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In a country where over 40% of households include a pet, veterinary nurses are some of society’s most important members - well, in our book anyway! Whether they’re performing life-saving surgery, helping animals give birth, or providing routine check-ups. You’re an animal lover and an animal protector - and you want that to come across in your CV. Summarising all your incredible experience on a CV might seem like a tall order. In what order should you write your skills and experience? How can you make it sound sharp?
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to write your veterinary nurse CV, you’re in the right place. At myPerfectCV, we’ve got everything you need to build your application – from your ideal veterinary nurse CV example to customisable content.
Check out our veterinary nurse CV templates
Give your veterinary nurse CV a clean bill of health with these top recruiter tips
Get closer to caring for Fido by following our top tips from UK recruiters.
Highlight your level of training
To become a veterinary nurse in the UK, you’re legally required to complete 45 hours of CPD (continuing professional development) training over three years. Because it’s one of the critical veterinary nurse requirements, you may not think it’s necessary to mention it – but don’t leave your recruiter in any doubt that you have the veterinary required qualifications. Always mention your specialist training on your CV.
Include keywords from the veterinary nurse job description
It’s not always enough to list your veterinary nurse skills and qualities. To ensure your CV is tailored to each position, always include keywords and phrases from the veterinary nurse job description. Whether it’s a particular treatment process, veterinary nurse qualifications, or a specific species, this will help your CV stand out from the crowd.
Show your passion for the veterinary nurse job role
Being a veterinary nurse can be extremely challenging – so it’s vital to show you have the necessary passion for the role. In the personal summary section of your CV, include positive adjectives that describe your work ethic or personality – another essential veterinary nurse requirement. Think ‘energetic’, ‘compassionate’, or ‘resilient’.
Include impressive metrics
You can’t sum up the qualities of a veterinary nurse in numbers alone – but if you want to help your CV stand out, always include critical metrics from your previous positions. If you saw an average of 20 patients a week or boosted your practice’s efficiency by 15%, these figures are a great way to help your recruiter to quantify your success.
Proofread your application
Whether you’re checking scans or filling out a patient report, attention to detail is essential for a veterinary nurse. A rogue typo or on your CV could give your recruiter the wrong impression of you, so always make sure to proofread your application before you hit ‘send’.
What skills should you include on your veterinary nurse CV?
There are many skills and qualities needed to be a veterinary nurse, from effective communication to expert medical knowledge. Discover the must-have skills for your veterinary nurse CV:
Must-have skills for your veterinary nurse CV
- Communication (written and verbal)
- Teamwork
- Practical, hands-on knowledge
- Problem-solving
- Administration
- Operation of medical machinery
Bonus skills that could help you stand out
- Customer service
- Computer and software skills
- Animal first aid
- Time management
- Leadership
FAQs about your veterinary nurse CV
How to become a veterinary nurse?
There are three potential qualifications needed to become a veterinary nurse UK: an undergraduate degree at an accredited university, a college course, or an apprenticeship. Many applicants complete work experience at a veterinary practice before applying for their choice, of course. Work placement complements compulsory work experience modules they will undertake during your degree, which help you gain the qualifications required to be a veterinary nurse.
What qualifications do you need to be a veterinary nurse?
In addition to your university, college, or apprenticeship qualification, you will also need to complete at least 45 hours of CPD training over three years. This continuing professional development is one of the compulsory qualifications required to become a veterinary nurse UK. It will provide you with the necessary skills and qualities of a veterinary nurse.
What does a veterinary nurse do?
Veterinary nurse roles and responsibilities can vary depending on the practice, as well as whether they have specialised in a particular branch of medicine (for example, farm animals or small pets). In general, a veterinary nurse will carry out tasks such as preparing animals for treatment, performing check-ups, assisting surgeons during surgery, communicating with owners, cleaning the practice, taking X-rays and scans, administering medication, and looking after in-patient animals.
What is the role of a veterinary nurse?
A veterinary nurse undertakes almost all forms of animal care besides carrying out surgeries. Tasks can include administering IV drips, taking blood tests, analysing samples, and physical check-ups. They may also assist with administrative duties, such as taking calls and communicating with pet owners over the phone.
How much does a veterinary nurse earn?
According to the National Careers Service, a veterinary nurse in the UK could earn between £18,000 and £26,000 a year, depending on their experience level and whether they have passed their veterinary nurse further qualifications. It’s worth noting that vets don’t always work standard hours, as they may have to respond to medical emergencies during the evenings or weekends.
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As well as the skills and UK qualifications needed to be a veterinary nurse, you’ll need the very best CV. Thankfully, you don’t need X-ray machines and blood tests to make your CV better – all you need is myPerfectCV! We make it quick and easy to build your application. Discover our top recruiter tips, veterinary nurse CV templates, and trusted CV builder to create your resume today.
