Tales Of A Vet Nurse

by Jade Pengelly

The highs and heartbreak of caring for the animals we love

You never know who or what is going to walk, crawl or slither through the doors of veterinary hospital... Clumsy Luna the Greyhound and her fragile front legs; the tortoise in need of a prosthetic leg; Jock the Saint Bernard and his problematic eyelashes; Edward the Burmese cat and his extravagant diet; the burly farmer and the world's tiniest Chihuahua, Lulu-bell... there is never a dull day in the life of a vet nurse. As the people who care for them around the clock, vet nurses are uniquely placed to speak for their patients and help us understand what our pets are going through. From emergency shifts at a posh London practice to a busy country hospital treating all manner of wildlife - snakes, foxes, hedgehogs - to working with equine-surgeons and teaching the art of care to new generations of vet nurses in New Zealand, Tales of a Vet Nurse is about a life devoted to saving our beloved and unconditional friends. Along the way, Jade enlightens readers to the forbidden feasts of Labradors, the dangers of x-raying prize-winning showjumpers, and the most common pets she sees as hospital inpatients.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Krystelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting insight into the world of vet nursing, this book made for a lovely afternoon read. While there were some sad stories, there were some lighter aspects (like the orange story!).

I did think the book could have gone into some other areas- a few more chapters like the brachy one would have been good to read and see. Any awareness of the issues that animals can have is good awareness.

All in all, you do have to admire what the veterinary profession do for us all and our furry friends.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't always go for non-fiction genre but this involve fur babies so why not give it a go.

Fun anecdotes about animals that shed light on the dedication and compassion of veterinary nurses. Though there were also a fair number of humorous tales, some of the stories are naturally depressing (not all animals can be saved) and involve euthanasia.

This book is a terrific way to learn about the care and compassion veterinarian nurses do for our beloved pets while also enjoying some uplifting and heartbreaking stories. It's a beautifully written, easy read about animals.

Thank you Times Reads for sending me a copy in exchange for honest review.

[Emily Rainsford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this little gem while shelf checking in the Animal section of our non-fiction collection at work.

I'm telling you, next time you're at the library, try checking out the hidden corners of the non-fic shelves. You'd be surprised at the cool stuff you can find!

This one one actually only published last year and is all about the author's experiences as a vet nurse. She has worked in multiple clinics in New Zealand and the UK and has lots of stories to tell.

I think this is one of those jobs that really has to be a vocation. This book gave a wonderful behind-the-scenes insight into the realities of vet nursing. It's an incredibly varied role - interesting but also intense - and frankly a lot more thankless than it should be. Vet nurses need a huge breadth of specialised knowledge across many species, often deal with difficult situations and long hours, and get paid a pittance.

The tales in this book cover the full realities of the role, which can be bittersweet. There are the fun, cute, and heartwarming stories, but also a lot of heartbreak. As the author says "the highs are high, and the lows are so low." It might be sadder than the cute and cheery cover would have you expect, but that's the reality of it.

I really enjoyed this read, it was a really interesting insight into the realities of being a vet nurse.

[Courtney Syme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fascinating read, I laughed, I cried and I occasionally found myself gobsmacked. What a fascinating life the author has lived.

For me I picked this up cos I was purely interested having seen a brief view into the industry from the nursing perspective. Highly recommend this book, I'm not the kind of person who usually picks up non-fiction books so for me this was a pleasant change from my usual reads.

[What Deb Read Next · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a big change from my usual genre but I was delighted to receive a copy to read and review from Jade @talesofavetnurse

A delightful collection of animal stories with a insight into the passion and caring profession of a vet nurse. Some of the stories are understandably sad (not all animals can be saved) and euthanasia is discussed but there was a good few chuckles in there as well. I particularly liked one of the stories concerning a very embarrassed male dog owner, whose dog owner had eaten something he shouldn’t.

A great collection of heartwarming stories as well as some sad - a lovely easy read if you want to enjoy some nonfiction about animals as well as learning about the care and compassion vet nurses show our much loved pets.

Thank you to @talesofavetnurse for sending me a copy to read 💕 your job is truely remarkable

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Tales of a Vet Nurse quite a sad read. I have always had pets so could relate to many of the stories from the owners side. It was interesting to hear the opinion from the veterinary side, especially during the time of COVID, a difficult time for owners when they couldn't accompany their pets in the consultation room.

I particularly found the section about pet euthanasia upsetting as I have never witnessed this in person and it made me feel like a bad pet owner for not being present.

Having read several books along the line of 'Confessions of a .....' I was maybe expecting this to be a bit more light hearted than it turned out to be.

[Alice Finch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful collection of stories about life as a vet nurse 💕. It resonates strongly with my own experiences with animals, and I would highly recommended it for all animal lovers.

It also contains incredibly important messages about understanding the commitment you are making when you bring a pet into your life. If you’re thinking about getting a pet it’s a must read.

[Mary Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy and entertaining read for animals lovers about a Kiwi vet nurse who worked in veterinary clinics and practices in both her home country and in the UK. It was an interesting insight about the duties of a vet nurse and it was far more scientific than I realised.
This book has a well balanced selection of the mundane, interspersed with amusing and sad and sometimes gross anecdotes in her career. The difficulties during the Covid shutdowns was an eye opener. As it is with a nurse for humans, she sometimes carried some animals closer to her heart than others and delighted when they became well.
There is a timely and interesting chapter about breeding popular types of pets who end up with physical ailments due to having flat noses. Trends amongst pets has its consequences in the welfare of the animal itself and greedy breeders don't care. There was also a chapter on euthanasia and how some owners extend their pets suffering as they were unable to let go.
Essential reading for those looking to walk down this career path.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tales of a Vet Nurse is exactly as it sounds. Stories and behind the scenes of what happens within the Veterinary world. I love animals, and always felt that the veterinary path is for me... but after reading this book and how difficult it was for me to read through some of the more hard and upsetting cases, I know I do not have the amount of emotional control required for this job.

There are so many unexpected situations, and the vet nurses get up close and personal with their animal patients from missing limb tortoises, blind foxes, diabetic cats, hedgehogs and obviously lots of dogs! As I mentioned, it was a tough read for me though. I had to spread this out over a month as I just got too emotional especially for the stories where they couldn't save the animals. Despite that It was absolutely fascinating to read. I loved the clear language and the insights of what vet nurses go through.

Thanks to @harpercollinsnz for this gifted copy.

[Helena Scutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar vibes to this is going to hurt but vet nurse edition.
I loved the format and the way Jade wrote, it was informative and I feel like I gained a real insight to the work of a vet nurse. She used generally positive examples but she was realistic in showing that no matter how much they want to save an animal, unfortunately not everyone makes it through difficult situations.
Some of the stories really stuck with me and you really felt the love for the animals in the stories. Really nicely written.

[Susan Wilford · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute treasure of a book. I read this in 2 days and just didn't want to put it down and was so disappointed when I got to the last page. Reading about all the animals that the writer, Jade has cared for. The heartbreaks, the happiness & smiles and above all the love. This gave me an excellent insight into what it is like to be a vet nurse and this also made me appreciate my own dog and how she talks to us. Loved, loved, loved this book. Give us some more tales Jade.

[Samantha A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wonderfully captures what it is like to be a vet nurse. The high, highs and low, lows of the profession. And gives insight into the things and challenges us vets and vet nurses are faced with on the daily. I will be taking the advise from this book and implementing it, to be the best nurse I can be for my patients. Highly recommend reading this as it is a wonderful and moving read for vet nurses, animal lovers and pet owners alike.

[Courteney Sinclair Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me this was a must read as a member of the veterinary profession. Many aspects resonated with me and I must admit many emotions were also evoked, maybe a tear shed at a certain point also!

Jade’s tales were interesting and well written and left me with the feeling of passion and joy for my career and all the lives cared for, saved and lost along the way.

Would recommend to anyone - a well thought out view into our roles as veterinary nurses that is often misunderstood 💕

[Lesley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read , loved the stories when Jade was working in the UK , what a wonderful career she has had , working with animals. A wonderful book to pick up at a spare moment to read about the challenges and worthwhile work a vet nurse does. Well written it is an easy read and will be enjoyed by anyone who loves animals

[Rachel Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

perfect balance of silly and serious, with insight into the industry. touches on important and more sad issues that vet nurses deal with, but does so with grace. overall found this quite relatable & as someone who’s training in the industry it’s nice to see somebody write from that perspective to a wider audience !!

[Lily Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started this, then got bored and stopped it, then started it again so I could pass it on to someone else. More informative chapters would have been helpful and maybe even stories from other vet nurses. It could have been a much shorter book.

[Em ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this book over 5x, I'm obsessed with the nursing stories (me myself currently a student in her last year of veterinary nursing), it's honestly so inspiring. I was lucky enough to meet the author and have my book signed :)

[Georgia Sanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me experiencing every emotion, from belly laughs to tears. Jade expertly tells the tales of her journey as a vet nurse, whilst touching on some tough industry wide topics. Have read multiple times and will read again - buy it, read it, it’s worth it. Thanks Jade!

[Becks · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got brought this as a gift as I am in the industry. I feel like it’s needs to be read before you start in the industry. It’s interesting just a bit bland in areas but it’s my everyday life as people who are starting out or like animals would love it. So my view is being in this industry.

[Rosie Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of stories a really good insight into vet nursing both in NZ and the UK, good stuff!

[Mak Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly such a sweet book, a really good insight into the industry also!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Very interesting insights into the life of a vet nurse with a good balance between funny and sad tales. Highly recommend!

[Cecilia Van Der Merwe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I laughed out loud at some stories and shed some tears at other stories. Delightfully easy read about the work of a vet nurse at various veterinary practices.

[Em's Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, funny and a mostly lighthearted read. Very much enjoyed this.

[Abby Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

Tales of a Vet Nurse
Jade Pengally
Memoir

Jade takes you through life as a vet nurse and that's it's not just cuddling cute kittens as puppies as that can be some people's perception of the job.
I really enjoyed her stories and found them totally relatable as having worked in the industry myself.
I give this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

(Just heads up there are some stories involving pet euthanasia incase that might be upsetting to read).

#harpercollinsnz #talesofavetnurse

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and listened to it as soon as it became an audiobook! Some really great stories in there with highs and lows.

The only reason for not giving 5* would be that more awareness of different conditions that effect different breeds and also more detail on the work that vet nurses do.