We're hearing there's a shortage of skilled veterinary nurses across Lincolnshire

Rase Veterinary Nursing College in Market Rasen is aiming to train and produce skilled veterinary nurses to tackle the shortage of nurses across Lincolnshire. 

A Veterinary College in Lincolnshire is aiming to train and produce skilled veterinary nurses to overcome a shortage of nurses in the area. 

Rase Veterinary Nursing College opened its doors on the 6th of September, and with its first intake of 14 students, the new facility is proving fitting. 

Located in Market Rasen the College has used the space of the old Natwest bank and converted it into a modern nursing college facility.

The Principle, says its to tackle a skill shortage of veterinary nurses in the county:

"The plan really was, when we set out, was to work out how to go about training veterinary nurses because there is a huge skill shortage in that field and also you know locally there are problems with recruiting and retaining veterinary staff, so that was the the aim. We've had to get accredited with an exam board. 

The veterinary nurses have one day a week at the college and then they work in their respective practices for the other four days, and at the end of two years they come away with a diploma in veterinary nursing, which is recognised by the Royal College so they can go on and get a job anywhere."

Doctor Norrie Graham continues to say that the course has been written and will be taught by those most knowledgeable on the subject. She also added that in the future she'd like to see the college grow:

"The long term plan would be to diversify as much as we can and just do as much for the local area as we can, and I guess the ultimate aim would be 5 days Monday to Friday, just teaching people relevant things. That's the long term aim."

The veterinary industry is somewhat struggling at the moment, says Norrie, with Brexit impacting the accessibility to nurses as many are foreign. But it's also been having a large impact on the drugs available to vets and nurses, such as horse vaccines. Finally Norrie said that even in the pandemic the workload on a young veterinary nurse increased with many families and people across the country getting pets. 

It's hoped this new college will not only educate a new young, youthful workforce but also bring footfall and the economy in Market Rasen positive outcomes.

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