Financial Freedom for Veterinary Nurses

Embarking on a financially rewarding journey as a vet nurse is not just a dream; it’s a tangible goal that can be achieved with the right strategies.

Here’s my advice and guidance to help you unlock your financial potential while working in a job you love!

Let’s have a look at a few things that may help you! 

Building your skills by gaining experience across various veterinary nursing realms will put you way ahead of the game. Taking up any additional work within specialist clinics also assists in maximising your skills and knowledge.

Things like emergency medicine, anaesthesia, cardiology, or surgery not only make you more of an asset to any clinic you step foot into in the future, but it also enhances your earning potential.

You might opt for working in an after-hours clinic which is something that I decided on a few years back.

Prior to buying my first apartment, I decided I’d need to pick up some extra shifts in order to help earn a little cash and so I worked in GP and picked up on weekend shifts. Within such a short period of time I was able to learn SO much and also buy my apartment way sooner than I had ever of expected.

A win-win one might say!

Now, I’d recommend looking into additional education, qualifications and certificates as it’ll look fantastic on your resume and will look pretty damn impressive against other candidates.

This could involve advanced veterinary nursing courses, as well as courses in hydrotherapy, nutrition, grooming, specialised certifications, or even a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Nursing. Higher qualifications will generally open doors to higher-paying positions.

I personally (and this is a little left-wing) studied a Digital Marketing Course and took over the clinic’s social media pages as an extra position that helped to bouffe my experience out a little. Being something that I’m genuinely passionate about, I found the experience incredible interesting and was a fantastic opportunity for both myself and the clinic.

Please, please SPEAK UP!

Don’t shy away from discussing your qualifications, experience, and the value you bring to the table when negotiating your salary with your new boss or manager.

Research the average salary range for vet nurses in your area and leverage this information to secure a fair compensation package for yourself.

The one you deserve! You only miss out on what you don’t ask for. 

When I was fresh into Vet Nursing I did quite a bit of pet-sitting and house-sitting for clients. I loved spending time with their pets, and it meant a bit of cash on the side!

Lots of nurses I have met over the years do this at some stage in their career and add in things like dog walking, nail clipping, anal gland expressing and grooming.

These side hustles can add an impressive bonus to your current income, and I found pet owners will usually opt for people with veterinary experience to look after and care for their beloved pets rather than the general public or people they don’t know. 

I believe that with the right approach and attitude, you can achieve anything you put your mind to, and if that is earning a healthy and comfortable income whilst doing a job you love, then you can do it. 

Written by Tess Nolan