Veterinary Voices

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In this episode of Veterinary Voices, host Julie South delivers invaluable insights for new veterinary graduates (vets and nurses) preparing for their first job interviews. 

With career expo season in full swing across New Zealand, this timely discussion provides practical, actionable strategies to help fresh graduates stand out in the competitive veterinary job market.

Key takeaways include:

• How to craft standout applications that catch employers' attention
• Essential pre-interview research techniques
• The STAR framework for answering behavioural questions
• Professional presentation tips that make a lasting impression
• Strategic questions to ask during interviews

Whether you're a recent graduate or preparing for a career transition, this episode offers concrete steps to help level the playing field in veterinary job interviews. 

Julie's experienced perspective and practical advice make this a must-listen for anyone looking to launch their veterinary career with confidence.

Perfect for:

• New veterinary graduates
• Veterinary students preparing for the job market
• Career changers within the veterinary industry
• Hiring managers wanting to understand candidate perspectives

Listen now to gain the competitive edge you need in your next veterinary job interview.

Links mentioned today:

Episode 075 - 11 Job Interview Questions to Ask
Episode 041 - Massey University Job Interview Q&A

Contemplating your next career move?
Tania Bruce - VetStaff's passionate kiwi recruiter - would welcome the opportunity to have a 100% confidential chat with you. Tania's a former Ortho Head Vet Nurse so speaks your language!

How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, please get in touch with Julie because this is something VetStaff can help you with.

Committed to DIY-ing your own recruitment?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Revive Your Drive - daily 2-minute videos for veterinary employers and employees to help revive their drives at work and at home.

Send us a text

Episode 211 of Veterinary Voices, hosted by Julie South, features an in-depth conversation with Catherine Neazor Brady, a seasoned New Zealand licensed immigration consultant. 

Catherine and Julie look at the latest changes in New Zealand's immigration policies and their significant impact on the veterinary industry.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Immigration Processing Improvements:
   • Immigration New Zealand has reorganised into operational centres, leading to faster processing times.
   • Priority processing for skill level one jobs and Green List roles, including veterinarians.
   • Job checks for priority categories now processed within weeks instead of months.
2. Accredited Employer Work Visa Review:
   • Ongoing review of the scheme with potential changes to wage requirements.
   • Possible shift from median wage requirement to minimum wage plus a factor or market rate.
   • Implications for veterinary nurse recruitment and retention.
3. Partner Visa Changes:
   • From 2 December 2024, Partnership Work Visas will become fully open with no conditions or pay requirements.
   • This change makes it easier for partners of veterinary professionals to find work in New Zealand.
4. Visa Application Fees and Processing:
   • Discussion on the recent fee increase and its impact on application numbers.
   • Insights into application approval rates and common issues causing delays.
5. Single Parent Visa Applicants:
   • Special wage threshold requirements for visa applicants with dependent children.
   • Minimum annual earnings of $43,322.70 required to support dependents on a visa.

This episode provides crucial information for veterinary practices considering hiring overseas qualified professionals looking to work in New Zealand.

Discover how to navigate the complex immigration landscape, understand recent policy changes, and prepare for potential future developments in New Zealand's veterinary sector immigration policies.

Catherine's previous episodes
Episode 203
Episode 204

Contemplating your next career move?
Tania Bruce - VetStaff's passionate kiwi recruiter - would welcome the opportunity to have a 100% confidential chat with you. Tania's a former Ortho Head Vet Nurse so speaks your language!

How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, please get in touch with Julie because this is something VetStaff can help you with.

Committed to DIY-ing your own recruitment?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Revive Your Drive - daily 2-minute videos for veterinary employers and employees to help revive their drives at work and at home.

Send us a text

In this interesting episode of Veterinary Voices, Julie South catches up again with Khristina Naden, Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing at Otago Polytech, where she demonstrates how a veterinary nursing qualification can evolve into ground-breaking research. 

As Kristina shares insights from her Masters research (hopefully to be upgraded to PhD research) into therapeutic horse riding, you're are treated to a super interesting blend of scientific methodology and practical experience that bridges the gap between animal care and human therapy.

In episodes 205 and 206 Kristina's shared her non-traditional entry into veterinary nursing.   Today she expands on that to share how it's possible to expand and morph traditional veterinary nursing.  

Kristina talks about conducting international research which showcases the expanding horizons available within the veterinary nursing profession. 

Her recent presentation at a conference in Budapest highlights how veterinary expertise can contribute to broader therapeutic applications, from improving physical mobility to enhancing speech and language development in patients.

She also chats about how she was invited to present her veterinary research at a medical (human) conference; where a brief case of Imposter Syndrome kicked in.

Key Takeaways:

1. Veterinary nursing qualifications can lead to diverse career paths, including academic research and specialised therapy programs
2. The horse-human connection is deeply nuanced, with horses serving as sensitive indicators of human mental states - a finding that has implications for both therapeutic and recreational riding

This episode is particularly valuable for veterinary professionals considering career advancement, those interested in animal-assisted therapy, and anyone fascinated by the scientific understanding of horse-human interactions. 

Contemplating your next career move?
Tania Bruce - VetStaff's passionate kiwi recruiter - would welcome the opportunity to have a 100% confidential chat with you. Tania's a former Ortho Head Vet Nurse so speaks your language!

How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, please get in touch with Julie because this is something VetStaff can help you with.

Committed to DIY-ing your own recruitment?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Revive Your Drive - daily 2-minute videos for veterinary employers and employees to help revive their drives at work and at home.

Send us a text

Unlock the secrets to finding your ideal veterinary clinic job by asking smart "Culture-based" questions at your job interview.

Today Julie South guides you through smart questioning techniques that reveal a clinic’s true culture and values.

Wondering how to ensure your future workplace aligns with your professional ethos? This episode of Veterinary Voices promises to equip you with the right questions to ask during job interviews, helping you uncover crucial insights about workplace culture, employee satisfaction, professional development support, and feedback processes. By integrating these tactics with thorough online research, including checking reviews on vetclinicjobs.com, you'll be well-prepared to make informed career decisions.

Moreover, hear why verified reviews are vital in your job search and how they can transform your understanding of potential employers.

Listeners are encouraged - regardless of whether they're seeking a new job or currently employed - to contribute to their clinic's community by leaving positive, anonymous reviews that can aid fellow veterinary professionals.

Today, you can discover how to leverage these 10 "culture" questions and their insights to leverage your career growth, ensuring each step you take is towards a workplace that truly resonates with your values and aspirations. 

Contemplating your next career move?
Tania Bruce - VetStaff's passionate kiwi recruiter - would welcome the opportunity to have a 100% confidential chat with you. Tania's a former Ortho Head Vet Nurse so speaks your language!

How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, please get in touch with Julie because this is something VetStaff can help you with.

Committed to DIY-ing your own recruitment?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Revive Your Drive - daily 2-minute videos for veterinary employers and employees to help revive their drives at work and at home.

Send us a text

In this episode of Veterinary Voices, host Julie South continues her in-depth conversation with Michelle Cameron, an executive member of the New Zealand Vet Nurse Association.

Their chat goes into innovative ways Veterinary Nurses can enhance their professional standing and increase their earning potential within the evolving landscape of veterinary practice.

The episode offers a wealth of practical strategies for Vet Nurses to demonstrate their value and for clinics to optimise their billing practices. From implementing nurse-led services to improving coding and tracking of nurse-provided care, the conversation covers a range of topics that can benefit both staff satisfaction and the practice's financial health.

Three key takeaways from this episode:

1. Veterinary nurses have the potential to significantly increase their hourly rates by proactively identifying and implementing fee-earning opportunities within their clinics. Julie and Michelle explore how nurses can take initiative in areas such as patient care, specialised consultations, and procedural assistance to justify higher remuneration / hourly rates.

2. Implementing nurse-led services, such as dental checks, senior pet consultations, and vaccinations, can free up veterinarians' time while generating additional revenue for the practice. Michelle provides specific examples of how these services can be structured and billed.

3. Proper coding and tracking of nurse-provided services is crucial for accurate billing and demonstrating the financial impact of Veterinary Nurses. The conversation highlights the importance of having comprehensive and easy-to-use systems in place to capture all billable activities.

For vet nurses seeking career advancement, this episode offers concrete steps to increase their value within the practice. At the same time, Practice Managers and owners will gain insights into optimising operations and improving profitability while enhancing staff satisfaction. Veterinarians will learn about ways to delegate tasks effectively, allowing them to focus on more complex cases.

VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Contemplating your next career move?
Tania Bruce - VetStaff's passionate kiwi recruiter - would welcome the opportunity to have a 100% confidential chat with you. Tania's a former Ortho Head Vet Nurse so speaks your language!

How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, please get in touch with Julie because this is something VetStaff can help you with.

Committed to DIY-ing your own recruitment?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Revive Your Drive - daily 2-minute videos for veterinary employers and employees to help revive their drives at work and at home.

Send us a text

Discover how to maximise the value of your clinic's Veterinary Nurses and boost your clinic's revenue in this ideas-packed episode of Veterinary Voices.

Julie South catches up with Michelle Cameron, a New Zealand Registered Veterinary Nurse with extensive experience in emergency and critical care (ECC), and an Executive Member of the New Zealand Vet Nurse Association (NZVNA).  

Michelle shares valuable insights on leveraging the skills of veterinary nursing professionals.

Key topics covered:

1. Implementing nurse fees: Discover about charging for services such as overnight patient care and surgical preparation, which are often provided by nurses but not billed separately.
2. Overcoming resistance: Understand the challenges of introducing new billing practices and how to address concerns from both staff and management.
3. Improving clinic culture and profitability: Explore how recognising and valuing nurses' professional skills can positively impact both team morale and the clinic's bottom line.
4. Practical examples: Gain specific ideas for billable nursing services, including hospitalisation fees, surgical prep, and nurse-led consultations.

This episode offers valuable insights for Veterinary Nurses looking to increase their professional value, Practice Managers seeking to optimise clinic operations, and Veterinarians interested in maximising team efficiency. 

This episode can seriously be revolutionary in regards to how you approach veterinary nursing and clinic billing practices!

Contemplating your next career move?
Tania Bruce - VetStaff's passionate kiwi recruiter - would welcome the opportunity to have a 100% confidential chat with you. Tania's a former Ortho Head Vet Nurse so speaks your language!

How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, please get in touch with Julie because this is something VetStaff can help you with.

Committed to DIY-ing your own recruitment?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Revive Your Drive - daily 2-minute videos for veterinary employers and employees to help revive their drives at work and at home.

Send us a text

Welcome to Episode 206 of Veterinary Voices, hosted by Julie South. With listeners in 1,400 cities worldwide, Veterinary Voices is your trusted source for insights into New Zealand's dynamic veterinary industry.  This episode is proudly sponsored by VetStaff, New Zealand's leading recruitment agency dedicated to connecting veterinary professionals with exciting career opportunities in Kiwi vet clinics. 

Today, Julie South continues her informative chat with Kristina Naden, a senior lecturer in veterinary nursing at Otago Polytechnic. This is the second part of their discussion on New Zealand's new Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, set to welcome its first cohort in February 2025. If you missed the first part, be sure to check out Episode 205 for the full context.

In this episode Kristina chats with Julie about:

• what's the most exciting part about the new Dip VN you're looking forward to? (at 05:30)
• how does the 750 practicum hour requirement work? what's changed? (06:06)
• how does NZ Dip.VN compare to the RCVS VN qualification? (08:47)
• has the new Dip. VN impacted / affected the BVN? (13:00)
• what's the future of post graduate qualifications for veterinary nurses in NZ? (13:52)

Join Julie and Kristina as they delve into the exciting developments in veterinary nursing education in New Zealand and explore the evolving landscape of this very rewarding profession. 

Whether you're a current veterinary professional or considering a career in veterinary nursing, this episode offers valuable perspectives and inspiration.

Stay tuned for next week's episode, where Julie will be joined by Michelle Cameron, an executive member of the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA). Michelle will discuss the critical role veterinary nurses play in the financial success of veterinary clinics. Don't miss it!

Contemplating your next career move?
Tania Bruce - VetStaff's passionate kiwi recruiter - would welcome the opportunity to have a 100% confidential chat with you. Tania's a former Ortho Head Vet Nurse so speaks your language!

How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, please get in touch with Julie because this is something VetStaff can help you with.

Committed to DIY-ing your own recruitment?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Revive Your Drive - daily 2-minute videos for veterinary employers and employees to help revive their drives at work and at home.

Send us a text

Ever wondered how the New Zealand veterinary nursing curriculum is evolving to better prepare future professionals? 

Kristina Naden, RVN, BVN, NZCATT, MRurSci student - Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing at Otago Polytechnic - gives an exclusive preview of the upcoming Diploma in Veterinary Nursing launching in New Zealand in February 2025. 

Kristina chats about how this new qualification is a game-changing revamp for New Zealand veterinary nursing professionals.   

Get ready to explore Kristina's passion for continuous learning and her in-depth research on the health and disease status of dogs in Tonga, along with her commitment to advancing veterinary education

Kristina shines a light on the (very!) significant updates to the Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, supported by a strong community of practice under Te Pūkenga.

In this episode Kristina chats with Julie about:

• veterinary nursing as a second career for her (at 03:39);
• why she chose veterinary nursing vs veterinarian studies (05:51);
• what her transition from clinical practice into teaching was like (10:11);
• some of the changes she's seen in the veterinary nursing curriculum in her time (13:24);
• what the new Dip VN looks like and how it will integrate into NZs veterinary clinics (18:07).

Part 2 - episode 206

VetStaff
leading veterinary sector recruitment in New Zealand | veterinarians | locums | nurses

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Contemplating your next career move?
Tania Bruce - VetStaff's passionate kiwi recruiter - would welcome the opportunity to have a 100% confidential chat with you. Tania's a former Ortho Head Vet Nurse so speaks your language!

How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, please get in touch with Julie because this is something VetStaff can help you with.

Committed to DIY-ing your own recruitment?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Revive Your Drive - daily 2-minute videos for veterinary employers and employees to help revive their drives at work and at home.

Send us a text

In this episode of Veterinary Voices, host Julie South continues her informative conversation with Catherine Neazor Brady, a very experienced New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser.

[listen to the first episode - 203 - here]

Julie and Catherine discuss the complexities of hiring overseas veterinary professionals and the importance of using licensed immigration consultants. This episode is a must-listen for HR and Practice Managers in New Zealand's veterinary industry who are considering recruiting from abroad.

Three Reasons to Listen:

1. Expert Guidance on Immigration Processes: Gain valuable insights from Catherine Neazor Brady, who has over 20 years of experience in immigration and HR. Hear about the common pitfalls and legal requirements that employers often overlook when handling NZ immigration paperwork themselves.
2. Understanding Recent Law Changes: Stay informed about the latest changes in New Zealand's immigration laws and how they impact the recruitment of overseas veterinary professionals.  Catherine explains the intricacies of job tokens, accreditation, and job checks, providing clarity on these essential processes.
3. Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Discover the potential risks and financial implications of DIY immigration applications. Catherine shares real-life examples of how employers can inadvertently jeopardise their recruitment efforts and offers practical advice on how to avoid these mistakes by engaging professional immigration consultants.

Contact Catherine Neazor Brady
Linkedin
Neazor Brady Immigration Consultants

Contemplating your next career move?
Tania Bruce - VetStaff's passionate kiwi recruiter - would welcome the opportunity to have a 100% confidential chat with you. Tania's a former Ortho Head Vet Nurse so speaks your language!

How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, please get in touch with Julie because this is something VetStaff can help you with.

Committed to DIY-ing your own recruitment?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Revive Your Drive - daily 2-minute videos for veterinary employers and employees to help revive their drives at work and at home.

Send us a text

Catherine Neazor Brady - New Zealand licensed immigration advisor with over 20 years of experience in both recruitment and immigration - chats with host, Julie South of VetStaff.

Catherine and Julie discuss the intricacies of immigration for veterinary professionals looking to work in New Zealand.

Key topics covered in the episode include:

1. Recent changes in New Zealand's immigration landscape, particularly the fee increases set to take effect on October 1st. Catherine explains these changes, their rationale, and compares them to similar fees in other countries like Australia.
2. The distinctions between temporary and permanent visas, detailing the requirements and processes for each. Catherine elaborates on the "green list" for high-demand occupations, which includes veterinarians, and how this impacts the visa application process.
3. Employer obligations when hiring overseas veterinary professionals, including costs, responsibilities, registration fees, and job check requirements. This information is valuable for both clinics looking to hire international talent and for veterinary professionals seeking to understand their potential employers' perspectives.
4. Recognition of overseas qualifications, particularly for veterinary nurses. Catherine explains the assessment process conducted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and discusses how work experience can sometimes substitute for formal qualifications in certain visa applications.
5. The importance of working with licensed immigration consultants, highlighting the complexities of the process and the potential pitfalls of attempting to navigate it alone.

Throughout the episode, Catherine's unique combination of recruitment and immigration expertise provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the entire process, from initial job search to successful visa acquisition.

This informative discussion offers valuable insights for both potential immigrants and employers, providing a solid foundation of knowledge about the current veterinary immigration landscape in New Zealand.

Contact Catherine Neazor Brady:
Neazor Brady Immigration Consultants
Catherine at Linkedin

Contemplating your next career move?
Tania Bruce - VetStaff's passionate kiwi recruiter - would welcome the opportunity to have a 100% confidential chat with you. Tania's a former Ortho Head Vet Nurse so speaks your language!

How to get more bang for your recruitment advertising buck
This is what VetStaff is really good at so if you'd like to stretch your recruitment dollar, please get in touch with Julie because this is something VetStaff can help you with.

Committed to DIY-ing your own recruitment?
If so, then shining online as a good employer is essential to attracting the types of veterinary professionals who're a perfect cultural fit for your clinic.

The VetClinicJobs job board is the place to post your next job vacancy - to find out more get in touch with Lizzie at VetClinicJobs

Revive Your Drive - daily 2-minute videos for veterinary employers and employees to help revive their drives at work and at home.