nurses. And let's face it, we love our pets!

Vet nurses usually have a wide range of duties and responsibilities. They assist vets during consultations, examinations and treatments; they coordinate patient admission and discharge; they work closely with animals in pre and post-operative care and are also responsible for the general cleaning and maintenance of equipment.

For anyone considering a career as a vet nurse, the most important desirable quality is a love of animals. Other important qualities include the ability to handle animals confidently and with patience, good organisation and communication skills and the ability to make accurate observations. Oh, and a strong stomach. If close proximity to icky things like blood, poo and other bodily discharges makes you feel squeamish, perhaps this isn't the right career path for you.

Regarding more formal qualifications, the best option for anyone interested in becoming a vet nurse would be to enrol in TAFE NSW's Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. This is the standard industry qualification for working in veterinary clinics. The Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is also available through TAFE NSW Online flexible delivery.

Working as a vet nurse can be a rewarding career path for anyone who loves animals. And the advantages of working with cats alone cannot be overstated – after all, they run the internet.