Work Experience

From the Health and Safety perspective veterinary practice is seen as a high risk environment with unpredictable animals that bite, scratch and peck, ionising radiation, gaseous anaesthesia, sharp instruments, medicines, infectious agents and very stressful and emotional situations. This means that the role of work experience students is largely one of observation rather than participation.

Tasks undertaken by students during placement include:

Kennel Ward

• Assisting the nurses in feeding and walking patients
• Cleaning kennels, utensils, floors and work surfaces
• Washing bedding and laundry

Cat Ward

• Assisting the nurses in feeding and tending to patient needs
• Cleaning kennels, utensils, floors and work surfaces

Pre-Operative Area

• Observing veterinary nurses and surgeons administer treatment and medication
• Observing different restraint techniques
• Helping with the daily disinfecting and cleaning regime

Operating Theatres

• Observing the veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses during operations
• Help with the daily disinfecting and cleaning regime to maintain sterility

Placements are initially for one week.

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm.

Lunch hour is 1pm, when students may use the staff room.

Only Sixth Form or College students are allowed to have lunch away from the practice.

Year 10 and Year 11 students must not leave the site during breaks without written permission.