VSA CAREER STORIES
At VSA, we are extremely passionate about the care of our patients and their families, and just as passionate about looking after our team.
Working at VSA means being a part of the VSA family, a supportive and encouraging environment where your career aspirations can be achieved. We pride ourselves on our high level of standards and care and it is through supportive training from our experienced team members that we are able to develop our people. At VSA, we believe that every member of our team, whether they are clinical, admin or support staff, can achieve their career goals with us.
For the right people, there is nothing that can’t be achieved working at VSA. Our staff dream big, and with the right amount of hard work and determination are able to achieve any goal they set themselves.
Cori, Veterinary Nurse
Cori joined our nursing team in 2017 having qualified from Unitec with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
Cori was well known to our Mt Albert team, having first come through on her student placements and then working in another department of the hospital. We were very lucky when Cori came to work at VSA in our Surgery Department, she quickly became an integral part of the team bringing with her an abundance of nursing skills along with her cheeky Irish accent.
Cori is currently studying for a Bachelor in Veterinary Nursing.
We asked Cori a few questions about her work at VSA:
Did you always want to work in the veterinary field? What other career ambitions did you have?
In school I always loved biology and thought about becoming a human nurse but I always had a love for animals growing up. Before vet nursing, I was a track rider in various horse racing yards both in Ireland and Australia.
Tell us a bit about how you qualified?
I researched a few different education institutes in New Zealand and Unitec seemed to be the most suitable option for me. I studied the vet nursing diploma which was the perfect mix of both theory and practical training. The student work experience obtained in a veterinary clinic was really valuable too.
What is it about the Veterinary Industry that you love?
I love being able to help sick and injured pets but I also love the dedication of the pet owners involved. Animals are a big part of a family’s life and if we can help return their pet back to health then that is worth its weight in gold.
How has your career evolved in your time at VSA?
I first learned about VSA when I worked in a general practice vet clinic. It was always reassuring to be able to offer clients a referral to a specialist hospital for further care. After a few years of working in general practice, which I loved, I realised that I wanted to progress more as a nurse and VSA seemed like the best place to do this.
VSA offers a lot of different opportunities for CPD training and overseas conferences. At the moment I am studying for a Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing through Unitec. My colleagues are incredibly supportive, especially during exam times.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? Describe a typical day
I enjoy that every day is different and that I am forever learning. I love the people I work with and I also love to see how they treat every animal that comes in as their own. The job the vets do here is incredible and the nurses are so knowledgable and experienced.
VSA is a really progressive organisation. Every day I learn something new. As a group we are always striving to be able to offer clients the best treatment options available and it is amazing to be a part of such an inspiring team.
What would you say to encourage someone to think about career paths at VSA?
Even if you are convinced that you don’t have enough experience to apply, you do!
