If you opt for a career change into the vet nurse field, there are certain aspects to the role that you need to accept from the start. One such aspect is the need to stay on your feet all day, which you invariably will, as you'll rarely see a vet nurse in a functioning vet clinic sitting down and relaxing!
If you're not accustomed to it, standing up like this can take a little getting used to, but you must do, as you'll pretty much always be busy doing something. Feeling a little tired after a day on your feet is normal, but it’s about ensuring it doesn’t affect your performance.
Is It Healthy To Stand As A Vet Nurse For 8 Hours?
Well, the experts say that you should try and stand between 2-4 hours a day, but when looking at an entire day on your feet, the body can struggle if you're not allowed to sit down. In addition to the associated fatigue, standing for too long leads to the body to having to work harder to maintain circulation. It’s why you have to think creatively to master it.
How Can I Make Standing In A Vet Clinic For 8 Hours Easier?
So, while a strategy for dealing with prolonged spells of standing up might not have been something you thought about when putting together your personal development plan, it’s a challenge you must meet. So sit back and relax, and we examine the steps you can take to make it easier to comfortably remain on your feet for 8 hours or more a day.
Buy Some Good Shoes- For Your Veterinarian Job
One thing that can make standing up for extended periods easier is wearing good shoes that support your arches and provide plenty of room around the toes. Orthotics (shoe inserts)offer an excellent cost-effective option if money is tight, but whether you buy new shoes or not, it’s vital that your arch is supported, or you risk foot, leg, and even back problems later on.
Consider Compression Socks At The Vet Clinic
Another good option for all-day standing is compression stockings, which counteract the fact that too much standing causes blood to pool in the veins of the feet and lower legs. As online learning shows, wearing them prevents fatigue, swelling of the ankles, and potentially dangerous blood clots from forming.
Try & KEEP Moving In The Vet Clinic
While assuming that more walking equals a more fatigued body is logical, the opposite is true. We don't mean you should charge around. Instead, keep changing your weight distribution from one foot to the other and from the balls of your feet to the heels. This gives aching muscles a rest and relieves constant pressure on your feet.
Stretch & Exercise Regularly On Your Clinic Lunchbreak
The more supple you are, the better able your body is to stand up for a whole day in a standing position. Pilates and yoga can teach you how to stretch and exercise properly. However, you may prefer something a little more vigorous. Either way, the fitter you are, the more able you'll be to cope with the amount of standing you'll do.
Standing all day will get easier as you get used to it, but if you consider implementing one or two of the above measures, you’ll not just survive - you’ll thrive! This will give you the energy and drive (and comfort) you need to succeed in your role now and in the future!
Enjoy the Career You Deserve With OCA Short Courses Online
Working in Animal Care is often as challenging as it is rewarding. Still, when you take CPD-Endorsed, video-based veterinary care courses with OCA, you may get the knowledge you need to enjoy a successful start in an entry-level position. Furthermore, our appropriately-named Job Ready Vet Nurse Bundle gives you everything you require to start applying for jobs and working in the animal care field for real!
What's it like being an OCA student? As our Student Study Demo clearly shows, you get a next-level learning experience complete with 1-to-1 mentoring and industry-led content that makes you want to learn more! It’s just one of the many reasons our students often tell us we offer Australia's best online courses.
Veterinary care is just one of more than 20+ industries covered by our entire course library - something you can see for yourself by visiting us today at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au. You'll also see flexible payment options that make our already cheap courses even cheaper and more affordable.
Alternatively, if you'd prefer to speak to us before enrolling in any of our online learning courses, give us a call at 1300 611 404, and we'll be more than happy to assist. Failing that, drop us an email at [email protected], and we'll reply to you without delay.
