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What I love about being a Veterinary Nurse

Posted on September 17, 2013

Written by Louise Gorenc

That was great and in many ways I’m glad I went down that road. But, there comes a time in one’s life (and mine was an early 30’s crunch time crisis) when we think about the dreams we once had.

Mine was simple. To help animals.

Imagine my delight to see a job ad for Tasmanian Animal Hospitals! It wasn’t an easy process. After application letter there was group interviews with the job network where I also got to meet the Practice Manager (Nola). I was feeling a little old – average age of the applicants was between 16-20 roughly. Then I made it through to the next round and got to have an interview at the actual Bellerive practice with Dr Chris, Nola and Penny who was the hospital supervisor. From that, I got a week trial and this is when I fell in love.

So many caring vets, so many lovely nurses and the clients were wonderful. I was getting the opportunity to work with animals, but also to share that magic moment where a pet’s owner (or – as I like to call them, a pet’s “Person” or Mummy/Daddy) lets us share that special bond that they have with their pet. These clients truly care about their fur babies!

So, 4 years on, I’m forever grateful that Tasmanian Animal Hospitals chose a ‘mature’ person for the job and gave me the opportunity to share with them the magic moments of caring for pets, through the good times and sad times.

You know, there’s a saying that goes around from time to time:

A Veterinary Nurse is also an:

Anaesthetist
Phlebotomist
Lab Technician
Radiographer
Infection Control Officer
Paramedic
Administrator
Counsellor
Nutritionist
Teacher
Friend
Cuddle Buddy and much, much more….

No matter what we say, we do take our work home with us and we are always thinking of the patients in our care.

We love working with our amazing Veterinarians and we love working with all our beautiful clients.

We are often in awe of the strength our clients have when they have to make “that’ decision regarding when it’s “time” for their pet. We’ve been down that road with our own fur babies and we know it’s never easy.

So, what do I love about being a Veterinary nurse? The ABSOLUTELY BEST part, after everything else which is all amazing and fulfilling, is actually the simplest thing. To see an animal in its Person’s arms, or on a lead or in a carrier, happy and healthy and going home. That, after all, is what it’s all about isn’t it?

Dentistry with Dr Rob

Posted on April 2, 2016

I was on a natural high. It may have been the unseasonably warm weather. Perhaps the fact that the Australian cricket team, my football team (who will remain nameless) and my under 6 soccer team had NOT lost this week – (All yet to play). Or maybe it was the birth of our first, so cute it makes you nauseous, twin lambs and the spontaneous spiral of excitement this created in my children Erin(7) and Ben (5).

Sensing my mood our Admin team (who will remain nameless ….Nola and Belinda) suggested I write a blog. Being of the near extinct species Technology Phobius they had to explain a blog was basically a quick online ramble about something you know little about.

Perfect – I can do this.

“Oh and its Pet dental month, so can you do it on dentistry”

The trouble with being on a high is you have further to fall. As I peeled myself off the ground, re-articulating various bits and simply hosed the rest away, the size of this monumental task hit me.

How can you create a blog on dentistry, the most fear inducing yet simultaneously mind numbing topic that anyone would read.

Bruised, battered and depressed, none the less I soldiered on.

Robs 4 Step Fool Proof technique to brushing your Pets Teeth

Firstly let me say something – Teeth brushing is not for every pet. One of my somewhat unsuccessful life goals has been to not have an ongoing relationship with the emergency ward. If this describes your pets reaction to having their mouth touched read no further.

However Brushing is by far the best and healthiest way to maintain good teeth for the life of your pet

Step 1 – Creating the mood.

Pets love routine (don’t say this too quickly in public) and most of them love cuddles. The first step in brushing teeth is to create the right mood for brushing.

So buy a new couch, grab your favourite bevy, fluff up the pillows and turn the lights down. Turn up the mood music, arm yourself with a couple of treats and relax you lap muscles. Now let the petting begin.

For the next month do nothing more then petting and treats at the same time each day until your pet is completely relaxed.

Step 2 – First base

Once your pet is relaxed it is time to make the first move. Gently lift the lip and touch the gum. Ok that’s enough. Over the next month slowly build up this gum touching until you can touch the gums all over. Don’t rush and go at your pets pace. If they start to pull away stop for that night and then pet until they relaxed again.

Step 3- Don’t forget protection

Pet’s teeth need protection and pet tooth paste (not human) is the answer

Once you can touch the gums all over it is time to introduce pet tooth paste. Pet tooth paste has amazing flavours – if you are a cat or dog. These include chicken, cheese, zesty tuna, minted roast lamb and crispy baked potatoes, 3 day old road kill etc.

Mostly the tooth paste acts as the pets own reward. But once again get them used to it slowly.

Step 4 -Time to go all the way

And then finally after months of meticulously planned seduction it is time. Pet tooth brushes come as either short and soft bristled or as a thimble. Start with very minimal gentle brushing, a circular motion on the gum line is best. Reward immediately and slowly build to full brushing over several weeks. Remember to back off at the first signs of resistance, calm your pet and start again tomorrow.

So there you have it Near Fool proof brushing.

Best of luck,