Meet Equine Veterinary Nurse and AVN, Jessica Battista
Since graduating from AVT, nothing has stopped Veterinary Nurse, Jessica.
With her passion for all things horse, she started out as a 13 year old stable hand and went on to studies in Equine Management as well as a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Jessica is now based at The Animal Hospital in Murdoch University in the Equine Services department.
We are super proud of Jessica, and everything she has achieved and we hope you enjoy reading about her veterinary nursing journey.
Why Vet Nursing?
I have always had a strong passion for horses and large animals. I started working as a stable hand for a harness racing and breeding facility at the age of 13 on weekends and holidays. From there my passion grew after I graduated from school and later studied a Certificate III in Equine Management to meet the prerequisite to apply for a Cert IV in Veterinary nursing the following year.
Why did you choose AVT?
Because I was living in a rural area at the time, AVT was the only facility based in Perth that could provide flexible training. This allowed me to continue working as a Stud Hand on a Thoroughbred Stud full-time through a busy breeding season as well as study to complete my certificate and be on my way to becoming a Qualified Veterinary Nurse.
What was your favourite part of the vet nurse course?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time completing work experience as this is where I could thrive and learn all about the ins and outs of equine veterinary nursing, hands on. Learning things physically has always been easier for me than learning from a text book.
What is a day working as a vet nurse like for you now?
This is very dependant of my shift. During an early shift I will open the practice, feed and clean the stables of hospital patients. Once stables are complete I assist with hospital treatments then set up for the day’s procedures. These can be anything from gastroscopes, lameness or routine dentals to any emergencies such as lacerations or colic.
On a later shift, I will set up for surgery and for the days procedures like arthroscopes, closed castrations, tiebacks and hernia repairs. I might also be out on the road assisting a veterinarian with our ambulatory consultations.
On an evening shift, I will be assisting with afternoon consultations, afternoon feeds, mucking out stables, cleaning and restocking the hospital and also preparing and assisting with any evening emergencies that may come in.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I hope I will still be working for The Animal Hospital Murdoch in the Equine Barn and be able to maintain my accreditation through the VNCA (Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia). I also hope to be able to return to Africa from time to time to volunteer and assist at some of their programs like HALO (Hoedspruit AnimaL Outreach), The Rhino Orphanage and working alongside the Veterinarians with the big 5 felines of the world.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in vet nursing?
If you do what you love you’ll never have to work a day in your life. Veterinary Nursing doesn’t limit you to just small animal practices it can take you anywhere in the world. Study hard, find a good life work balance and do what you love, never stop striving to be the best veterinary nurse you can be.
Find out more about Veterinary Nursing
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