We are delighted to encourage students who are interested in pursuing a career in veterinary practice. Being a vet or a nurse is an immensely rewarding career, but they are both challenging jobs requiring exceptional levels of commitment during training and after having qualified. It is therefore very important to gain an insight into the nature of the work, to be sure as you can be, that you are embarking on the right career path.

We offer two places the Project Trident scheme, one at Archway and the other at New Era. Information on the scheme is best accessed from your school website.

Since we receive many enquiries about gaining work experience, we ask that you apply in writing, explaining why you are interested in gaining work experience at the Hospital and which career you are hoping to follow. We always try to accommodate genuinely interested students, but due to demand, sometimes there may be a delay before we can take you on. A member of staff should have contacted you within 2 weeks of a written application. Please address your letter to Kerry Bassett V.N, Head Nurse., New Era Veterinary Hospital, Victoria Road, St Saviour, Jersey. JE2 7QG

Please bear in mind the following points:

• The nature of the work means that you must be at least 15 years old (Exceptions will occasionally be made for Project Trident students).
• There are only a few areas where you can perform practical tasks. Consequently much of your time will be spent standing and watching. You will be allowed and encouraged to go into the operating theatre, to see operations being performed close-up (you will need to change into theatre “scrubs” which will be provided). Please don’t be inhibited in asking questions; vets and nurses love talking about their job and about the animals and problems they are treating. Remember this is a fantastic opportunity to find out as much as you can about the career to which you are thinking about devoting a significant part of your life.
• An area where help is always appreciated is with cleaning kennels and looking after the basic needs of the inpatients. This is a critical part of animal care that will bring you into close contact with the patients.
• Please pay attention to the Health and Safety briefing. There are many potential hazards in a Veterinary Practice, ranging from radiation from xrays, to being bitten by a patient.