Working in the United Kingdom as a Locum Vet Nurse

Here’s the lowdown for Australian nurses:

1️⃣ Visa & Passport
If you hold a British passport, you’re good to go. If not, you’ll need to research the appropriate working visa options before applying.

2️⃣ Qualifications
An Australian Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing is a great starting point and allows you to work as a veterinary care assistant. If you’re planning a longer stay (6 months or more), upgrading to a registered vet nurse is worth considering.

3️⃣ Accommodation
During my time in the UK, I stayed in a flat above the clinic (very British!) and also in a long-term Airbnb just a 5-minute walk away 🏘️
Many clinics include accommodation, which is amazing. If not, long-term Airbnbs are a great option.

4️⃣ Nursing Differences
Honestly, vet nursing in the UK is very similar to Australia. The biggest differences tend to be dog breeds and medication names. For example, Revolution in Australia is called Stronghold in the UK 🐶💊

5️⃣ Getting Organised
Agencies like Global Veterinary Careers (GVC) can help organise placements, visas, and logistics, making the whole process far less stressful — so you can focus on enjoying your overseas experience ✈️

I absolutely loved my time working as a veterinary nurse in the UK and would recommend the experience to any Aussie nurse considering it 🤍🐾