Workplace
I work at the Dr Nonie Coutts Veterinary Surgery, which first opened in 1979. It began as one veterinary surgeon who did house visits. Since then, it has expanded to include a clinic and a hospital, which deals with major surgery, hospitalisation and emergencies. Both branches see a wide range of animals, including goats, orangutans, cheetahs and snakes, as well as all the more usual companion animals.
It is the only practice in Bahrain performing major surgery and treating complicated cases, although these are occasionally limited owing to lack of specialist expertise and/or equipment. The main branch is just outside the capital, Manama, and consists of two converted houses that have been modernised inside. It also has grooming and boarding facilities.
There are four veterinary surgeons, one qualified UK veterinary nurse, two qualified US veterinary technicians, three receptionists, a practice manager, three kennel assistants, two groomers and three patient-care assistants. Each vet has their own speciality – one is very experienced with orthopaedic cases, another with exotic animals and the other with horses (Figure 1).
Figure 1: The Dr Nonie Coutts Veterinary Surgery team
General population and lifestyle
Bahrain’s population is 1,261,835 (2010). It is an island known for ‘people coming and going’, as many expatriates are based here for one to two years. It has a very relaxed lifestyle – the weather all year round is sunny and hot with very few days of cooler temperatures or rain. As the country has no taxation, many salaries are higher than in other countries.
As witnessed in the news recently, Bahrain has had its political troubles. From a personal view, this has had a very minimal effect on the expatriate people and lifestyle in Bahrain.
Language, culture and religion
Bahrain’s main language is Arabic, but the majority of Bahrainis speak or understand English. The main religion is Islam. I have not come across any restrictions for employment because of religion, gender or marital status.
Advantages and disadvantages
The climate, lifestyle and financial situation are great advantages. Although it is a remote island, it is very easy to fly from here to other areas of the Middle East.
Disadvantages include the extreme heat in the summer months – reaching temperatures of 48°C between June and August. Another disadvantage is that people come and go because of their contracts and jobs, so it can be difficult making and keeping up friendships.
Formal qualifications and nursing regulation
Unfortunately, Bahrain does not have any colleges or universities offering qualifications for animal-based jobs; neither is there any veterinary nursing regulation or representative organisation.
Typical salary, benefits and working hours
The typical salary depends on the individual’s qualifications. There may be benefits, such as health insurance, housing, car allowances, CPD and flights back to your home country, included in a package. There is no tax.
Daily duties and responsibilities
Each day I am placed on a different shift. There are four shifts, each with different responsibilities.
Hospital shift includes working with hospitalised patients and conducting nurse clinics.
Surgery shift covers all surgical procedures, including admitting and discharging patients.
Consultation shift includes assisting the veterinary surgeon during consultations.
Floating shift includes nurse clinics and assisting the second veterinary surgeon. The nurses have to undertake reception duties during busy periods.
Differences in working practice
As the majority of clients’ first language is not English, communicating with the owner and the understanding of animal treatment and welfare can be difficult. Otherwise, I have a seen many diseases and animals I would not have seen in the UK (Figure 2).
Figure 2: I never cease to be surprised at what turns up
As the majority of equipment, drugs and consumables are not manufactured in Bahrain, they must be imported from other countries. There is no pet insurance available here.
Other roles fulfilled by veterinary nurses
There are a limited number of veterinary employers, although within my current job role I have had the opportunity to teach people, who have completed an animal-based course online, to perform practical nursing techniques under supervision.
Current ‘hot topics’
Bahrain’s hot veterinary topics are parvovirus and Ehrlichia, which have become endemic. Another issue is the increase in the number of stray animals. Veterinary nurses can support the BSPCA (Bahrain’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) programme.
Opportunities to network with other veterinary professionals
The practice is registered with the Veterinary Information Network (www.vin.com) which provides vast amounts of information for all veterinary staff to access. There are also many opportunities to attend annual gatherings overseas, such as the BVNA Congress; and there are seminars held in Dubai by Royal Canin.
Experience and impression of UK veterinary nurses
UK-qualified nurses are viewed highly and the qualification is respected. Being the only UK-qualified veterinary nurse currently in Bahrain means I have been able to introduce new ideas and nursing techniques, and have helped to improve standards.
Advice for UK qualified veterinary nurses considering work in Bahrain
You will need to find employment before travelling to Bahrain, and the employer then pr
ovides a working visa. Opportunities may be available at Dr Nonie Coutts Veterinary Surgery, so interested parties should send a CV along with a covering letter to nonie@noniecoutts.com
Author
Stephanie M J Nunn
Stephanie was born in Kuwait – where the family had moved because of her father's work – and she lived in Bahrain from the ages of 7 to 18. She lived in the UK for only three years, from 2008 to 2011, and now lives in Bahrain with two cats – a Sphynx and a Dilmun (Bahrain's domestic short hair). She has been employed at her current practice for one year, having previously done work placements in Bahrain prior to completing her Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing from the Royal Veterinary College, London.
To cite this article use either
DOI: 10.1111/j.2045-0648.2012.00228.x or Veterinary Nursing Journal Vol 27 pp 391-392
• VOL 27 • November 2012 • Veterinary Nursing Journal