Eve describes her household as energetic and active, all thanks to her pets. Growing up surrounded by dogs, cats, rabbits and fish, she knew from an early age her future would involve caring for animals. That passion led her to studying the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing at Whitireia and WelTec, and turning her dream into a career helping animals as a veterinary nurse at Animates Vetcare.
Starting through Wellington Trades Academy
Eve’s study journey began in the Whitireia and WelTec Wellington Trades Academy programme, where she studied the Animal Care Certificate, a first step towards the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing.
“It was a good stepping stone. At the time, the Animal Care Certificate helped me earn the credits I needed to get into the Veterinary Nursing programme. We learnt essential health and safety practices in the animal industry and built strong foundations in animal care.”
Hands-on learning in the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing
From day one, Eve hit the ground running. As part of the programme, students are required to secure placements with local clinics. These placements are organised for non-teaching days and give students the opportunity for hands-on experience in industry.
“We would connect with local clinics to find our placements, I spent a year with Animates Vetcare Miramar. It went so well that they offered me a full-time role after completing my placement.
During my placement, the team at Animates made sure there were plenty of opportunities to learn in real time, from preparing surgical areas to monitoring patients under anesthesia. They were super supportive and always helped me complete my role-play scenarios and tick off clinical requirements.”
Managing class study and placement
In her first year, Eve spent one day a week on placement and two days on campus, with the second year increasing to three days on placement and two days of in class learning, alongside time dedicated to self-directed study.
“One of the things I loved was practicing dental scaling and polishing on the canine model in class. Now I do it all the time on real patients, it’s one on my favourite parts of the job.”
Life as a veterinary nurse
Eve continues her work as a veterinary nurse at Animates Vetcare Miramar. She describes her role as dynamic and hands-on, with varying tasks in her day-to-day schedule.
“We rotate roles across the team, so every day brings something different. One day I might be in the prep role, supporting the surgical nurse by inducing anesthesia, monitoring patients, taking samples, and running diagnostics during surgery. Another day, I might be working with hospital patients, administering medication, monitoring vitals and communicating with the vet and pet owners.”
Eve also enjoys interacting with pet owners who visit the clinic, guiding them through consultations and ensuring their animals receive the best care.
“This job has given me so much growth. We’re like one big family at work. Seeing them every day has been great, and I’ve built great relationships with our clients – especially our regulars who come in on Saturdays.”
Career goals and study advice
Looking towards her future, Eve has considered diving into wildlife and learning about the rehabilitation of wild animals. She is open to returning to study to learn more about the wildlife industry.
For people considering a career in vet care, Eve says, “It can be demanding, but if you’re ready for that and you love animals, then a career in animal care is definitely for you.”
