Vet Nursing Student
Interview with Monica D’Aurizio, Cert IV in Vet Nursing
Monica D’Aurizio is an online student studying the ACM40412 Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. She lives in Bundaberg, Queensland.
She had just finished high school but wasn’t able to do any TAFE courses or other courses through school. So, looking for her career path, she asked herself, what am I good at and what do I enjoy doing?
She then started looking at flexible courses in animal care that she could do online. Her research involved comparing different courses available and thinking about elements of the courses she would need to take into account, such as work placements. This motivated student shares her story.
I have always loved animals and I find it really calming to be around them. Mum said from when I was very young, I was always found a simpatico with animals. I’ve always been really good with them.
I decided to do something with children or animals as my career. I had a look at several available courses, and compared them. The research involved comparing different courses, as well as the vets in the area, to ensure I could find some work experience.
Indeed it was. I love being part of a big family and my step-dad has MS. Due to family commitments and my living location, flexibility was very important in my choice of course. My family means the world to me.
So that means that while Mum’s away, I can be at home doing my course. I can also be “on call” for going and picking the kids up (for example) or at night, or for any other family commitments, which is really valuable to me. So yes, flexibility was very, very important.
I have always loved animals and I find it really calming to be around them. I don’t think I’ve ever met or dealt with an animal that I didn’t like. They say animals are good judges of character and I’ve always been really good with them. It’s hard to explain. I just love animals.
It’s the same sort of thing as applying for any job. Some clinics have already had experience with real students, which made things easier. It is pretty competitive, but I have been to a few clinics, and think four of them that have put me at the top of their list! They’ve said it’s because I made a good impression. I had one lady who told me, “You’re very responsible for your age.” In my experience, I have found that you do have to put the effort in and be willing to take the extra steps. I’m 17 and I guess I was raised right. My mum said - always said, “Things don’t come easily and if they do seem like they’re coming easy - put a bit of extra effort in - and it’ll work out in the long run.”
At the moment I have got a few placements at a few clinics - I think four of them have put me “at the top of their list” because I made a good impression.
It’s similar to applying for a job. I have a trial day lined up and I am so excited. If all goes well I should be able to get at least a few weeks’ placement - if not a permanent placement - out of it. And then I plan to look for a clinic that caters for the care of larger animals.
A lot of people don’t seem to realise I’m not easy going. You do have to put the effort in and be willing to take the extra steps.
I’ve heard a lot of stories about students finding it difficult to find a placement but I remind people I meet that it’s important to do your research (into clinics in your area) before signing up for any course.
I’m 17, I guess I was raised right! My mum always said things don’t come easily and if they do seem like they’re coming easy, put a bit of extra effort in and it’ll work out in the long run.